Spandrel - (Architecture): Definition






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spandrel - space between an arched opening and the rectangle formed by the outer moldings above and to one side - often filled with painted decoration ...

This is what they are usually called in English. "Aberturas antepechadas" refers to a type of balcony which does not project from the wall, or only very slightly (up to 20 cm, according to this text), and which consists of an opening from an upper room with French windows and a parapet, rail or railing to stop you falling.

As Gilla remarks, this type of balcony does not necessarily have a parapet, though it can. A parapet is a low wall:

"a low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony."
http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/parapet?region=us&q...

But the "antepecho" in this type of balcony, the type that is flush with the façade, or nearly, is more often a "barandilla" made of metal, which would not be called a parapet in English. On the other hand, an "antepecho" is not necessarily a rail.

This text apparently comes from the "Plano Especial del Casco Histórico de Toledo", in article 2.4, section 7, which refers to "balcones", "miradores" and "aberturas antepechadas". The point being made here is that they should be essentially vertical: the height greater than the width.
http://www.ayto-toledo.org/urbanismo/pecht/ordenanza.pdf

This is the case with Juliet balconies, which are extremely common in many Spanish cities.

"The traditional Maltese balcony is a wooden closed balcony projecting from a wall.
By contrast, a 'Juliet balcony' does not protrude out of the building. It is usually part of an upper floor, with a balustrade only at the front, like a small Loggia. Modern Juliet balconies often involve a metal barrier placed in front of a high window which can be opened."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balcony

Juliet balconies:
http://www.google.es/search?hl=es&q="Juliet balcony"&gs_sm=3...

"The upper level has three double bedrooms, one with an en suite shower room and French doors to a tiled terrace. The other two have French doors with Juliet balconies."
http://www.resale-centre.com/blog/property-for-sale/for-sale...

"Juliet balconies surround French or double doors and allow them to be opened inwards for increased light and ventilation, while preventing the occupants from falling out. Effectively acting as a restraint, they are not regarded as true balconies because they have no platform to stand on. However, Juliet balconies remain as popular now as they were several centuries ago and are a very effective way of adding an outdoor feel to an indoor space."
http://www.balconette.co.uk/articles/History_of_Balconies.as...

"Since living in Valencia, Spain the buildings have become part of my daily narrative. The original architecture with Juliet balconies, wooden shutters and intricate plasterwork fight with the newer contemporary buildings."
http://marionwessonstudio.wordpress.com/2011/10/30/new-studi...
See accompanying picture here. These are classic Spanish Juliet balconies.

window openings with cut-limestone sills - http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record...
Rembrandt van Rijn "Young girl, leaning on a window parapet"-http://www.art-prints-on-demand.com/a/rembrandt/young-girl-l...

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Note added at 3 dias9 horas (2012-02-23 13:17:50 GMT) Post-grading
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