Advantages of shell and core
The concept of shell and core (or base build) is that the developer builds the base building (the shell and core), and fit out works are left to be completed by tenants to their own specification before the building is occupied. Shell and core originated in the USA where it was used for office buildings that were built for rent by developers. Rosehaugh/Stanhope introduced a similar idea in the UK in its ground-breaking Broadgate development in the City of London.
For more information see: Shell and core.
There are several advantages to the shell and core method:
- It can speed up the design and build process considerably, which can generate cost savings. It allows progress to be made in the design of portions of the building which will be fitted out later while the items of the shell and core that have a longer lead time (i.e. structures, façade and so on), are being constructed. This allows work to proceed without delays waiting for details of the interiors to be finalised.
- It creates a blank canvas for occupants, making it more flexible, without impacting on the the main fabric of the building.
- It avoids waste as it is less necessary for occupants to strip out existing fittings.
- It can result in more energy-efficient buildings, as the typically concrete core creates a thermal mass that enhances heat storage potential of the building.
- From the perspective of the end user, shell and core is particularly beneficial as it can result in a finish more suited to their needs. The ‘blank canvas’ of the building enables the end user to better align it to their individual requirements and there can be more time to develop proposal.
- The underlying flexibility of the design means it is generally more straight forward for subsequent occupants to change the interior fit out.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
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.