Rohbaus

Rohbaus is the plural form of Rohbau, a term used in German-speaking construction to describe the rough structural shell of a building. It denotes the stage when the primary framework and exterior envelope are in place, while interior finishing and many installations have not yet been completed.

The Rohbau typically includes load-bearing elements such as walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure. It may also cover the prepared openings for windows and doors and, depending on contracts, some internal walls that define spaces. It excludes most interior finishes, fixtures, and services like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC beyond basic rough-ins.

In practice, the Rohbau follows the foundation and involves erecting the structural frame, constructing or closing external walls, and adding the roof. Weatherproofing and basic stabilization are often completed at this stage. The transition from Rohbau to Ausbau marks the start of interior finishing, interior wall construction, and the installation of building services.

Materials used for Rohbau work vary by region and design, including reinforced concrete, brick or concrete masonry, steel framing, and timber framing. The choice of system affects build speed, cost, and thermal performance of the finished structure.

Economically, the Rohbau is a major milestone in project planning and cost control, frequently used for progress tracking and contractual payments. Regulatory oversight typically requires structural inspections at or after Rohbau completion to verify safety and compliance with building codes.

See also: Rohbau, Ausbau, Bauwesen, construction milestones.