Superstructure
The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), Elemental Standard Form of Cost Analysis Principles, Instructions, Elements and Definitions 4th (NRM) Edition published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in 2012, describes the rules for preparing an elemental cost analysis in standard BCIS format.
According to BCIS, the term 'superstructure' includes:
- Frame: Load-bearing framework. Main floor and roof beams, ties and roof trusses of framed buildings; casing to stanchions and beams for structural or protective purposes.
- Upper floors: Suspended floors over, or in basements, service floors, balconies, sloping floors, walkways and top landings, where part of the floor rather than part of the staircase.
- Roof: Roof structure, roof coverings, roof drainage, rooflights and roof features.
- Stairs and ramps: Construction of ramps, stairs, ladders, etc. connecting floors at different levels.
- External walls: External enclosing walls including walls to basements but excluding walls to basements designed as retaining walls.
- Windows, doors and openings in external walls.
- Internal walls, partitions, balustrades, moveable room dividers, cubicles and the like.
- Doors, hatches and other openings in internal walls and partitions.
This excludes; the substructure, finishes, fittings, furnishings, equipment and services.
Some broader definitions simply consider the superstructure to include all works above ground level, although clearly, this is a fairly ambiguous description.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
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.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Comments