Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 31, 2026

Latticework

Latticework is an openwork framework consisting of a criss-crossed pattern of strips of building material, typically wood or metal. The design is created by crossing the strips to form a grid or weave. Latticework may be functional – for example, to allow airflow to or through an area; structural, as a truss in a lattice girder; used to add privacy, as through a lattice screen; purely decorative; or some combination of these.

Last revised
May 31, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
332 w
Citations
3
Source
Mashrabiya screen on display at the British Museum source ↗

Latticework is an openwork framework consisting of a criss-crossed pattern of strips of building material, typically wood or metal. The design is created by crossing the strips to form a grid or weave.1 Latticework may be functional – for example, to allow airflow to or through an area; structural, as a truss in a lattice girder;2 used to add privacy, as through a lattice screen; purely decorative; or some combination of these.

Latticework in stone or wood from the classical period is also called Roman lattice or transenna (plural transenne).

In India, the house of a rich or noble person may be built with a baramdah or verandah surrounding every level leading to the living area. The upper floors often have balconies overlooking the street that are shielded by latticed screens carved in stone called jalis which keep the area cool and give privacy.3

Examples

See also

See also

Notes

Notes

  1. Ching, Francis D.K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. p. 27. ISBN 0-471-28451-3.
  2. "Latticework". Retrieved 2007-02-27.
  3. Thapar, Binda (2004). Introduction to Asian Architecture. Singapore: Periplus Editions. pp. 16–17. ISBN 0-7946-0011-5.
External links