bygningskroppens

Bygningskroppen, in its possessive form bygningskroppens, is a term used in Scandinavian building science to describe the building’s structural body—the system of elements that carry loads and form the skeleton of a building. It includes the foundation, columns and beams, floors and roof structures, and often load-bearing walls. The bygningskroppens defines the building’s geometry, stiffness, and stability, and it works together with the building envelope to transfer loads to the ground.

Its primary function is to carry gravity and lateral loads (wind, earthquakes) and to resist deformation within acceptable limits. Materials include reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and composites, often in hybrid configurations. Design considers load paths, connections, redundancy, fire safety, constructability, and durability. Modern analysis uses structural engineering tools to assess performance under various scenarios.

In contemporary practice the bygningskroppens is distinct from the building envelope (skalet) and from services and finishes. Tall or seismic regions employ framed or core-and-shell systems that provide strength through efficient load transfer, while the envelope handles weather and energy control. Historical buildings illustrate the shift from load-bearing walls to framed structures.

In English-language contexts the term bygningskroppens is rarely used; more common equivalents are structural system or building frame. See also structural engineering, building envelope, foundation, frame, and shell.