Load bearing components are columns, pilasters, or simply the empty wall between openings. Load bearing components should be aligned vertically. For buildings with a balustrade on the roof-line, the load bearing components should extend vertically up through the balustrade pier.
In most cases openings should align vertically as well. Some exceptions are:
- A large window on the ground floor may have two or three windows abreast above it.
- An informal, narrow house two windows wide, may have a single window centered in its gable.
The south facade of Hampton Court Palace is shown below. Notice how the load bearing components align vertically and extend up through the balustrade piers. The windows here also align vertically.
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