Window Hood on 1336 North Delaware Street
Hood. You might see hoods every day, but not realize the feature has a specific name and purpose. A hood is the piece found above window openings, typically of an ornate design, and only covers the top third of the opening. Hoods are commonly placed above arched or curved openings and can be included on both windows and doors. I frequently see hoods of stone in Indianapolis, this derives from its use as a drip-stone to project rainwater away from the opening. The decoration of the hood can range from simple to elaborate, while most hoods just cover the upper third of the opening, others can wrap around the entire window or door. Although the concept of the drip-stone can be seen in earlier architecture, the hood as a feature came into frequent use in the Italianate style.
The Old Northside house at 1336 North Delaware Street features both elements of the Italianate and Second Empire. This structure features stone hoods over both its window and door openings. While the door openings are completely surrounded, the stone window hoods only cover the top fourth of the opening. Each window hood includes floral and scroll motifs carved into the stone.
Window Hoods on 719 Massachusetts Avenue
A commercial example of the hood is found on the storefront on 719 Massachusetts Avenue. The tall windows of the second story feature stone hoods that connect with a band of stone. Additionally, a keystone is placed at the apex of each hood. The hoods on this structure feature a simple design, but provide some charm on this lovely historic storefront.
Add it to your vocabulary – how might one use today’s Building Language term in their everyday life?
I can open my window, even if it is raining, because the window hood prevents water from getting inside.
