dorpel

Dorpel is a horizontal structural element in masonry and timber construction that spans an opening in a wall, such as a door or window. In Dutch architectural terminology, dorpel corresponds to the lintel in English. Its primary role is to transfer the weight of the wall, roof, or upper stories above the opening to the surrounding wall below and to the sides, preventing the opening from sagging or cracking. The term is generally not used for the bottom element of a doorway; that component is typically called a drempel or threshold.

Materials and forms: Dorpels can be made of stone, brick, concrete, wood, or steel. Stone and brick lintels are common in traditional buildings, often quarried as a single block or formed from precast units. In modern construction, reinforced concrete or steel lintels are used to span larger openings and to accommodate loads more efficiently. Some lintels are concealed within the wall, while others are visible as part of the architectural language of the façade.

History and usage: Lintels have been used since ancient times, with stone or timber beams supporting openings in both domestic and public buildings. In historic architecture, decorative lintels—carved stone, brick voussoirs, or wooden beams—also contribute to the building's aesthetic. When repairing or modifying openings, lintels must be assessed for load capacity, bearing, and potential movement to ensure structural integrity.

See also: Lintel; door threshold; architrave.