byggmasse

Byggmassa is a compound term used in several Scandinavian languages (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish). Literally "building mass," the exact meaning depends on context, discipline, and country. In general usage, byggmassa can refer to either the bulk materials used in constructing a building or to the building's overall mass or volume as a design object.

In construction and engineering contexts, byggmassa denotes the aggregate of materials that make up a structure: concrete, masonry units, timber, steel, insulation, cladding, and finishes. It can indicate the mass (weight) of these materials for purposes such as structural calculations, thermal mass, and handling during construction. In this sense, the term is close to byggmaterial (construction materials) but emphasizes the bulk and composition rather than individual components.

In architectural and planning contexts, byggmassa can refer to the building's massing—the visible bulk and form of a building, including height, depth, and plan footprint. Massing studies address how the volume interacts with surroundings, daylight, acoustics, and energy use.

In waste-management contexts, byggmassa may denote the construction and demolition waste stream, and the related sorting, recycling, and disposal considerations. The term highlights the material side of the construction process, from design choices to end-of-life handling.