Glossary of Terms

1. BIM (Building Information Modeling) – A digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building, used to plan, design, construct, and manage the building throughout its lifecycle.
2. Off-Site Construction – A method of construction where elements of a building are manufactured in a controlled factory environment and then assembled on site.
3. Prefabrication – The process of manufacturing building components in a controlled factory environment.
4. Modular Construction – A method of construction where individual modules are prefabricated and then assembled on site to form the complete building structure.
5. Volumetric Construction – A method of off-site construction where complete rooms or sections of a building are manufactured and then transported to the site for assembly.
6. Panelisation – A method of off-site construction where building components, such as walls, are manufactured as panels and then transported to the site for assembly.
7. CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) – A type of engineered timber product, made by layering and glueing together multiple layers of lumber. CLT is used as a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional building materials.
8. SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) – Prefabricated panels made of insulating foam sandwiched between two sheets of structural material, used as a high-performance building envelope.
9. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) – A sustainability rating system for buildings, used to assess a building’s environmental impact and performance.
10. Passivhaus – A building standard for low energy consumption, focusing on high levels of insulation, airtightness, and passive solar heating.
11. Net-Zero Energy Building – A building that produces as much energy as it consumes, through the use of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient design.
12. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – A green building certification program, recognising best-in-class building strategies and practices.
13. Light Steel Frame – A type of construction method using lightweight steel for framing and structural support.
14. Concrete Frame – A method of construction using reinforced concrete for the building’s structure and support.
15. ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) – A type of cladding material made from two sheets of aluminium sandwiching a core material, used for building facades and exterior walls.
16. ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) – A type of air-supported polymer material used for roofing and façade cladding, providing high levels of transparency and durability.
17. Green Roof – A roof covered with vegetation and soil, used to improve insulation and reduce stormwater runoff.
18. Rain Screen Cladding – An external wall cladding system designed to protect the building envelope from water penetration while allowing for ventilation.
19. Precast Concrete – Concrete elements that are manufactured off-site and then transported to the building site for assembly.
20. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) – A type of construction method using interlocking foam forms filled with concrete to create a highly-insulated building envelope.
21. Sustainability Assessment Tools – Tools and methodologies used to assess the sustainability and environmental impact of a building, including BREEAM, LEED, and Passivhaus.
22. Integrated Design Process – A collaborative design approach that involves all stakeholders in the building design and construction process, from concept to completion.
23. Construction Management Software – Software solutions used to manage construction projects, including project scheduling, cost estimating, and resource management.
24. Building Performance Simulation – A digital tool used to model and analyse a building’s performance in terms of energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and thermal comfort.
25. Panelised Systems – A type of construction method where building components, such as walls and floors, are manufactured off-site and then transported to the building site for assembly.
26. Prefabrication – A process of manufacturing building components, such as walls, roofs, and floors, off-site, reducing construction time and improving quality control.
27. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) – A type of building panel made from a core of insulation sandwiched between two layers of structural board, used for walls, roofs, and floors.
28. Volumetric Construction – A method of constructing buildings by dividing the structure into modular units, manufactured off-site and then assembled on the building site.
29. Modular Construction – A construction method where building components are manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site, reducing construction time and waste.
30. 3D Printing – A process of using a printer to produce three-dimensional objects using a variety of materials, including concrete, metals, and plastics.
31. Building Information Modeling (BIM) – A digital tool used for the planning, design, construction, and operation of buildings, integrating data from all aspects of the building process.
32. BIM Level 2 – The UK standard for Building Information Modeling, requiring the use of BIM in all public sector projects.
33. Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) – A design approach that considers the entire life cycle of a building, including its manufacturing, transportation, and assembly, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
34. Off-Site Construction – A method of construction where building components are manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site, reducing construction time and improving quality control.
35. Lean Construction – A construction management philosophy that emphasises waste reduction, continuous improvement, and collaboration across the construction industry.