869
Glossary
Modernism: A 20th-century social movement
that rejected the classical European constraints
of the orderly past and the industrialization
of the nation. It strove to bring back quality
of life through craftsmanship.
moisture barrier: A membrane that retards
the fl ow of moisture vapor and reduces
condensation.
mold: The common term for several types of
fungus that reproduce through spores. Mold
can grow almost anywhere moisture is present.
monolithic slab foundation: A thicker extension
of a slab fl oor that forms the support for the
structure. It is cast at the same time as the
fl oor and is not a separate unit.
mudroom: A room directly connected to the
service entry of a home that provides a place
to remove and store muddy or snowy boots,
overcoats, and other outdoor gear.
mudsill: A 2 × 6 plate that forms the base of a
box sill in platform framing.
mullions: Horizontal and vertical members
placed between window units; generally
larger than muntins.
multifamily housing: Housing that provides
a home for more than one family.
multiview drawing: A drawing that contains
enough views of an object or structure to
represent its true size and shape from all sides.
muntins: Small vertical and horizontal bars
that separate the total glass area of a window
into smaller units.
N
net zero energy building: A building that
produces as much energy per year as it
consumes, or one for which the net energy
cost for the year is $0.
newel: A main post that supports the handrail
of a stairway at the top, bottom, and points in
between where the stairs change directions.
nonrenewable energy source: An energy source
that will someday be used up and cannot be
reproduced.
nosing: The rounded projection of a stair tread
that extends past the face of the riser.
M
mail-order house: An inexpensive, mass-
produced house that could be ordered from
a mail-order catalog and was delivered
unassembled to purchasers as a do-it-
yourself kit.
main entry: The front entry of a home, designed
for use by guests and opening into the living
area of the home.
main stack: A soil stack in a residential water
and waste removal system into which one or
more toilets drain.
main stairs: The primary set of stairs from the
fi rst fl oor to the second fl oor or from a split
foyer to the fi rst fl oor.
mansard roof: A double-pitched hip roof
designed by Francois Mansart, a 17th-century
French Renaissance architect, that allows the
top level of a building to be used for additional
living space. The lower slope of the roof is
highly pitched and often has patterned shingles
and dormer windows.
masonry wall: A wall constructed entirely of
brick, concrete block, stone, clay tile, terra
cotta, or a combination of these materials.
master specifi cations: Complete sets of
specifi cations developed by reputable
organizations for use and adaptation by
individual architectural companies.
MasterSpec®: A set of master specifi cations
published by Architectural Computer Services
(ARCOM) for the American Institute of
Architects (AIA).
material symbol: A graphic symbol or hatch
pattern that represents building materials on
a drawing.
material takeoff: Another term for the fi nal
estimate of building costs.
mean sea level: A standardized elevation that
specifi es sea level as the average level between
high and low tides.
meridian arrow: A symbol on a plan or map
that shows the direction of north.
mirror line: The centerline about which a mirror
operation takes place.
model building code: A set of rules developed
by independent agencies that can be adopted
or incorporated into law by state and local
governments.