Illustrated Architecture Dictionary

Ashlar

Squared-off blocks of stone used in building

Permits very thin mortar joints

Ashlar brick (rock-faced brick): A brick whose face has been hacked to resemble roughly hacked stone

Ashlar masonry: Smooth square or rectangular stones laid with mortar in horizontal courses

Coursed ashlar: Ashlar masonry built of stones having the same height within each course, but each course varying in height

Random ashlar: Ashlar masonry where stones appear to be laid without a drawn pattern, although the pattern may be repeated

Found in almost all western styles of architecture


Examples from Buffalo architecture:

• Illustration above: Buffalo Gas Light Company
  
  
• St. Frances de Sales RC Church
  
  
• Albright-Knox Art Gallery
  
  
• St. Gerard's RC Church
  

Other examples:

• Albany, NY, City Hall
  
  
• Ashler masonry - Cluny Museum, Paris, France
  
  
• Post Office, North Easton, MA
  

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