OSM sub-assemblies and components
Offsite residential construction, Glossary of terms, published by Buildoffsite in 2018, states in relation to OSM (off site manufacturing) sub-assemblies and components: ‘This category is intended to encompass approaches that are not classified as systemic OSM, but use several factory fabricated innovative sub-assemblies or components in an otherwise traditionally-built structural fabric. Typically, schemes incorporating the use of small volumetric units such as pre-assembled bathrooms (often known as pods, see Hybrid), floor or roof cassettes, spandrel panels, pre-cast concrete foundation assemblies, pre-formed wiring looms, mechanical engineering composites, pre-assembled facades etc would fall into this category. Cavity masonry constructed schemes using manufactured units, such as windows, doorsets, roof trusses etc that might otherwise be part of the fabrication process in the other OSM categories – should not be included as sub-assemblies or components in this category.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.