Building wraps
Building wraps are large-scale printed sheet materials that can be fixed to scaffolding structures and used to conceal building work. They are commonly digitally printed with a CGI rendering or photographic image of the building façade, attempting in some way to ‘blend in’ better with its context than traditional debris netting would.
It is a technique that is sometimes used on important buildings, or in sensitive locations, to hide unsightly scaffolding while providing a tantalising representation of what the building looks, or will look, like.
The benefits of building wraps are that they can help to reduce the spread of dust and other debris, conceal construction work from the public, and mean that views of the under-construction building is minimised.
The scaffolding must be securely erected for the building wrap to be installed. If necessary, engineers must calculate wind loading to be ensure that the installation of the wrap will not be a hazard to the scaffolding.
Building wraps are typically installed onto a 'picture frame' scaffold structure which projects about 300 mm further out than the last projected pole on the main scaffolding. Any projecting scaffold poles should be capped to cover sharp ends. This allows the wrap banner to move with the wind without getting caught on any poles which can cause damage.
Two commonly used fixing methods are standard and invisible:
- The standard method involves a picture frame that is made up of perimeter scaffolding with the wrap banner sitting about 150 mm inside the frame, fixed using 12 mm bungee cable (so the scaffold is visible).
- The invisible method is more difficult but is generally thought to give a better appearance. The wrap banner is pulled completely smooth, placed over the outside of the picture frame scaffolding and clamped using clamp couplers/joins.
Typically, the scaffolding picture frame is installed before printing the wrap, so that an accurately measured template can be provided to the designers. This ensures that the wrap covers the scaffold completely, that it is taut enough and does not crease.
Building wraps can serve as a form of discreet advertising, in the same way as hoardings. However, they may require planning permission from the local authority.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural photography.
- Architectural reprography.
- Computer-generated imagery (CGI).
- Debris netting.
- Hoarding.
- Perimeter security.
- Rubble chute.
- Scaffolding.
[edit] External references
- Building wrap specialist: Project Print Management
Featured articles and news
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.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.