Crinkle crankle wall
|
This crinkle crankle wall and curved gateway leads to private gardens. Inside this entrance there is a curved gate to match the wall. |
Pevsner’s Architectural Glossary (second edition) was published by Yale University Press in 2018. It defines a crinkle crankle wall as: ‘A garden wall undulating in a series of serpentine curves, especially in Suffolk’. This type of serpentine wall is also referred to as crinkum crankum, sinusoidal, ribbon or wavy wall. The term crinkle crankle was used in the late 1500s to describe an object with bends; it became associated with wavy walls in England in the 1700s.
In addition to being found in gardens (where they were sometimes used for growing fruit), crinkle crankle walls may have defensive purposes or may demarcate property boundaries.
A form of construction incorporating alternating curves was used in Ancient Egypt. It was also used by Thomas Jefferson at the University of Virginia. The technique typically requires less material than a traditional, straight wall, as the walls do not use mass to achieve lateral stability.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.