Architectural Tutorial: Battered Walls

No, this is not the look you get when you take out your frustrations on the walls of your home. Battered is an architectural term for a wall with a receding slope from the ground upwards, narrowing at the top. The same term can be used to describe chimneys and columns that have bases wider than the top. This design term dates all the way back to ancient times, when battered walls were used to deter invaders from breaking down walls. The receding slope added a level of stability against attacks of weapons like battering rams. Today, they are used as interesting design elements that give the exterior a little pizzazz. Plus, you get the added bonus of your home being able withstand battering rams - how cool is that!