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
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) and The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description fron the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
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.
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.