Encasts

Encasts refers to a type of historical architectural element, specifically a projecting molding or architectural feature that is set into a wall or structure. The term "encast" itself implies something being enclosed or embedded within another. In architecture, encasts are often decorative, serving to frame a window, door, or niche, or they can be structural, providing support or a transition between different building components.

These elements are typically made of stone, plaster, or wood and are carved or shaped to create specific designs. Common examples include architraves around doorways, cornices along the top of walls, or decorative panels that are recessed into a surface. The depth and projection of an encast can vary greatly depending on the architectural style and the intended function. They can be simple and geometric or elaborate and ornate, featuring reliefs of figures, foliage, or abstract patterns.

The term can also extend to other contexts where an object is embedded or set within another material, though its primary architectural usage is the most common. Understanding encasts involves recognizing how these elements contribute to the overall aesthetic and structural integrity of a building. Their careful integration into the surrounding material is key to their definition.