All students undertaking Level One undergraduate programmes in construction need to develop an understanding of basic building techniques. This up-to-date and dependable textbook takes the reader through the essential skills, concepts and methods of constructing a simple house to provide a solid grounding in building techniques. Working through each element of a building project and incorporating practical considerations from materials selection to implementation, this is the ideal handbook for all students who need a hands-on and thorough guide. Self-assessment exercises at key points underline the main concepts and make this text ideal for distance or independent learners as well as university students.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Building Technology; Excavation; Foundations; Single storey basements; External masonry walls; Bricks and blocks; Bonding and openings; Concrete: Materials; Concrete: Design of concrete mixes; Ground floor construction; Upper floor construction; Flat roof construction; Flat roof finishes; Pitched roof construction; Pitched roof finishes; Timber; Timber frame and steel frame house construction; Stairs; Doors; Windows; Plaster and plasterboards; Internal walls and partitions; Internal finishes; External finishes.

Author Biography

Andrew Charlett is Principal Lecturer in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment at Nottingham Trent University. He has almost thirty years experience of teaching building technology to a range of further and higher education students.