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
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.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.




















