ingemetseld

Ingemetseld is a Dutch architectural term used to describe elements that are embedded in masonry or set flush within a wall rather than mounted on the surface. It refers to components that are installed during construction and become part of the structural fabric, typically by being encompassed or enclosed by the brickwork or stonework.

The word is formed from in- (into) and gemetseld, the past participle of metselen, meaning to lay bricks or masonry. As such, ingemetseld items are contrasted with surface-mounted or post-installed components. The term is common in Dutch architectural and construction contexts and conveys a sense of integration with the masonry as opposed to attachment to the exterior or interior face.

Common applications include pipes, electrical conduits, ventilation ducts, or fixtures that are concealed within a wall or partially enclosed by masonry. The main advantages of ingemetselde installations are a clean exterior appearance, reduced risk of damage to protruding elements, and, in some cases, improved thermal or acoustic performance. Drawbacks can include higher construction costs, limited access for maintenance or repair, and greater difficulty in modifications after the masonry has cured.

In English-language discussions, ingemetseld is usually translated as “embedded in masonry” or “built into the wall.” The term remains primarily used in Dutch technical writing and in contexts dealing with traditional or custom masonry practices.