mansarde
A mansarde, or mansard, refers to a roof design that has two slopes on each side. The upper slope is steep, often nearly vertical, while the lower slope is shallow. This double-pitched configuration creates a full upper floor with substantial headroom, making the space beneath suitable for living quarters. The term can also denote the top-floor dwelling itself, commonly called a garret.
Origin and name: The roof form is named after the 17th-century French architect François Mansart, though earlier
History and influence: The mansard roof became closely associated with 19th-century European urban architecture, especially in
Design details and variations: Each side of a mansard roof consists of two slopes meeting at a
Modern usage and considerations: Mansard roofs remain a practical solution for adding space in existing urban