The books that will help you significantly improve your knowledge of construction detailing
First In Architecture features a selection of construction detailing books. These books provide a solid guidance to those looking to learn or expand their knowledge of construction detailing. The books are packed full of descriptive text and images, 2d scaled detail drawings and 3d rendered details. The books can be purchased as pdf downloads, with the associated digital files in dwg CAD format and skp SketchUp format also available for download. We are very proud to be able to share that the books have been purchased by many university libraries as hard copies for the university shelves.
House Extension Details: An Architectural Guide
With a comprehensive library of 200+ 2D UK house extension construction details, the book includes:
- Construction details including walls, foundations, floors, roofs, thresholds, doors, windows, rooflights and more.
- Multiple build-ups including timber frame, masonry cavity, solid wall retrofits, and structural glazing detailing strategies.
- Clear annotation and practical context for how and when to apply each detail.
- CAD and SketchUp files available in bundled formats for seamless integration into your workflows.
- Example planning and technical drawing packs.
- Real-life project guidance, including regulatory considerations, material selection, and detail design tips.
Understanding Architectural Details
The Understanding Architectural Details series is based on UK construction methods and standards. The series contains construction details guides on Residential, Commercial and Basement construction.
Understanding Architectural Details – Residential
Full of over 120 details, the Residential edition includes:
- Functional requirements
- Detailing principles
- Materials
- Masonry construction
- Timber Frame construction
- Foundations
- Floors
- Walls
- Windows & doors
- Roofs
- Steel frame
- SIPS
- Green roofs
Understanding Architectural Details – Commercial
Full of over 150 details, the Commercial edition includes:
- Functional requirements
- Detailing principles
- Materials
- Foundations & Floors
- Basements
- Frames (concrete and steel)
- Portal Frames
- Walls and cladding
- Roofs
Understanding Loft Conversions
The loft conversion books covers:
- Existing building
- New strucutre
- Planning and building regulations
- Over 40 loft conversion construction details
Understanding Passivhaus
A simple guide to Passivhaus detailing and design.
Full of over 40 details, the book includes:
- What is a Passivhaus?
- Principles of Passivhaus design
- Types of construction
- Construction details
- Case Studies
Understanding Architectural Details – Basements
The basement books covers:
- Principles of basement design
- Guide to Type A construction
- Guide to Type B construction
- Guide to Type C construction
THE DETAIL LIBRARY
If you are interested in joining our community, head over to the Detail Library to learn more about our platform and get yourself signed up.
The Detail Library provides hundreds of construction details for you to download and use adjust for your own projects. The details are available in 2D Revit, CAD dwg, and 3D SketchUp. You can start downloading straight away and build your own detail reference library. Not like other BIM libraries, the Detail Library contains fully resolved details rather than individual components.
