Building element
According to the Uniclass classifications, ‘elements’ are: '…multi-trade built objects, made up of several systems, collectively serving a common purpose. They start life as un-designed objects such as ‘external walls’ with performance attributes such as U-values attached, but become steadily more defined as design decisions are made during the project.'
Uniclass 2015, (maintained and updated by the NBS) suggests that: 'Elements are the main components of a structure like a bridge (foundations, piers, deck) or a building (floors, walls and roofs).'
NRM1: Order of cost estimating and cost planning for capital building work, defines an element as: '...a major part of a group element (e.g. the elements that create group element 3: Internal finishes are 3.1:Wall finishes, 3.2: Floor finishes, and 3.3: Ceiling finishes).A separate cost target can be established for each element.'
Where, 'group element' means: '...the main headings used to describe the facets of an elemental cost plan (i.e. Substructure; Superstructure; Internal finishes; Fittings, furnishings and equipment; Services; Complete buildings and building units;Work to existing buildings; External works; Facilitating works; Main contractor’s preliminaries; Main contractor’s overheads and profit; Project/design team fees; Other development/project costs; Risks; and Inflation).'
Faster, Smarter, More Efficient: Building Skills for Offsite Construction, published by CITB in April 2017, defines element as: ‘Items manufactured offsite and put together with other components to make a whole product.’
Assessing risks in insulation retrofits using hygrothermal software tools, Heat and moisture transport in internally insulated stone walls, by Joseph Little, Calina Ferraro and Beñat Arregi, published by Historic Environment Scotland in 2015, states: ‘The building fabric is broken down into building elements, such as floors, walls and roof. At times, a building element may be a building competent; in other cases, the element may be made up of many component parts.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.