
What is a vestibule?
Simply put, a vestibule is an entry way with an outside door on one side and the door to the building interior on another side, often in line with the first door. Also known as an airlock, the vestibule serves as a transition space between the exterior door and the entry into the house itself.
What is a heated entrance vestibule?
The traditional heated entrance vestibule was developed in the days before air conditioned buildings. Some buildings were heated by hydronic systems and others by air systems. Little concern was paid to the pressure relationship between indoor and outdoor air. However, air generally flows inward, thus bringing in the cold winter air.
How much space do you need for a vestibule entry?
Experts advise that you need at least 25 square feet of space for a vestibule entry. The vestibule can be constructed for a front, rear or side entrance. If the door has a covered porch or patio, you already have the makings of a vestibule. You may simply have to enclose the open sides with walls and add an exterior doorway.
Do vestibule doors open at the same time?
Rarely will both doors of a vestibule be open at the same time, so inside temperatures are maintained. Blocking gusts of outside air not only shields the indoors from temperature flux, it keeps dust, dirt, leaves and other debris from blowing inside as well.

What's the difference between a vestibule and a foyer?
Vestibules are similar to foyers, but the terms do not have the same meaning. Though they have the same purpose, foyers are larger and more formal spaces found in many public settings. In design, a foyer may often lay behind a vestibule or a second set of doors.
What is the purpose of a vestibule?
A vestibule is a small, enclosed entry chamber that traditionally has served as a buffer in winter between indoors and outdoors, to trap air and minimize heat loss. Vestibules today also help keep air-conditioned air inside and hot air outside in summer.
What is a front vestibule?
In contemporary usage, a vestibule constitutes an area surrounding the exterior door. It acts as an antechamber between the exterior and the interior structure. Often it connects the doorway to a lobby or hallway. It is the space one occupies once passing the door, but not yet in the main interior of the building.
What is a vestibule in a building?
A vestibule is a completely enclosed unconditioned space that separates the interior of a building from the exterior. It creates an air-locked entrance and acts as an entryway into a larger space, such as a lobby.
What is the room called when you first enter a house?
Foyer/Entrance HallFoyer/Entrance Hall They are the first rooms you see when you come inside a house! And, because the foyer is directly between the outside world and your personal sanctum, you should take extra care with what you put in it.
What do you call the front entrance of a house?
Residences: A foyer is an area at the front of the home, entered after passing through the front door. The foyer connects a home's entrance with the rest of the interior. ... A foyer in a residence is usually a small area behind a front door that separates a home's main rooms from the outside of the house.
What is an entrance room called?
Definitions of foyer. a large entrance or reception room or area. synonyms: antechamber, anteroom, entrance hall, hall, lobby, vestibule.
Why is it called a vestibule?
The noun vestibule, pronounced "VES-tih-bule," probably comes from the Latin word vestibulum, which means “entrance court.” From about 1880 to 1930 vestibules were popular features in new homes because they create an additional barrier that keeps heat or cool air in and street noise out.
What is the door before the front door called?
A storm door is a second, outer door commonly installed for protection against bad weather, and allows for ventilation in fair weather. Storm doors typically have interchangeable or retractable glass and screen panels.
What do you put in a vestibule?
You can put some furniture items in a vestibule if the space allows for it. Apart from the basics like shoe and coat racks, you can add a practical closet or even a seat for easier putting on shoes. If you have enough room, consider a separate closet for home appliances: a vacuum cleaner, a mop and cleaning supplies.
What do you call an open doorway?
A cased opening is a doorway that is trimmed out, but does not contain a door. If you just want an opening in the wall without trim, you could just call it an "Opening", or "archway".
What is the space between two front doors?
It's an airlock. Though in some secure facilities because both sets of doors can be magnetically locked, it's called a "mantrap".
What is the function of the vestibule in the female reproductive system?
The vestibular bulbs are believed to function closely with the clitoris. During sexual arousal, the vestibular bulbs will become engorged with blood. The engorgement of blood then exerts pressure onto the corpus cavernosum of the clitoris and the crus of the clitoris.
Why is it called a vestibule?
The noun vestibule, pronounced "VES-tih-bule," probably comes from the Latin word vestibulum, which means “entrance court.” From about 1880 to 1930 vestibules were popular features in new homes because they create an additional barrier that keeps heat or cool air in and street noise out.
What is the function of the vestibule and semicircular canals?
There are two sets of end organs in the inner ear, or labyrinth: the semicircular canals, which respond to rotational movements (angular acceleration); and the utricle and saccule within the vestibule, which respond to changes in the position of the head with respect to gravity (linear acceleration).
What is an example of vestibule?
The little room outside of the main bank where you enter and where the ATM is kept is an example of a vestibule. The central cavity of the inner ear that leads to the eardrum is an example of a vestibule. (anatomy) A body cavity, chamber, or channel that leads to or is an entrance to another body cavity.
What is another word for vestibule?
A vestibule is a small area or space just inside the entryway to a building. Other terms that are used as synonyms or are closely to vestibules ar...
What is a vestibule in anatomy?
In anatomy, a vestibule is an empty space or gap. When discussing architectural design and the anatomy of a home or building, a vestibule is usual...
What's the difference between a vestibule and a foyer?
Vestibules and foyers serve a similar purpose, and in North American English, the two terms are used interchangeably to describe a greeting space i...
What is the function of a vestibule?
Vestibules have three main functions: They serve as an entryway or transition space from the outdoors to an interior They block the view of the m...
What is a vestibule in church?
Vestibules were first used in 5th century Christian churches of various denominations. In addition to serving as a transition space from the outdo...
What is a vestibule?
Simply put, a vestibule is an entry way with an outside door on one side and the door to the building interior on another side, often in line with the first door. Also known as an airlock, the vestibule serves as a transition space between the exterior door and the entry into the house itself. Entry foyers and mudrooms can be types of vestibules.
Why is a vestibule important?
The biggest benefit to a vestibule entry is energy savings. With a single entry door opening directly into the living space, the outside temperature rushes into the house every time the door opens.
How much does it cost to build a vestibule?
The cost of constructing an entry vestibule varies by the size of the space but could be as high as $10,000. The most cost-effective time to add a vestibule is during initial construction or a major remodel.
Do commercial buildings have vestibules?
Many commercial buildings and retail stores have an entry vestibule, where visitors enter through an exterior door into a small space that has a second door for entrance into the building’s interior. Homes can also have a vestibule and its accompanying benefits. Here’s why you should consider adding a vestibule entry.
Examples of vestibule in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off in the school’s front vestibule until Dec. 17. — Susan Soldavin, baltimoresun.com, 19 Nov. 2021 Cursing his own idiocy, Yura picked up his bag and walked into the vestibule. — Vladimir Sorokin, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2021
Medical Definition of vestibule
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What are the parts of the vestibule?
In elaborate houses or palaces, the vestibule could be divided into three parts, the prothyron (πρόθυρον), the thyroreion (θυρωρεῖον, lit. ' porter's lodge '), and the proaulion (προαύλιον).
Where are vestibules placed in the winter?
An example of such is in New York City where in the winter temporary sidewalk vestibules are commonly placed in front of entrances to restaurants to reduce cold drafts from reaching customers inside.
Why are vestibules needed?
The publication states it requires vestibules to reduce the amount of air that infiltrates a space in order to aid in energy conservation, as well as increasing the comfortability near entrance doors. By creating an air lock entry, vestibules reduce infiltration losses or gains caused by wind.
What was the vestibule of the Genoese?
The Genoese vestibule became a prominent feature of their palace architecture. These vestibules would sometimes include a fountain or large statue. The Genoese vestibule was large and exaggerated, and seemed "rather designed to accommodate a race of giants.".
What is a vestibule in a church?
It is usually a spacious area which holds church information such as literature, pamphlets, and bulletin announcements.
Why were vestibules common in ancient Greek temples?
Vestibules were common in ancient Greek temples. Due to the construction techniques available at the time, it was not possible to build large spans. Consequently, many entrance ways had two rows of columns that supported the roof and created a distinct space around the entrance. In ancient Greek houses, the prothyrum was the space just outside ...
What was the importance of vestibules in the Classical period?
The Classical Period marked a change in the need for privacy in Greek society, which ultimately led to the design and use of vestibules in Greek homes.
What is the purpose of a vestibule?
The vestibule's principal goal is to achieve comfort in the occupied space. Over the years in the consulting engineering field, many attempts have been made to meet this simple goal. Consider the following checklist to arrive at the solution for the project under consideration:
Why are vestibules enclosed?
Revolving doors. Wind is often the reason for the enclosed vestibule concept. However, the "wind" is often cold replacement air rushing into the negatively pressured building. Before any barrier concept is designed, the negative pressure problem of the building must be resolved.
What is a duct branch?
A duct branch is used to pressurize the vestibule. The supply source should be at the door height versus the often higher ceiling height of building lobbies. Unit Type B is a typical wall unit. Use inverted airflow to get the heat low. Unit Type C is used with floor grilles when wall space is not available.
Where is the heat source for a vestibule?
Figure 2 shows choices for location of vestibule or entrance heaters. The primary heat source should serve the building occupancy. Therefore, the recommended first choice is to use Unit Type A. The high capacity heat is in the occupied portion of the building. The supply is from linear grilles in the ceiling, next to the doors. A duct branch is used to pressurize the vestibule. The supply source should be at the door height versus the often higher ceiling height of building lobbies.
How to cool an elevator machine room?
Warm air now will exit the fan and the intake louver by the stack effect force. Use split system self-contained units to cool the elevator machine space .
What is a type E air curtain?
Unit Type E is an air curtain with heat. This device can be used inside or outside of vestibules. The unit produces noise, hot air on the head, and stops and starts with door openings.
Is the back door of a loading dock a climate barrier?
Remember, the back door to the facility is also a climate barrier. It is often the loading dock with large overhead doors. The loading dock area should be considered as one large vestibule space. The inside doors should be closed when the outside doors are open.
What is commercial vestibule?
In modern architecture, commercial vestibule typically refers to a small room next to the outer door and connecting it with the interior of the building.
How many square feet is a vestibule?
In other words, if the main lobby of a building is 3,500 square feet in size, then the primary entrance to that space must include a vestibule. This requirement puts an obvious burden on building designers, project developers, and building owners alike.
What is the IECC code?
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) was established in 2000 and institutes a range of energy efficiency requirements for both residential and commercial buildings. In relation to air curtain technology, the most relevant part of the code is the vestibule requirement.
How much does a vestibule cost?
Vestibule Cost – Vestibules themselves can cost $15,000 – $ 20,000, meanwhile, an unheated air curtain can range from $900 – $1,200, and a heated air curtain can range from $2,000 – $2,500.
What is an anteroom?
A vestibule, also known as an arctic entry, is an anteroom (antechamber) or small foyer leading into a larger space, such as a lobby, entrance hall, passage, etc., for the purpose of waiting, withholding the larger space view, reducing heat loss, providing space for outwear, etc.
Do commercial buildings have vestibules?
In the past, the IECC code has required commercial building designers to include vestibule entrances on the primary entrance doors to large open spaces. Specifically, the requirement states that primary entrance doors to spaces that are 3,000 square feet or larger must include vestibules.
Do you need a vestibule in a code?
To answer this question in short: Vestibules are required by code but if you can’t have a vestibule then you can use an air curtain as an alternative. Want to learn more about this requirement, read below on or click on this link.
What is a vestibule?
A vestibule keeps the interior of a building cool against the heat of summer and serves as a buffer from colder weather. In places like New York City, restaurants add temporary vestibules to their front door frames as cold weather approaches. Some of these can include vinyl windows or heating elements.
What are vestibules in a building?
Some of these can include vinyl windows or heating elements. Vestibules are also prevalent in larger, more opulent buildings. They promote grandeur as they contrast a small space against a much larger one. They also keep the interior rooms to the building hidden from street view.
What is the purpose of a vestibule?
A vestibule is much like a foyer in that it's an entranceway to the main part of a building, but it's slightly different in that its primary purpose is to be a buffer between the inside and the outside in extreme weather. A vestibule keeps the interior of a building cool against the heat of summer and serves as a buffer from colder weather.
What is the origin of the word vestibule?
However, while they do generally mean the same thing, there are small differences to each. Vestibule is Latin in origin and stems from the word vestibulum, first appearing between 1615 and 1625. The definition of vestibule is "forecourt or entrance.".
What percentage of public entrances must be accessible?
At least 60% of public entrances must be accessible in new construction, in addition to entrances directly serving tenancies, parking facilities, pedestrian tunnels and elevated walkways. “Public entrances” include all entrances except those that are restricted or that are used exclusively as service entrances.
How high should a push gate be?
The bottom surface of doors and gates on the push side must be smooth to a height of at least 10”. This facilitates access since mobility aids, including wheelchair footrests, are sometimes used to push or prop open doors. Kick plates can be used to help protect door surfaces, but any gaps or cavities between the kick plate and the door surface must be closed or capped. Horizontal or vertical joints in this surface cannot exceed a 1/16” variation in plane.
Overview
A vestibule /ˈvɛstɪbjuːl/ (also, anteroom, antechamber, foyer) is a small room leading into a larger space such as a lobby, entrance hall or passage, for the purpose of waiting, withholding the larger space view, reducing heat loss, providing storage space for outdoor clothing, etc. The term applies to structures in both modern and classical architecture since ancient times. In modern archite…
Ancient usage
Vestibules were common in ancient Greek temples. Due to the construction techniques available at the time, it was not possible to build large spans. Consequently, many entrance ways had two rows of columns that supported the roof and created a distinct space around the entrance.
In ancient Greek houses, the prothyrum was the space just outside the door of …
Church architecture
From the 5th century onward, vestibules were used in churches in both the East and the West.
In Roman Catholic and some Anglican churches the vestibule has a practical purpose. It is usually a spacious area which holds church information such as literature, pamphlets, and bulletin announcements. It also houses the holy water for worshippers. In Orthodox and Byzantine church architecture, the temple antechamber is more commonly referred to as an exonarthex.
Palace architecture
Vestibules are common in palace architecture. The style of vestibule used in Genoa, Italy was transformed from a previously modest design to a more ornamental structure, which satisfied Genoese aristocracy, while becoming an influential transformation for Italian palaces. The Genoese vestibule became a prominent feature of their palace architecture. These vestibules would sometimes include a fountain or large statue. The Genoese vestibule was large and exag…
Modern usage
In contemporary usage, a vestibule constitutes an area surrounding the exterior door. It acts as an antechamber between the exterior and the interior structure. Often it connects the doorway to a lobby or hallway. It is the space one occupies once passing the door, but not yet in the main interior of the building
Although vestibules are common in private residences, as a modified mud room, …
See also
• Entryway
• Genkan
• Propylaeum
• Antarala, vestibule in certain Hindu temples