Component drawing
A component is a constituent part of a building (or other built asset) which is manufactured as an independent unit, subsystem or subassembly, that can be joined or blended with other elements to form a more complex item. Generally, components are ‘self-contained’ and sourced from a single supplier, typically the complete unit provided by that supplier rather than its constituent parts.
A combination of components may be described as an ‘assembly’.
Where a component is a bespoke item, it may be necessary to prepare a component drawing. Where a component is an off-the-shelf-product or a commonly-used element, a component drawing may already exist that can be re-used.
Component drawings might describe units such as; beams, windows, doors, sills, coping stones, and so on.
Component drawings provide detailed information about the individual units. They may be drawn at large scales such as; 1:10, 1:5, 1:2, 1:1, and so on. They may include information such as component dimensions, construction, tolerances, and so on. They may include references to the relevant parts of the specification providing information about materials and the minimum acceptable quality.
It is important that component drawings do not duplicate information included in separate specifications as this can become contradictory and may cause confusion.
Component drawing numbers may be prefixed by the letter C.
Component range drawings describe a range of components of a similar type. Where a range of components comprise a number of standard constructions, sub-component drawings may be prepared.
Assembly drawings represent items that consist of more than one component, showing how the components fit together.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- As-built drawings and record drawings
- Assembly drawing.
- CAD layer.
- Concept drawing.
- Design drawings.
- Detail drawing.
- Electrical drawing.
- Elevations.
- Engineering drawing.
- Exploded view.
- General arrangement drawing.
- Geometric form.
- Installation drawing.
- Orthogonal plan.
- Plumbing drawing.
- Projections.
- Scale drawing.
- Shop drawing.
- Section drawing.
- Technical drawing.
- Types of drawing.
- Working drawing.
Featured articles and news
A now architectural practice looks back at its concept project for a sustainable oceanic settlement 25 years on.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
























