Bauarten

Bauarten is a German term used in architecture, civil engineering and building practice to describe categories or typologies of buildings and construction projects. The concept groups projects by characteristic features such as structural system, construction material, use, form, or construction method. Recognizing Bauarten helps designers, planners, insurers and regulators compare projects, apply appropriate standards, and estimate costs.

Typical axes of Bauarten include structural system (Massivbau, Skelettbau, Holzbau, Stahlbau), material (brick, concrete, timber, steel), usage (Wohngebäude, Gewerbebau, Industriebau, öffentliche Bauten), and form (low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise). Construction method (on-site versus prefabricated or modular) and energy performance (standard, energy-efficient, passive, zero-energy) may also define Bauarten. In regulatory contexts Bauarten influence fire safety, insulation and energy requirements codified in national or regional standards.

Historically, Bauarten reflect changes in technology and building practice—from traditional timber-framed and masonry construction to modern reinforced concrete and steel structures. Today the concept remains a practical framework for planning, design, risk assessment and policy, while allowing adaptation to new materials and methods.

Examples include Einfamilienhaus (house for a single family), Mehrfamilienhaus, Bürogebäude, Lagerhalle and Industriegebäude. See also Bauweise, Bautechnik, Gebäudetyp.