ickebärande

ickebärande is a Swedish term used in architecture to describe elements that do not carry structural loads. The word combines icke (not) with bärande (bearing). In contrast, load-bearing elements carry vertical loads from floors or roofs to the foundation.

Common examples are interior partitions, non-load-bearing walls, dropped ceilings, and cosmetic facades that do not participate in load transfer. These elements primarily define spaces or finish interiors rather than support the building structure. They are typically distinguished from load-bearing components in architectural drawings and planning documents.

Implications for design and renovation: since they do not carry vertical loads, ickebärande components typically can be removed, relocated, or altered with less risk to structural stability, though services such as electrical and plumbing, as well as any attached fixtures, must be considered. Before modifying any wall, a structural assessment is recommended, especially in older buildings where some partitions may have structural ties or be unexpectedly load-bearing.

In architectural practice, ickebärande elements are marked differently from bärande elements. The term is commonly used in Swedish-language contexts; in other languages, the concept corresponds to non-load-bearing, non-structural, or partition walls.