ISO 6707-1:2014

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6707-1
Fourth edition
2014-03-15
Buildings and civil engineering
works — Vocabulary —
Part 1:
General terms
Bâtiments et ouvrages de génie civil — Vocabulaire —
Partie 1: Termes généraux
Reference number
©
ISO 2014
© ISO 2014
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ii © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Vocabulary structure. 1
3 Types of buildings and civil engineering works . 1
3.1 Base terms. 1
3.2 Civil engineering works . 2
3.3 Civil engineering works — Transport . 5
3.4 Buildings .12
4 Spaces .14
4.1 Base terms.14
4.2 Spaces associated with particular parts of the building .14
4.3 Functional spaces .16
4.4 Spaces associated with circulation and movement .18
5 Parts of buildings and civil engineering works .20
5.1 Structural parts . .20
5.2 Dividing and enclosing parts .28
5.3 Openings and associated closing parts .35
5.4 Services, fitments, and equipment .39
5.5 Other parts.45
6 Materials .53
6.1 Base terms.53
6.2 Earth and stone .55
6.3 Wood and timber .55
6.4 Functional materials .59
7 Operations, documentation, and equipment .64
7.1 Operations .64
7.2 Documentation .70
7.3 Equipment .71
8 Persons involved in projects and users .73
9 Characteristics and performance .74
9.1 Base terms.74
9.2 Size and dimensions .75
9.3 Functional properties .78
9.4 Testing properties .85
10 Environment and physical planning .86
Annex A (informative) Synonyms and alternative spellings used in Great Britain/United
Kingdom (GB) .89
Annex B (informative) Alphabetical index of US synonyms .91
Bibliography .101
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical Barriers
to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works,
Subcommittee SC 2, Terminology and harmonization of languages.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 6707-1:2004), which has been technically
revised.
ISO 6707 consists of the following parts, under the general title Buildings and civil engineering works —
Vocabulary:
— Part 1: General terms
— Part 2: Contract terms
iv © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

Introduction
With the growth in the number of international construction projects and the development of the
international market in construction products, there is an increasing need for agreement on a common
language in the domain.
This part of ISO 6707 is a first step towards a complete set of general terms for use by the construction
industry. It will be updated as further terms and definitions are agreed upon.
This International Standard includes terms and concepts that are commonly used in documentation
governing construction work as well as terms used to specify products and works. It is important to
note that when used in legislation, some general construction terms have a narrower interpretation and
hence, the definition given in this International Standard will not apply.
The adoption of this International Standard by the various national construction industries will improve
communication in the design, execution, and maintenance of construction works within those industries.
Its use in other standards will aid harmonization and provide a basis for specialist terminology.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6707-1:2014(E)
Buildings and civil engineering works — Vocabulary —
Part 1:
General terms
1 Scope
This part of ISO 6707 contains the terms and definitions of general concepts to establish a vocabulary
applicable to buildings and civil engineering works.
It comprises
a) fundamental concepts, which can be the starting point for other, more specific, definitions, and
b) more specific concepts, used in several areas of construction and frequently used in standards,
regulations, and contracts.
2 Vocabulary structure
The terms are arranged within categories to allow ready comparison of related concepts.
Where a given preferred term designates more than one concept, each concept has been treated in a
separate entry and a note to entry included to acknowledge the homonymy created and a reference
included to the other term entry.
Where a preferred or admitted term is specific to a particular English-speaking country, e.g. the United
States of America, etc., this has been given in boldface type following the international preferred term
and annotated by the respective country code. Where no preferred terms are listed indicating usage in
a specific geographical location, this signifies that the international preferred term is the accepted term
in the English-speaking countries. A term following the preferred term not given in boldface type is an
admitted (non-preferred) synonym. Country codes are also assigned to these terms.
In most countries, synonyms and alternative spellings exist for the preferred terms used in this part
of ISO 6707, and a list of synonyms and alternative spellings is given in Annex A. To facilitate a ready
comparison with US synonyms and alternative spellings, these are given in Annex B.
3 Types of buildings and civil engineering works
3.1 Base terms
3.1.1
construction works
US: construction
everything that is constructed or results from construction operations
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “construction”. See 5.5.6 and 7.1.1.
3.1.2
civil engineering works
US: civil engineering project
construction works (3.1.1) comprising a structure (3.1.4), such as a dam (3.2.22), bridge (3.3.19), road
(3.3.1), railway (3.3.3), runway, utilities, pipeline (3.2.30), or sewerage system (5.4.40), or the result of
operations such as dredging, earthwork (7.1.6), geotechnical processes, but excluding a building (3.1.3)
and its associated site (3.1.6) works
Note 1 to entry: Associated siteworks are included in US civil engineering projects.
3.1.3
building
construction works (3.1.1) that has the provision of shelter for its occupants or contents as one of its main
purposes, usually partially or totally enclosed and designed to stand permanently in one place
Note 1 to entry: In English, there is a homograph for the term “building”. See 7.1.4.
3.1.4
structure
construction works (3.1.1) having a structure (5.1.2)
Note 1 to entry: In English, there is a homograph for the term “structure”. See 5.1.2.
3.1.5
external works
US: sitework
construction works (3.1.1) or landscape work on land (10.1) associated with, and adjacent to, civil
engineering works (3.1.2) or a building (3.1.3)
3.1.6
site
area of land (10.1) or water where construction work (7.1.1) or other development is undertaken
3.2 Civil engineering works
3.2.1
earthworks
result of change of existing terrain
3.2.2
excavation
result of digging, lifting, and removing earth, fill (6.4.9), or other material (6.1.1) from the ground (6.2.1)
3.2.3
embankment
section of earthworks (3.2.1), often formed by cut (3.2.5) or fill (6.4.9), where the finished ground level
(9.2.34) is above or below original ground level (9.2.33) and whose length (9.2.18) usually greatly exceeds
its width (9.2.16)
3.2.4
bund
US: berm
low embankment (3.2.3)
3.2.5
cut
material (6.1.1) excavated in bulk
Note 1 to entry: In English, there is a homograph for the term “cut”. See 3.2.6.
2 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

3.2.6
cut
void that results from bulk excavation (3.2.2) of material (6.1.1)
Note 1 to entry: In English, there is a homograph for the term “cut”. See 3.2.5.
3.2.7
cut and fill
earthwork (7.1.6) technique for lessening or increasing a variation in ground level (9.2.33) by using
material (6.1.1) excavated from higher ground (6.2.1) to raise the level (9.2.32) of lower ground or the
reverse
3.2.8
adit
nearly level tunnel (3.3.18) driven to underground workings
3.2.9
made ground
US: fill
ground (6.2.1) that has been formed by using material (6.1.1) to fill in a depression or to raise the level
(9.2.32) of a site (3.1.6)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “fill”. See 6.4.9.
3.2.10
bund wall
US: retaining earthworks
wall (5.2.46) that forms an enclosure around a storage tank and is used to retain the contents in the
event of tank failure
3.2.11
dumpling
US: mound
large mass of ground (6.2.1) intended to be excavated but temporarily left as a support during construction
work (7.1.1)
3.2.12
trench
horizontal or slightly inclined long, narrow open excavation (3.2.2), usually with vertical sides
3.2.13
shaft
vertical or steeply inclined excavation (3.2.2), usually of limited cross-section in relation to its depth
(9.2.15)
3.2.14
borrow pit
area within which earthwork (7.1.6) takes place in order to produce material (6.1.1) for earthworks (3.2.1)
3.2.15
borehole
hole, usually vertical, bored to determine ground (6.2.1) conditions, for extraction of water, other liquids,
or gases, or measurement (7.1.25) of groundwater level (9.2.32)
3.2.16
retaining wall
wall (5.2.46) that provides lateral support to the ground (6.2.1) or that resists pressure from a mass of
other material (6.1.1)
3.2.17
diaphragm wall
wall (5.2.46) made of concrete (6.4.15) constructed in a trench (3.2.12) temporarily supported by
bentonite (3.2.18) suspension
Note 1 to entry: In English, there is a homograph for the term “diaphragm wall”. See 5.1.63.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “diaphragm wall”. See 5.1.61 and 5.1.63.
3.2.18
bentonite
clay, formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash, that swells as it absorbs water
3.2.19
water tower
civil engineering works (3.1.2) that comprises a large water tank raised above ground level (9.2.33)
3.2.20
silo
structure (3.1.4) for the storage of a large volume of loose material
3.2.21
breakwater
long structure (3.1.4) in a body of water designed to protect a basin (3.3.64) or the shore from waves
3.2.22
dam
barrier (5.2.9) constructed to retain water in order to raise its level (9.2.32), form a reservoir (3.2.36), or
reduce or prevent flooding
3.2.23
flood bank
embankment (3.2.3) built up to retain or control the level (9.2.32) of flood water
3.2.24
cofferdam
structure (3.1.4), usually temporary, that is built to support the surrounding ground (6.2.1) or to exclude
water or soil (6.2.2) sufficiently to permit work within it to proceed safely without excessive pumping
3.2.25
swale
slightly inclined, often heavily vegetated or paved with gravel, stone (6.2.4), or concrete (6.4.15) and at
times swampy, depression, constructed to contain water and other liquids
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “swale”. See 10.8.
3.2.26
irrigation
artificial distribution of water to land (10.1), usually for growing crops
3.2.27
weir
structure (3.1.4) over which water can flow, used to control the upstream water level (9.2.32) in a
watercourse (10.8) or other channel (5.4.16), and/or to measure the flow (9.3.41)
3.2.28
penstock
US: lock gate
gate, usually rectangular, that moves vertically between guides
4 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

3.2.29
spillway
passage for the discharge of excess water from a reservoir (3.2.36) or channel (5.4.16)
3.2.30
pipeline
long continuous line of pipes (5.4.17), including ancillary equipment, used for transporting liquids or
gases
3.2.31
aqueduct
conduit (5.4.14) for conveying water over long distances, and including the supporting structure (5.1.2)
3.2.32
water supply adit
tunnel (3.3.18) driven from the ground to provide access to or drainage from underground workings
3.2.33
culvert
transverse drain (5.4.38) or waterway structure (3.1.4) under a road (3.3.1), railway (3.3.3), or canal
(3.3.61), or through an embankment (3.2.3), in the form of a large pipe (5.4.17) or enclosed channel
(5.4.16)
3.2.34
headworks
intake and associated works at the upstream end of a water engineering (7.1.11) scheme
3.2.35
rising main
water main or pressurized section of a drain (5.4.38) or sewer (5.4.41) through which liquid is pumped
to a higher level (9.2.32)
3.2.36
reservoir
pond, lake, or basin (3.3.64), either naturally occurring or man-made, for storage, regulation, and control
of water and other liquids or gases
3.3 Civil engineering works — Transport
3.3.1
road
way mainly for vehicles
3.3.2
exit
designated point of departure from a road (3.3.1)
Note 1 to entry: In English, there is a homograph for the term “exit”. See 4.4.17.
3.3.3
railway
US: railroad
national or regional transport system for guided passage of wheeled vehicles on rails
3.3.4
tramway
US: streetcar
local transport system for guided passage of wheeled vehicles on rails
3.3.5
aerial ropeway
US: cableway
US: lift
local transport system for guided passage of cabins or containers carried on cables (6.4.54) on
intermediate supports
3.3.6
underground railway
US: subway
railway (3.3.3) that operates mainly below ground level (9.2.33)
3.3.7
mass transit railway
railway (3.3.3) for the rapid movement of high passenger load densities in urban areas
3.3.8
monorail
railway (3.3.3) that has a single running rail with beam (5.1.11) support
3.3.9
track
assembly (5.5.5) of rails, fastenings (5.5.72), and support, for passage of vehicles
3.3.10
sleeper
US: tie
member providing vertical and lateral support to rails of a railway (3.3.3) or tramway (3.3.4)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “tie”. See 5.1.22.
3.3.11
airfield
defined area including any buildings (3.1.3), installations (5.4.3), and equipment, for the arrival, departure,
and movement of aircraft
3.3.12
airport
area containing an airfield (3.3.11) and facilities for handling passengers and cargo
3.3.13
noise barrier
structure (3.1.4) provided to deflect and absorb noise
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “noise barrier”. See 3.3.14.
3.3.14
noise bund
US: noise barrier
US: sound barrier
noise barrier (3.3.13) in the form of an embankment (3.2.3)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “noise barrier”. See 3.3.13.
3.3.15
subgrade
upper part of the soil (6.2.2), natural or constructed, that supports the loads (9.3.19) transmitted by the
overlying structure (5.1.2) of a road (3.3.1), runway, or similar hard surface
6 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

3.3.16
road formation
US: grade
surface of subgrade (3.3.15) in its final shape after completion of earthwork (7.1.6)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “grade”. See 9.2.33.
3.3.17
pavement
road (3.3.1), runway, or similar construction (5.5.6) above the subgrade (3.3.15)
3.3.18
tunnel
horizontal or sloping underground enclosed way of some length (9.2.18)
3.3.19
bridge
civil engineering works (3.1.2) that affords passage to pedestrians, animals, vehicles, and services (5.4.1)
above obstacles or between two points at a height (9.2.20) above ground (6.2.1)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “bridge”. See 7.3.10.
3.3.20
arch bridge
bridge (3.3.19) that has one or more arches (5.1.7) as its main structure (5.1.2)
3.3.21
bow string bridge
bridge (3.3.19) that has an arch (5.1.7) and its tie (5.1.22) as the main structure (5.1.2)
3.3.22
cantilever bridge
bridge (3.3.19), the main structural members (5.1.3) of which are cantilevers (5.1.17)
3.3.23
cable stayed bridge
bridge (3.3.19), the main structural members (5.1.3) of which are the beams (5.1.11) for the deck (5.1.35)
supported by a tower and one or more inclined cables (6.4.54) connected to the top or the shaft of the
tower
3.3.24
suspension bridge
bridge (3.3.19), the main structural members (5.1.3) of which are catenary cables (6.4.54) from which the
deck (5.1.35) is suspended
3.3.25
floating bridge
bridge (3.3.19) supported by water
3.3.26
movable bridge
bridge (3.3.19) over a waterway, the deck (5.1.35) of which can be moved
3.3.27
bascule bridge
movable bridge (3.3.26), the deck (5.1.35) of which is counterbalanced and hinged on a horizontal axis
3.3.28
vertical lift bridge
US: drawbridge
movable bridge (3.3.26), the deck (5.1.35) of which can be raised vertically
3.3.29
swing bridge
movable bridge (3.3.26), the deck (5.1.35) of which can be rotated about a vertical axis
3.3.30
skew bridge
bridge (3.3.19) where the angle between the longitudinal axis and the lines of support is not a right angle
3.3.31
viaduct
bridge (3.3.19) composed of a large number of spans
3.3.32
footbridge
bridge (3.3.19) for the use of pedestrians
3.3.33
railway platform
elevated structure (3.1.4) for entraining and detraining passengers and goods
3.3.34
highway
US: parkway
US: freeway
way over which the public has the right to pass, this right possibly being restricted to specific classes of
traffic (10.5)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “parkway”. See 3.3.37.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “freeway”. See 3.3.37.
3.3.35
carriageway
US: roadway
part of the road (3.3.1) or highway (3.3.34) constructed for use by vehicular traffic (10.5), including
auxiliary traffic lanes (3.3.49), passing places, and lay-bys (3.3.36)
3.3.36
lay-by
US: stopping lane
US: emergency lane
part of the highway (3.3.34) set aside for vehicles to allow them to draw out of the traffic lanes (3.3.49)
and wait for short periods
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “emergency lane”. See 3.3.39.
3.3.37
motorway
US: interstate highway
US: freeway
US: parkway
limited access road (3.3.1) with dual carriageways (3.3.35) that is not crossed on the same level (9.2.32)
by other traffic lanes (3.3.49), for the exclusive use of certain classes of motor vehicles
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “parkway”. See 3.3.34.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “freeway”. See 3.3.34.
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3.3.38
vehicle restraint system
US: guardrail
US: barricade
structure (5.1.2) that provides a system of containment for errant vehicles so as to limit damage or injury
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “barricade”. See 3.3.41.
3.3.39
hard shoulder
US: emergency lane
US: service lane
surfaced strip, adjacent to and abutting a carriageway (3.3.35), intended for use by vehicles in the event
of difficulty or during obstruction of the carriageway
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “emergency lane”. See 3.3.36.
3.3.40
road safety fence
US: road safety rail
vehicle restraint system (3.3.38) installed alongside or on a central reserve (3.3.48) or a road (3.3.1) in the
form of one or more horizontal members mounted on posts (5.1.52)
3.3.41
road safety barrier
US: barricade
vehicle restraint system (3.3.38) alongside a carriageway (3.3.35) in the form of a continuous low wall
(5.2.46) or similar construction (5.5.6)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “barricade”. See 3.3.38.
3.3.42
crash cushion
US: impact barrier
energy-absorbing device installed in front of a rigid object to reduce the severity of impact of a vehicle
3.3.43
arrester bed
AU: safety ramp
US: emergency ramp
area of land (10.1) adjacent to a road (3.3.1), filled with a particular material (6.1.1) and designed to
decelerate and arrest errant vehicles, generally located on long downhill portions of a road
3.3.44
cycleway
US: bicycle path
way or separated part of a road (3.3.1) for use only by pedal cycles
3.3.45
kerb
US: curb
border, usually upstanding, at the edge of a carriageway (3.3.35), hard strip, hard shoulder (3.3.39), or
footway (3.3.55)
3.3.46
soft shoulder
strip alongside a carriageway (3.3.35) not intended to support vehicular traffic (10.5)
3.3.47
verge
US: shoulder
part of a highway (3.3.34) alongside a carriageway (3.3.35) and at approximately the same level (9.2.32),
exclusive of embankment (3.2.3) or cutting (3.2.5) slopes
Note 1 to entry: It can include footways (3.3.55) and cycleways (3.3.44).
Note 2 to entry: In English, there is a homograph for the term “verge”. See 5.2.42.
3.3.48
central reserve
US: median
area that separates the carriageways (3.3.35) of a road (3.3.1) with dual carriageways
3.3.49
traffic lane
strip of carriageway (3.3.35) intended to accommodate a single line of moving vehicles, frequently
defined by road markings (5.5.69)
3.3.50
underpass
way below another road (3.3.1) or structure (3.1.4) designed to facilitate traffic (10.5) movement
3.3.51
flyover
US: overpass
way above another road (3.3.1) or structure (3.1.4) designed to facilitate traffic (10.5) movement
3.3.52
traffic calming
US: traffic restraint
US: speed bump
encouragement of restrained and considerate behaviour by means such as road (3.3.1) humps and
reductions in width (9.2.16) of the travelled way
3.3.53
contraflow
US: detour
temporary movement of two traffic (10.5) streams in opposite directions routed on one side of a road
(3.3.1) with dual carriageways (3.3.35)
3.3.54
footpath
way for the use of pedestrians
3.3.55
footway
US: sidewalk
US: walkway
portion of a road (3.3.1) reserved exclusively for pedestrians
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “walkway”. See 4.4.4.
3.3.56
service area
US: rest area
land (10.1) with access to and from a highway (3.3.34) used for the provision of certain amenities and
services
10 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

3.3.57
vehicle park
US: parking lot
US: parking area
area that is prepared and intended for the parking of a number of vehicles
3.3.58
multi-storey car park
US: parking garage
building (3.1.3) in which motor vehicles are parked on different storeys (4.1.2)
3.3.59
parking bay
US: parking space
US: parking stall
area designated and marked for parking a vehicle
3.3.60
building line
US: sight line
line that defines the extent of a building (3.1.3) beside a road (3.3.1) so as to ensure adequate sight lines
3.3.61
canal
channel (5.4.16) constructed to carry water, usually for navigation, but which can also be used for water
power, irrigation (3.2.26), collecting rainwater run-off (10.24), or drainage (5.4.35) of surface water
(10.23)
3.3.62
canalized river
river in which the water level (9.2.32) has been changed to form a canal (3.3.61) by the use of locks
(3.3.63) and weirs (3.2.27) placed at intervals along its course and thus rendering it navigable
3.3.63
lock
enclosure on a river, canal (3.3.61), or at the entrance to a non-tidal dock (3.3.66), with movable watertight
gates through which vessels pass and proceed from one water level (9.2.32) to another
Note 1 to entry: In English, there is a homograph for the term “lock”. See 5.5.40.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “lock”. See 5.5.37 and 5.5.40.
3.3.64
basin
US: harbor
partially enclosed or sheltered area of water where vessels are moored or docked
3.3.65
berth
US: pier
place where a vessel can be moored, usually for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “pier”. See 3.3.68 and 5.1.50.
3.3.66
dock
US: port
basin (3.3.64) for shipping
3.3.67
dry dock
dock (3.3.66) with gates from which water can be drained or pumped, leaving it dry to enable a vessel
to be built or repaired
3.3.68
pier
structure (3.1.4), usually open, projecting from the shore and used as a promenade or to provide a berth
(3.3.65)
Note 1 to entry: In English, there is a homograph for the term “pier”. See 5.1.50.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “pier”. See 3.3.65.
3.3.69
dolphin
isolated structure (3.1.4) or strong point used either to manoeuvre a vessel or to facilitate holding it in
position in a berth (3.3.65)
3.3.70
cul-de-sac
road (3.3.1) accessible from only one end
3.3.71
roundabout
US: rotary
portion of a road (3.3.1), usually at a junction, on which traffic (10.5) moves in one direction around a
central element
3.4 Buildings
3.4.1
housing
buildings (3.1.3) for residential use
3.4.2
dwelling
unit of housing (3.4.1)
3.4.3
flat
US: apartment
dwelling (3.4.2), mainly on a single storey (4.1.2), within a larger building (3.1.3)
3.4.4
maisonette
US: duplex
US: duplex apartment
dwelling (3.4.2) of more than one storey (4.1.2) within a larger building (3.1.3)
3.4.5
house
building (3.1.3) designed as one dwelling (3.4.2)
3.4.6
bungalow
small house (3.4.5) of one storey (4.1.2)
12 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

3.4.7
store
US: warehouse
US: storage space
building (3.1.3) or space (4.1.1) within a building devoted to the storage or distribution of supplies or
merchandise
3.4.8
office building
building (3.1.3) used principally for administrative or clerical work
3.4.9
shop
US: store
US: retail shop
building (3.1.3) or space (4.1.1) within a building for the sale of merchandise or the provision of services
involving the receiving and returning of goods
3.4.10
factory
building (3.1.3) or group of buildings used principally for the manufacture of goods
3.4.11
workshop
US: shop
building (3.1.3) or space (4.1.1) within a building that serves as a work space for a particular manual or
mechanical activity
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “shop”. See 3.4.9.
3.4.12
joinery shop
US: cabinet shop
US: millwork shop
building (3.1.3) or space (4.1.1) where joinery (5.5.18) is manufactured
3.4.13
air terminal
building (3.1.3) or group of buildings where passengers or goods, or both, transfer or are transferred to
or from aircraft
3.4.14
framed building
US: curtain wall building
building (3.1.3) that relies wholly or mainly on a frame (5.1.70) rather than on loadbearing walls (5.2.46)
for strength and stability
3.4.15
steel-framed building
framed building (3.4.14) in which steel is the main structural material (6.1.1)
3.4.16
timber-framed building
US: post and beam construction
framed building (3.4.14) in which timber (6.3.2) is the main structural material (6.1.1)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, when the width (9.2.16) or thickness (9.2.24) of the timber (6.3.2) used as the main
structural material (6.1.1) is less than 100 mm, the term “wood frame construction” is used.
3.4.17
platform-frame building
US: platform frame construction
timber-framed building (3.4.16) which, for strength and stability, relies wholly or mainly on loadbearing
walls (5.2.46) that have studs (5.1.51) on sill plates (5.3.45) supported by the floor (5.2.10)
3.4.18
balloon-frame building
US: balloon frame construction
timber-framed building (3.4.16) which, for strength and stability, relies wholly or mainly on loadbearing
walls (5.2.46) and that has studs (5.1.51) in the exterior walls extending in one piece from sill plate
(5.3.45) to wall plate (5.1.56) below the roof (5.2.21)
4 Spaces
4.1 Base terms
4.1.1
space
area or volume bounded actually or theoretically
4.1.2
storey
US: story
space (4.1.1) between two consecutive floors (5.2.10) or between a floor and a roof (5.2.21)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, this term does not apply to an attic (4.2.2) or space (4.1.1) partly or wholly below ground
level (9.2.33).
4.1.3
room
enclosed space (4.1.1) within a storey (4.1.2), other than a circulation space (4.4.1)
4.1.4
bay
structural subdivision of a building (3.1.3) or other structure (3.1.4)
4.1.5
extension
US: addition
addition to an existing building (3.1.3)
4.1.6
protected space
space (4.1.1) to which entry by undesired people or objects is prevented
4.2 Spaces associated with particular parts of the building
4.2.1
loft
US: attic
space (4.1.1) below a pitched roof (5.2.24) with limited access, not intended for habitation and frequently
used for storage
14 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

4.2.2
attic
US: loft
room (4.1.3) mainly contained within the space (4.1.1) below a pitched roof (5.2.24)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, an attic (loft) can also be a space (4.1.1) having a high ceiling (5.2.18) that can
accommodate multiple storeys (4.1.2) for habitation.
4.2.3
basement storey
storey (4.1.2) directly below the ground floor (4.2.5)
4.2.4
sub-basement
any storey (4.1.2) under the basement storey (4.2.3) of a building (3.1.3)
4.2.5
ground floor
US: first floor
storey (4.1.2) that provides principal access at or near ground level (9.2.33)
4.2.6
first floor
US: second floor
storey (4.1.2) above ground floor (4.2.5)
4.2.7
second floor
US: third floor
storey (4.1.2) above first floor (4.2.6)
4.2.8
mezzanine
intermediate and partial storey (4.1.2), usually between the ground floor (4.2.5) and first floor (4.2.6),
and usually fully or partially open on one or more sides
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “mezzanine”. See 4.2.15.
4.2.9
balcony
upper accessible platform within a storey (4.1.2), not fully enclosed by walls (5.2.46)
4.2.10
external balcony
accessible platform that projects from the external face of a building (3.1.3)
4.2.11
internal balcony
US: recessed balcony
accessible platform recessed from the external face of a building (3.1.3)
4.2.12
porch
US: veranda
space (4.1.1) in front of an external door (5.3.3), recessed into a building (3.1.3) or covered by a projection
from it
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “porch”. See 4.3.10.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “veranda”. See 4.3.10.
4.2.13
basement
usable part of a building (3.1.3), situated partly or entirely below ground level (9.2.33)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, basement is a term for a space (4.1.1) having less than half its clear height (9.2.20) below
ground level (9.2.33), while cellar (4.2.18) is a term for a space having more than half its clear height below ground
level.
4.2.14
arcade
US: mall
covered passage (4.4.4), usually with shops (3.4.9) on one or both sides
4.2.15
gallery
US: mezzanine
upper space (4.1.1), bounded by a balustrade (5.2.69, 5.2.70), within and open to a larger space
Note 1 to entry: In the US, gallery is a term that is often used to describe a small shop (3.4.9), such as an art gallery.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “mezzanine”. See 4.2.8.
4.2.16
forecourt
US: front yard
US: front garden
external space (4.1.1), normally bounded on three sides by buildings (3.1.3), walls (5.2.46), or fences
(5.5.74), in front of a building
4.2.17
courtyard
external space (4.1.1) bounded by buildings (3.1.3), walls (5.2.46), or fences (5.5.74)
4.2.18
cellar
basement (4.2.13) used for storage, heating plant (5.4.11), and for purposes other than habitation
Note 1 to entry: In the US, cellar is a term for a space (4.1.1) having more than half its clear height (9.2.20) below
ground level (9.2.33), while basement (4.2.13) is a term for a space having less than half its clear height below
ground level.
4.2.19
loading bay
recess containing a platform for the loading and unloading of vehicles
4.2.20
wing
part of a building (3.1.3) that is subordinate to the main part
4.3 Functional spaces
4.3.1
activity space
space (4.1.1) required for an activity, including the space occupied by equipment for the task
4.3.2
operational area
minimum space (4.1.1) required for carrying out an activity around a given appliance (5.4.7)
16 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

4.3.3
working space
US: staging area
US: staging space
additional space (4.1.1) formed alongside a trench (3.2.12) or other excavation (3.2.2) to facilitate work
below ground level (9.2.33), or other space required on site (3.1.6) to enable construction work (7.1.1) to
be carried out
4.3.4
toilet
US: restroom
US: powder room
room (4.1.3) in which one or more WC suites (5.4.9) and/or a urinal or urinals and wash basins, are
installed
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “toilet”. See 4.3.5 and 5.4.9.
4.3.5
WC
US: toilet
room (4.1.3) in which a single WC suite (5.4.9) is installed
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “toilet”. See 4.3.4 and 5.4.9.
4.3.6
washroom
room (4.1.3) in which one or more wash basins are installed
4.3.7
office
space (4.1.1) within a building (3.1.3) used principally for administrative or clerical work
4.3.8
hall
US: auditorium
large assembly room (4.1.3)
Note 1 to entry: In English, there is a homograph to the term “hall”. See 4.4.5.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “hall”. See 4.4.3 and 4.4.5.
4.3.9
terrace
US: patio
external horizontal area, usually for people, often fitted with a balustrade (5.2.69, 5.2.70)
4.3.10
verandah
US: veranda
US: porch
roofed terrace (4.3.9) along the side of a building (3.1.3)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “porch”. See 4.2.12.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “veranda”. See 4.2.12.
4.3.11
inspection pit
US: test pit
pit for inspection of substructures (5.1.4) and services (5.4.1)
4.3.12
light well
US: light shaft
US: air shaft
unroofed space (4.1.1), bounded on all sides, which provides daylight to more than one storey (4.1.2) of a
building (3.1.3) and can provide ventilation
4.3.13
basement area
US: window well
unroofed space (4.1.1) below ground level (9.2.33) and external to a building (3.1.3) which provides light
and air to rooms (4.1.3) in a basement (4.2.13)
4.3.14
basement access
US: areaway
unroofed space (4.1.1) below ground level (9.2.33) which provides access to one or more rooms (4.1.3) in
a basement (4.2.13)
4.4 Spaces associated with circulation and movement
4.4.1
circulation space
space (4.1.1) for the movement of people, goods, or vehicles
4.4.2
means of access
US: access
US: egress
public or private way of approach or entrance for pedestrians or vehicles
4.4.3
corridor
US: hall
US: passage
narrow enclosed circulation space (4.4.1) that gives access to rooms (4.1.3) or other spaces (4.1.1)
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “corridor”. See 4.4.5.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “hall”. See 4.3.8 and 4.4.5.
4.4.4
passage
US: walkway
narrow circulation space (4.4.1) bounded on both sides and intended for pedestrians
Note 1 to entry: A passage might or might not be covered.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “passage”. See 4.4.3 and 4.4.5.
Note 3 to entry: In the US, there are homographs for the term “walkway”. See 3.3.55 and 4.4.8.
4.4.5
hall
US: entrance hall
...