Porte-cochère

A typical 19th-century porte-cochère, at Waddesdon Manor

A modern example at a hospital.

A porte-cochère (/ˌpɔːrt koʊˈʃɛr/), coach gate or carriage porch is a covered porch-like structure at a main or secondary entrance to a building through which originally a horse and carriage and today a motor vehicle can pass to provide arriving and departing occupants protection from the elements.

Portes-cochère are still found on such structures as major public buildings and hotels, providing covered access for visitors and guests arriving by motorized transport. ^[1]

Portes-cochère, which are for vehicle passage, are often confused with or porticos, columned porches or entries for human traffic.

History

The porte-cochère was a feature of many late 18th- and 19th-century mansions and public buildings. Well-known examples are at Buckingham Palace in London and at the White House in Washington, D.C., where a raised vehicle ramp gives an architectural portico the functionality of a porte-cochère.^[2]

Today a porte-cochère is often constructed at the entrance to elaborate private homes and such public buildings as churches, hotels, health facilities, and schools where people are delivered by other drivers. Portes-cochère differ from carports in the vehicle passing through for passengers to board or exit rather than being parked.

Guard stones are often found At the foot of portes-cochère, acting as protective bollards to prevent vehicles from damaging the structure.

Gallery

• 
  The Lockwood–Mathews Mansion, built in 1864
• 
  The Briarcliff Lodge, built in 1902
• 
  The Briarcliff Manor railroad station, built in 1906
• 
  A typical railway porte-cochere at Nottingham station

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Portes-cochères.

Look up porte cochère in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.