A penthouse is an apartment or unit traditionally on the highest floor of an apartment building , condominium , hotel , or tower . Penthouses are typically differentiated from other apartments by luxury features. The term 'penthouse' originally referred, and sometimes still does refer, to a separate smaller 'house' that was constructed on the roof of an apartment building. Architecturally it refers specifically to a structure on the roof of a building that is set back from its outer walls. These structures do not have to occupy the entire roof deck. Recently, luxury high rise apartment buildings have begun to designate multiple units on the entire top residential floor or multiple higher residential floors including the top floor as penthouse apartments, and outfit them to include ultra-luxury fixtures, finishes, and designs which are different from all other residential floors of the building. These penthouse apartments are not typically set back from the building's outer walls, but are instead flush with the rest of the building and simply differ in size, luxury, and consequently price. High-rise buildings can also have structures known as mechanical penthouses that enclose machinery or equipment such as the drum mechanisms for an elevator .
38-545: Church Langley is part of Harlow, Essex, England. Church Langley was built from 1992 and was originally named Brenthall Park, consisting of three developers in the Brenthall Park partnership who then sold on some parts to other developers. It was built over thirteen years by sixteen different home builders. The area prior to development was within the Epping district, an area cut off from Epping Forest District Council by
76-661: A large ivy -covered trellis or they can be simply painted. Some city water towers have the name of the city painted in large letters on the roof, as a navigational aid to aviators and motorists . Sometimes the decoration can be humorous. An example of this are water towers built side by side, labeled HOT and COLD . Cities in the United States possessing side-by-side water towers labeled HOT and COLD include Granger, Iowa ; Canton, Kansas ; Pratt, Kansas , and St. Clair, Missouri . Eveleth, Minnesota at one time had two such towers, but no longer does. Many small towns in
114-510: A narrower pipe leading to and from the ground. There were originally over 400 standpipe water towers in the United States, but very few remain today, including: Penthouse apartment The name penthouse is derived from apentis , an Old French word meaning "attached building" or "appendage". The modern spelling is influenced by a 16th-century folk etymology that combines the Middle French word for "slope" ( pente ) with
152-416: A public water supply. Water towers are able to supply water even during power outages , because they rely on hydrostatic pressure produced by elevation of water (due to gravity ) to push the water into domestic and industrial water distribution systems; however, they cannot supply the water for a long time without power, because a pump is typically required to refill the tower. A water tower also serves as
190-510: A pulsing flow, while the pressurized water distribution system required constant pressure. Standpipes also provided a convenient fixed location to measure flow rates. Designers typically enclosed the riser pipes in decorative masonry or wooden structures. By the late 19th century, standpipes grew to include storage tanks to meet the ever-increasing demands of growing cities. Many early water towers are now considered historically significant and have been included in various heritage listings around
228-422: A reservoir to help with water needs during peak usage times. The water level in the tower typically falls during the peak usage hours of the day, and then a pump fills it back up during the night. This process also keeps the water from freezing in cold weather, since the tower is constantly being drained and refilled. Although the use of elevated water storage tanks has existed since ancient times in various forms,
266-487: A water tower present, pumps can be sized for average demand, not peak demand; the water tower can provide water pressure during the day and pumps will refill the water tower when demands are lower. Using wireless sensor networks to monitor water levels inside the tower allows municipalities to automatically monitor and control pumps without installing and maintaining expensive data cables. The adjacent image shows three architectural approaches to incorporating these tanks in
304-596: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Water tower A water tower is an elevated structure supporting a water tank constructed at a height sufficient to pressurize a distribution system for potable water , and to provide emergency storage for fire protection. Water towers often operate in conjunction with underground or surface service reservoirs , which store treated water close to where it will be used. Other types of water towers may only store raw (non-potable) water for fire protection or industrial purposes, and may not necessarily be connected to
342-685: Is a water tower topped with a sphere-shaped water tank in Union, New Jersey , and characterized as the World's Tallest Water Sphere . A Star Ledger article suggested a water tower in Erwin, North Carolina completed in early 2012, 219.75 ft (66.98 m) tall and holding 500,000 US gallons (1,900 m ), had become the World's Tallest Water Sphere. However, photographs of the Erwin water tower revealed
380-414: Is enough pressure to operate and provide for most domestic water pressure and distribution system requirements. The height of the tower provides the pressure for the water supply system, and it may be supplemented with a pump . The volume of the reservoir and diameter of the piping provide and sustain flow rate. However, relying on a pump to provide pressure is expensive; to keep up with varying demand,
418-962: Is located in Edmond . The Earthoid , a perfectly spherical tank located in Germantown, Maryland is 100 ft (30 m) tall and holds 2,000,000 US gallons (7,600 m ) of water. The name is taken from it being painted to resemble a globe of the world. The golf ball-shaped tank of the water tower at Gonzales, California is supported by three tubular legs and reaches about 125 ft (38 m) high. The Watertoren (or Water Towers) in Eindhoven , Netherlands contain three spherical tanks, each 10 m (33 ft) in diameter and capable of holding 500 cubic metres (130,000 US gal) of water, on three 43.45 m (142.6 ft) spires were completed in 1970. Water towers can be surrounded by ornate coverings including fancy brickwork ,
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#1732793603480456-467: Is tall. A spheroid looks like a round pillow that is somewhat flattened. A cross section of a spheroid in two directions (east-west or north-south) is an ellipse, but in only one direction (top-bottom) is it a perfect circle. Both spheres and spheroids are special-case ellipsoids: spheres have symmetry in 3 directions, spheroids have symmetry in 2 directions. Scalene ellipsoids have 3 unequal length axes and three unequal cross sections. The Union Watersphere
494-407: Is used to hold the water in. The wooden walls of the water tower are held together with steel cables or straps, but water leaks through the gaps when first filled. As the water saturates the wood, it swells, the gaps close and become impermeable. The rooftop water towers store 250,000 to 50,000 litres (55,000 to 11,000 imp gal; 66,000 to 13,000 US gal) of water until it is needed in
532-641: The Goldbergturm in Sindelfingen , Germany, or the second of the three Kuwait Towers , in the State of Kuwait . It is also common to use water towers as the location of transmission mechanisms in the UHF range with small power, for instance for closed rural broadcasting service, amateur radio , or cellular telephone service. In hilly regions, local topography can be substituted for structures to elevate
570-622: The Plaza Hotel overlooking Central Park in New York City in 1923. Its success caused a rapid development of similar luxury penthouse apartments in most major cities in the United States in the following years. The popularity of penthouses stemmed from the setbacks allowing for significantly larger private outdoor terrace spaces than traditional cantilevered balconies . Due to the desirability of having outdoor space, buildings began to be designed with setbacks that could accommodate
608-495: The 19th century, and for a long time New York City required that all buildings higher than six stories be equipped with a rooftop water tower. Two companies in New York build water towers, both of which are family businesses in operation since the 19th century. The original water tower builders were barrel makers who expanded their craft to meet a modern need as buildings in the city grew taller in height. Even today, no sealant
646-508: The English noun house (the meaning at that time was "attached building with a sloping roof or awning"). European designers and architects long recognized the potential in creating living spaces that could make use of rooftops and such setbacks . Penthouses first appeared in US cities in the 1920s with the exploitation of roof spaces for upscale property. The first recognized development was atop
684-514: The M11 and Harlow Common. The original marketing compared Church Langley to a village, and this is still referred to in news reports and in social media. Harlow Council granted permission for 3500 luxury homes to be built between the A414 and M11 north of Potter Street on the condition that the developers incorporate community facilities. Church Langley was named after two ancient footpaths. Church Langley
722-459: The United States use their water towers to advertise local tourism, their local high school sports teams, or other locally notable facts. A "mushroom" water tower was built in Örebro , Sweden and holds almost two million gallons of water. Alternatives to water towers are simple pumps mounted on top of the water pipes to increase the water pressure. This new approach is more straightforward, but also more subject to potential public health risks; if
760-588: The Wieża Ciśnień ( Wrocław water tower ) in Wrocław , Poland which is today a restaurant complex. Others have been converted to residential use. Historically, railroads that used steam locomotives required a means of replenishing the locomotive's tenders. Water towers were common along the railroad. The tenders were usually replenished by water cranes , which were fed by a water tower. Some water towers are also used as observation towers, and some restaurants, such as
798-421: The building below. The upper portion of water is skimmed off the top for everyday use while the water in the bottom of the tower is held in reserve to fight fire. When the water drops below a certain level, a pressure switch, level switch or float valve will activate a pump or open a public water line to refill the water tower. Architects and builders have taken varied approaches to incorporating water towers into
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#1732793603480836-425: The city skyline . Access to a penthouse apartment is usually provided by a separate elevator. Residents can also access a number of building services, such as pickup and delivery of everything from dry cleaning to dinner; reservations to restaurants and events made by building staffers; and other concierge services . Penthouse apartments can also be situated on the corner of a building, providing 90° or more views of
874-482: The design of a building, one on East 57th Street in New York City. From left to right, a fully enclosed and ornately decorated brick structure, a simple unadorned roofless brick structure hiding most of the tank but revealing the top of the tank, and a simple utilitarian structure that makes no effort to hide the tanks or otherwise incorporate them into the design of the building. The technology dates to at least
912-569: The design of their buildings. On many large commercial buildings, water towers are completely hidden behind an extension of the facade of the building. For cosmetic reasons, apartment buildings often enclose their tanks in rooftop structures, either simple unadorned rooftop boxes, or ornately decorated structures intended to enhance the visual appeal of the building. Many buildings, however, leave their water towers in plain view atop utilitarian framework structures. Water towers are common in India , where
950-555: The development of apartments and terraces on their uppermost levels. Modern penthouses may or may not have terraces. Upper floor space may be divided among several apartments, or a single apartment may occupy an entire floor. Penthouses often have their own private access where access to any roof, terrace, and any adjacent setback is exclusively controlled. Penthouses can also differentiate themselves by luxurious amenities such as high-end appliances , finest materials fitting, luxurious flooring system, and more. Features not found in
988-406: The distinction between a water sphere and water spheroid thus: A water sphere is a type of water tower that has a large sphere at the top of its post. The sphere looks like a golf ball sitting on a tee or a round lollipop. A cross section of a sphere in any direction (east-west, north-south, or top-bottom) is a perfect circle. A water spheroid looks like a water sphere, but the top is wider than it
1026-737: The east of Church Langley and can be clearly seen from the adjacent M11 motorway. This was built in 1993–1994. Community facilities in Church Langley include a Tesco store and petrol station (with shoe repair and hand car wash), pharmacy, doctor, dentist, children's development centre, community hall (Church Langley Community Centre), pub (the Potters Arms), ecumenical church (Church Langley Church - Church of England, Baptist, URC and Methodist), nursery (Kiddi Caru) and two primary schools (Church Langley Community Primary School and Henry Moore Primary School). This Essex location article
1064-476: The electricity supply is erratic in most places. If the pumps fail (such as during a power outage), then water pressure will be lost, causing potential public health concerns. Many U.S. states require a " boil-water advisory " to be issued if water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch (140 kPa). This advisory presumes that the lower pressure might allow pathogens to enter the system. Some have been converted to serve modern purposes, as for example,
1102-593: The majority of apartments in the building may include a private entrance or elevator , or higher/vaulted ceilings. In buildings consisting primarily of single level apartments, penthouse apartments may be distinguished by having two or more levels. They may also have such features as a terrace, fireplace , more floor area, oversized windows, multiple master suites, den/office space, hot-tubs, and more. They might be equipped with luxury kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, breakfast bar/island, and more. Penthouse residents often have fine views of
1140-471: The modern use of water towers for pressurized public water systems developed during the mid-19th century, as steam-pumping became more common, and better pipes that could handle higher pressures were developed. In the United Kingdom, standpipes consisted of tall, exposed, N-shaped pipes, used for pressure relief and to provide a fixed elevation for steam-driven pumping engines which tended to produce
1178-697: The new tower to be a water spheroid. The water tower in Braman, Oklahoma , built by the Kaw Nation and completed in 2010, is 220.6 ft (67.2 m) tall and can hold 350,000 US gallons (1,300 m ). Slightly taller than the Union Watersphere, it is also a spheroid. Another tower in Oklahoma, built in 1986 and billed as the "largest water tower in the country", is 218 ft (66 m) tall, can hold 500,000 US gallons (1,900 m ), and
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1216-454: The pump would have to be sized to meet peak demands. During periods of low demand, jockey pumps are used to meet these lower water flow requirements. The water tower reduces the need for electrical consumption of cycling pumps and thus the need for an expensive pump control system, as this system would have to be sized sufficiently to give the same pressure at high flow rates. Very high volumes and flow rates are needed when fighting fires. With
1254-512: The pumps fail, then loss of water pressure may result in entry of contaminants into the water system. Most large water utilities do not use this approach, given the potential risks. Kuwait Towers , which include two water reservoirs, and Kuwait Water Towers (Mushroom towers in Kuwait City . A standpipe is a water tower which is cylindrical (or nearly cylindrical) throughout its whole height, rather than an elevated tank on supports with
1292-435: The tank in New York. Water towers were used to supply water stops for steam locomotives on railroad lines. Early steam locomotives required water stops every 7 to 10 miles (11 to 16 km). A variety of materials can be used to construct a typical water tower; steel and reinforced or prestressed concrete are most often used (with wood, fiberglass , or brick also in use), incorporating an interior coating to protect
1330-430: The tanks. These tanks are often nothing more than concrete cisterns terraced into the sides of local hills or mountains, but function identically to the traditional water tower. The tops of these tanks can be landscaped or used as park space, if desired. The Chicago Bridge and Iron Company has built many of the water spheres and spheroids found in the United States. The website World's Tallest Water Sphere describes
1368-631: The water from any effects from the lining material. The reservoir in the tower may be spherical , cylindrical , or an ellipsoid , with a minimum height of approximately 6 metres (20 ft) and a minimum of 4 m (13 ft) in diameter. A standard water tower typically has a height of approximately 40 m (130 ft). Pressurization occurs through the hydrostatic pressure of the elevation of water; for every 102 millimetres (4.016 in) of elevation, it produces 1 kilopascal (0.145 psi ) of pressure. 30 m (98.43 ft) of elevation produces roughly 300 kPa (43.511 psi), which
1406-404: The world. Some are converted to apartments or exclusive penthouses . In certain areas, such as New York City in the United States, smaller water towers are constructed for individual buildings. In California and some other states, domestic water towers enclosed by siding ( tankhouses ) were once built (1850s–1930s) to supply individual homes; windmills pumped water from hand-dug wells up into
1444-468: Was built on farmland owned by local farmers William and Jon Moen. They were unhappy with the result, having left the design to the relevant developers, calling it "retro-style architecture" with poor road planning. They resolved to exercise firmer control over the Newhall development, also built on their land using the money raised from the Church Langley development. A concrete water tower is situated to
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