Base construction of buildings
Base construction or ‘base build’ refers to the works done, usually by speculative office building developers, to erect the ‘basic’ elements of a buildings. Once the building is let to tenants they are then given responsibility or the fit out of the interior, that is, making interior spaces suitable for occupation.
‘Base build’ may also be referred to as ‘shell and core’, and typically includes:
- Primary structure.
- Building envelope (roof and façade) in whole or part.
- Mechanical and supply systems (electricity, HVAC, telephone, water, drainage, gas, etc.,), up to the point of contact with individual tenant spaces.
- Public circulation and fire egress areas, such as lobbies, corridors, elevators and public stairs.
Once practical completion of the base build has been finished, the tenant fits out their part of the lettable space. Tenants may be given access prior to practical completion to carry out parts of the works, and may be allowed a rent-free period for the duration of fit out works.
The agreement to lease between landlord and tenant should clearly define who does what, to what standard, and the periods allowed, including:
- What comprises the base build, including space provision in common areas for tenant equipment such as standby generators, extra chillers, or uninterrupted power supply plant.
- What elements of the fit out may be installed by the tenant but funded by the developer/landlord.
- What tenant equipment is to be installed in common areas.
When the tenant takes occupation of the space, it is wise to undertake a conditions survey so that they can notify the developer or landlord of any defects or omissions. It is relatively common that defects in the base construction do not get rectified by the contractors quickly enough for the fit out to be completed. This can lead to the tenant’s contractors making good the defects and then issuing a claim to the base build contractors for the cost of the works.
For more information see: Shell and core.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
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.
The changed R&D tax landscape for Architects
Specialist gives a recap on tax changes for Research and Development, via the ACA newsletter.
Structured product data as a competitive advantage
NBS explain why accessible product data that works across digital systems is key.
Welsh retrofit workforce assessment
Welsh Government report confirms Wales faces major electrical skills shortage, warns ECA.
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.