Volume of buildings
The glossary of statistical terms, published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), suggests that: ‘The volume of buildings is the total volume included between the outer surface of the outer walls measured from the level of the lowest storey to the roof of the building.’
It should be noted that there are sometimes differences in assumed internal volumes when calculating to various building standards. For example when calculating infiltration air change (or air leakage) rate per hour to Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association (ATTMA) q50 standard (m3 per hour per m2 @50 Pascals) the internal walls within the envelope would be included in the volume calculation. If calculating air tightness to the Passivhaus (PH) n50 standard (air changes per hr @ 50 Pascals) then the thickness of internal walls within the envelope are excluded from the floor are and thus the overall volume. ie the calculation is the sum of the volumes of all internal rooms rather than the volume within the envelope.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.