Types of construction
The term ‘construction’ refers to the process of building something such as a house, bridge, tunnel and so on. This may involve new developments, alterations to existing developments, demolition and other activities carried out by building contractors.
There are many different ways of classifying types of construction, including:
- Purpose (demolition, rebuilding, alterations of or additions etc). For more information see: Construction
- Sector (civil engineering, commercial, residential, healthcare etc).
- Structure (timber frame, masonry, fabric structure etc). For more information see: Types of structure.
- Element (wall, roof, tunnel, foundation etc).
- Type of building (dwelling, office, skyscraper etc). For more information see: Types of building.
- Type of contractor (self build, management contractor, construction manager etc). For more information see: Types of contractor.
- Construction technique (kit, modular, prefabricated, in-situ etc).
- Procurement route (design and build, traditional, measurement etc). For more information see: Procurement routes.
- Type of development (Crown build, build to rent, specualtive, bespoke, built to suit etc). For more information see: Types of development.
- Historic period (Roman, Greek, modern etc). For more information see: Style
- Style (brutalist, postmodern, classical etc). For more information see: Style
- Technology (smart, green, low-tech, hi-tech etc).
- Form of contract (JCT, FIDIC, NEC etc).
- Specialism (services, ICT, cladding etc).
- Funding (public, private, public private partnership etc).
- Performance (fire resisting, insulating, sound absorbing etc).
- Health and safety (notifiable, not notifiable).
- Client (experienced, inexperienced, repeat etc).
- Degree of complexity (simple, complex, bespoke etc).
[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.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
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.
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.
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.