crossbeamepoch
Crossbeamepoch is a term used in architectural history to denote a proposed historical period in timber-framed construction during which crossbeams became a dominant structural element. The label emphasizes a shift from simple post-and-beam schemes toward a more integrated grid in which horizontal crossmembers share load with vertical posts.
Origin and reception: The term is a scholarly coinage used to describe patterns of change in medieval
Core features include the frequent use of principal crossbeams at multiple story levels, diagonal bracing, and
Geographic and temporal scope: Most discussions place Crossbeamepoch roughly between the 9th and 12th centuries in
Impact and legacy: The concept has influenced how historians analyze timber-frame systems and restoration practices, even
See also: Timber framing; Post-and-beam construction; Joint (engineering); Diagonal bracing.