Temporary structures
Any structure that is not designed for long-term use, but merely to serve some function in the short-term is deemed to be ‘temporary’. At its most basic, a tent is a temporary structure. But it may also be a complete building that provides accommodation or storage, or it could be some form of structural sculpture.
Schedule 2 of the building regulations defines a temporary building as, ‘A building that is not intended to remain where it is erected for more than 28 days’. For more information see: Temporary structure.
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 defines a temporary use as one that does not exceed 28 days in any calendar year. However, this is reduced to 14 days for some uses, and only certain temporary uses are permitted at all without planning permission. See Temporary use for more information.
The term ‘temporary structure’ can include a host of buildings that can be small, medium or large in size. Such structures may be required to:
- Provide alternative accommodation during the refurbishment or reconstruction of a permanent building.
- Provide a signature or symbolic pavilion for a special events such as a trade fair, an annual open-air event, etc. An example is the annual Serpentine Pavilion in Hyde Park, London. These may be built of uncommon structural systems e.g fabric structures.
- Provide temporary domestic accommodation e.g garden marquis.
- Be required to provide daytime facilities for construction workers e.g site huts, Portacabins, etc.
- Symbolise some historic event e.g the Millennium Dome and the London Eye. Both these structures were originally intended to be temporary but have proved popular visitor attractions and have therefore been retained as permanent features.
- Be required for industrial use e.g lightweight, demountable buildings – possibly modular, canopy buildings, steel roof buildings etc.
Temporary works may also be regarded as temporary structures comprising an arrangement of structural members that are necessary to provide safe working conditions for workers during the construction process. These can include:
- Timbering for basement excavations and large trenches in poor ground.
- Diaphragm walls (which may be temporary until they form part of a permanent construction).
- Timbering to shafts.
- Raking shores.
- Scaffolding.
- Formwork for concrete, shell and barrel vaults.
- Temporary roofs to provide shelter from the elements.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
What it is and how to use it.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.