Blind arch
A blind arch is an arch that has been built within a wall and infilled, as opposed to traditional arches that are left open for use as passageways, windows, and so on. They can be built with solid infill as an intentional design aesthetic, or built as an open arch and infilled later. A blind arch can be used internally and externally, but is most commonly built into the external façade as a form of decoration, or in combination with functional archways which permit access or serve as windows.
Gothic and Romanesque Revival architecture commonly feature blind arches, most typically constructed from masonry or stone. They can also be found, in simulated form, in more modern light frame construction.
The term 'blind arcade' refers to a series of blind arches in a row.
The infill material is often the same as is used for the surrounding wall element. The thickness of the filled section can be the same or differ from that of the wall. A thinner infill can be used to provide the façade with depth and profile. A thicker infill may be found where the arch has been filled for security reasons, or to preserve a structure that is crumbling or otherwise defective.
Some blind arch designs include a rounded top positioned above a standard door or window-sized opening. Other designs, such as in Middle Eastern architecture, may be more ornate and elaborate, with pointed or peaked tops. In Islamic designs, a decorative element known as tracery often covers a blind arch. Tracery is formed by bands of material arranged over a blind arch to create intricate patterned designs.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.