European Building Construction - by Francis D K Ching & Mark Mulville (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The first European edition of Francis DK Ching's classic visual guide to the basics of building construction.

For nearly four decades, the US publication Building Construction Illustrated has offered an outstanding introduction to the principles of building construction. This new European edition focuses on the construction methods most commonly used in Europe, referring largely to UK Building Regulations overlaid with British and European, while applying Francis DK Ching's clear graphic signature style. It provides a coherent and essential primer, presenting all of the basic concepts underlying building construction and equipping readers with useful guidelines for approaching any new materials or techniques they may encounter.

European Building Construction Illustrated provides a comprehensive and lucid presentation of everything from foundations and floor systems to finish work. Laying out the material and structural choices available, it provides a full understanding of how these choices affect a building′s form and dimensions. Complete with more than 1000 illustrations, the book moves through each of the key stages of the design process, from site selection to building components, mechanical systems and finishes.

• Illustrated throughout with clear and accurate drawings that effectively communicate construction processes and materials
• Provides an overview of the mainstream construction methods used in Europe
• Based around the UK regulatory framework, the book refers to European level regulations where appropriate.
• References leading environmental assessment methods of BREEAM and LEED, while outlining the Passive House Standard
• Includes emerging construction methods driven by the sustainability agenda, such as structural insulated panels and insulating concrete formwork
• Features a chapter dedicated to construction in the Middle East, focusing on the Gulf States

From the Back Cover

The first European edition of Francis DK Ching's classic visual guide to the basics of building construction.

For nearly four decades, the US publication Building Construction Illustrated has offered an outstanding introduction to the principles of building construction. This new European edition focuses on the construction methods most commonly used in Europe, referring to European building regulations and standards, while applying Francis DK Ching's clear graphic signature style. It provides a coherent and essential primer, presenting all of the basic concepts underlying building construction and equipping readers with useful guidelines for approaching any new materials or techniques they may encounter.

European Building Construction Illustrated provides a comprehensive and lucid presentation of everything from foundations and floor systems to finish work. Laying out the material and structural choices available, it provides a full understanding of how these choices affect a building′s form and dimensions. Complete with more than 1000 illustrations, the book moves through each of the key stages of the design process, from site selection to building components, mechanical systems and finishes.

• Illustrated throughout with clear and accurate drawings that effectively communicate construction processes and materials
• Provides an overview of the mainstream construction methods used in Europe
• References relevant building regulations and standards and the leading environmental assessment methods of BREEAM and LEED, while outlining the Passive House Standard
• Includes emerging construction methods driven by the sustainability agenda, such as structural insulated panels and insulating concrete formwork
• Features a chapter dedicated to construction in the Middle East, focusing on the Gulf States

Review Quotes

"If a highly descriptive and well illustrated guide to building construction is what you are after, look no further." (Civil Engineering, 1 November 2014)

"This is a comprehensive primer." (The RIBA Journal, May 2014)

"In summary, this European version of an established book is welcomed and deserves to take its place alongside more advanced and detailed texts on the shelves of students as well as university, college and office libraries." (Building Engineer, April 2014)

About the Author

Francis D.K. Ching is a registered architect and Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he teaches architecture and design drawing. He is the bestselling author of numerous books on architecture and design, all published by Wiley. His works have been translated into over 16 languages, and are regarded as classics for their renowned graphic presentation.

Mark Mulville is Academic Leader of the MSc Portfolio in the School of Architecture, Design and Construction (Department of Property and Construction Management) at the University of Greenwich. A Chartered Architectural Technologist, he has worked in professional architectural practice and technical consultancy roles in Ireland, the UK and Australia. Mark's research interests focus on building performance in relation to comfort, health and efficiency and the adaptation and rehabilitation of existing buildings.