Precast
The term precast has two related definitions.
- When used as a verb to describe an action, precast relates to casting a material into a particular shape before the item is put into use. Precasting can be an effective method of producing a large number of identical components (such as wall slabs, beams, panels and so on).
- When treated as an adjective to describe an item, precast relates to the state of an object or material that has been fabricated into its final shape prior to installing it in its permanent location. The term, “precast concrete” is an example of this usage, describing a form of concrete that may be prepared (or precast) off site using certain moulds.
Articles about precast elements on Designing Buildings include:
- Alkali-activated binders for precast and ready-mixed concrete products: New supply chains, business models and environmental benefits
- Cement-free precast products
- Modern methods of construction.
- Modular construction.
- Off site construction.
- Off site materials.
- Precast Compound Wall
- Precast concrete
- Precast concrete cladding
- Precast Construction Market
- Precast flat panel system
- Prefabrication.
- The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems in modern construction
- Volumetric.
Featured articles and news
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.























