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Luxe Prestige Chronicle

what is a clerestory

Author

William Harris

Updated on June 26, 2026

clerestory, in architecture, any fenestrated (windowed) wall of a room that is carried higher than the surrounding roofs to light the interior space. In a large building, where interior walls are far from the structure’s exterior walls, this method of lighting otherwise enclosed, windowless spaces became a necessity.

What is the purpose of clerestory?

Clerestory (pronounced “clear-story”) windows are large windows placed above eye level to illuminate an interior space with natural light. They’re typically placed in a row right below the roofline, but they can also sit above roof lines or overhangs to maximize the amount of light in a given space.

What is a clerestory in a house?

In architecture, a clerestory (/ˈklɪərstɔːri/ KLEER-stor-ee; lit. clear storey, also clearstory, clearstorey, or overstorey) is a high section of wall that contains windows above eye level. The purpose is to admit light, fresh air, or both.

What is the difference between a clerestory and a skylight?

is that clerestory is (architecture) the upper part of a wall containing windows to let in natural light to a building, especially in the nave, transept and choir of a church or cathedral while skylight is a window, dome, or opening in the roof or ceiling, to admit natural light.

What is the difference between clerestory and dormer?

is that clerestory is (architecture) the upper part of a wall containing windows to let in natural light to a building, especially in the nave, transept and choir of a church or cathedral while dormer is (architecture) a room-like, roofed projection from a sloping roof.

What are windows at the top of walls called?

A clerestory window is a large window or series of small windows along the top of a structure’s wall, usually at or near the roof line. Clerestory windows are a type of “fenestration” or glass window placement found in both residential and commercial construction. A clerestory wall often rises above adjoining roofs.

What’s the window above a door called?

Transom Window Over a Door | Transoms Direct.

What are windows near ceiling called?

Ceiling windows are known as skylight windows, roof windows, and rooflight. They all mean the same thing. However, there are some differences between each of them.

What is a clerestory medieval?

clerestory: An upper story of a building with windows above adjacent roofs. See also elevation. Other parts of interior elevations: arcade, gallery,triforium.

Should clerestory windows open?

By opening up clerestory windows on such nights, you allow the more bouyant warmer air to escape out the window. This makes a slight lower pressure inside. If you also then open ground level windows, the cooler night air is then drawn into the house to replace it.

How do you pronounce clerestory UK?

Break ‘clerestory’ down into sounds: [KLEER] + [STAW] + [REE] – say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.

What is a clerestory floor plan?

The Clerestory house plan was originally adapted from old church designs, which used the concept as source of subtle and indirect light. The roof incorporates two distinct pitch angles to accommodate a central lengthwise window which creates a discreet lighting effect.

What are small high windows called?

Small windows above larger windows or doors are called transom windows. In some older homes, the windows will be operational. These windows were used to help air flow through rooms in hot climates. Today, most transom windows are used to bring in additional light and to add to the visual height of a room.