stommar

Stommar is the plural form of a term used in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish architectural and engineering language to refer to the structural framework or skeleton of a building, vehicle, ship, or other construction. The stomme comprises the primary load-bearing elements that carry weight from floors and roofs down to foundations, distinguishing the framework from non-load-bearing cladding and finishes. While the concept is widespread, the exact word usage can vary between languages, and stommar are often described in English as the structural frame or skeleton.

Typical components of stommar include columns or posts, beams or girders, floors, and the surrounding walls that act as load-bearing elements. The choice of material—wood, steel, or reinforced concrete—strongly influences the design, construction sequence, and performance. Timber-framed stommar are common in traditional and some contemporary buildings, while steel frames and concrete cores dominate in modern high-rise and industrial projects. Connections between elements, such as joints, welds, bolts, and fasteners, are critical for ensuring stability and durability.

Design and maintenance focus on creating a continuous load path, controlling deflections, and managing thermal and moisture effects. Seismic, wind, and other lateral loads drive considerations for redundancy and resilience. In practice, stommar define the overall proportions and flexibility of a structure, while the exterior finishes and partitions add functional space and appearance. See also: structural frame, framing, skeleton, load path.