Semi
‘Semi’ is a contraction of ‘semi-detached’ and is a term commonly heard among property-buyers and sellers. It describes a semi-detached house which shares a party wall on one side with another house (usually of similar design) while on the other side has no attachment at all.
Hence the term ‘three-bedroom semi’ often implies a house with three bedrooms, two reception rooms and a garden.
Properties that have no adjoining neighbour are described as 'detached', whereas properties with adjoining neighbours on both sides are described as 'terraced'.
The term ‘semi’ need not necessarily imply any particular use of materials or architectural style. It can describe two houses of any style that are joined together. However, for many in the UK, especially England, the term semi will typically conjure up an image of a 1920s- or 1930s-style house with three bedrooms, bay windows and tiled pitched roof.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
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.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
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.





















