Building construction is the process of adding structure to a building. There are many different types of building construction, including timber frames, brick, and block, insulate concrete frameworks, and many more. Each type of construction has its challenges and requires different skill sets.
Buildings can range from simple dwellings such as huts to complex structures like skyscrapers. Construction generally involves the creation of foundations, walls, roofs, floors, and doors. It also includes the installation of windows, plumbing, and electrical systems.
There are various types of building construction, each with its advantages:
Timber frame construction
Timber frame construction is a popular type of building construction in many parts of the world. Timber frame buildings are typically softwood lumber, such as pine or spruce. The timber is cut into pieces of the desired length and then assembled into a frame. Afterward, the frame is covered with a protective outer layer, such as cladding or brickwork.
Timber frame construction has many advantages. It is a firm and durable type of construction, and it is also relatively fast and easy to erect. Timber frame buildings are also often cheaper than other types of construction.
Brick and block construction
Brick and block construction is a popular type of building construction in many parts of the world. Brick and block buildings are typically made from bricks, then laid in a mortar. The mortar is then covered with a protective outer layer, such as cladding or render.
Brick and block construction has many advantages. It is a firm and durable type of construction, and it is also relatively fire-resistant. Brick and block buildings are also often cheaper than other types of construction, such as timber frames. The construction may require specific equipment like skid steer loaders to move the bricks into place.
Steel framed construction
Another popular type of building construction is steel-framed construction. Steel framed buildings are typically made from steel beams, covered with a protective outer layer, such as cladding or brickwork.
Some of its advantages s that it’s a very strong and durable type of construction, and it is also relatively fast and easy to erect. Steel framed buildings are also often cheaper than other types of construction, such as timber frames.
Cob construction
Cob construction is a popular type of building construction worldwide. Cob buildings are typically made from clay, sand, straw, water, and sometimes lime. This mixture is then formed into balls and left to dry. Once dry, the cob balls are stacked on top of each other to form the walls.
The advantages of Cob construction are that it is a very eco-friendly type of construction, as all of the materials used are natural and biodegradable. Cob construction is also relatively cheap, and the buildings are typically solid and durable.
Straw bale construction
Straw bale construction is another well-known construction type that uses natural materials. As the name suggests, straw bale construction uses straw bales to create the walls of the building. The strawbales are first stacked on top of each other and then covered with plaster or render.
Straw bale construction has many advantages. It is a very eco-friendly type of construction, as the materials are natural and biodegradable. Straw bale construction is also quite affordable, and the buildings are typically robust and durable.
Insulated concrete formwork (ICF)
Insulated concrete formwork, or ICF, is a type of construction that uses concrete forms filled with insulating material. Once the forms are in place, concrete is poured into them to create the walls of the building.
ICF construction has many advantages. It is a very energy-efficient type of construction, as the insulated forms help keep the heat in. ICF construction is also very strong and durable, and it can resist high winds and earthquakes.
Earthbag construction
Earthbag construction is a type of construction that uses bags filled with earth or sand to create the walls of the building. The bags are then stacked on top of each other and covered with a layer of plaster or render.
Earthbag construction has many advantages. It is a very eco-friendly type of construction, as the materials used are natural and biodegradable. Earthbag construction is also quite affordable, and the buildings are typically solid and durable.
The bottom line
There are many different types of building construction, each with its advantages. Brick and block construction is strong and durable, while steel-framed construction is fast and easy to erect. Cob construction is eco-friendly, and straw bale construction is affordable. ICF construction is energy efficient, and earthbag construction is solid and durable. When choosing a construction type, make sure to consider its advantages.
