The 'UK - CAWS' and 'UK - Unilcass' content sets contain an 'Early-stage' library that allows you to start specifications at the RIBA Plan of Work 'Concept Design' stage. 


This article gives general information about the purpose of the 'Early-stage' libraries and links to further reading.


Recommended reading


Overview

The 'Early-stage' libraries contain pre-written multi-disciplinary clauses, example inserts, and guidance on the new concepts and how to apply them. It will provide a smooth user experience and facilitate consistent information gathering and discussions and decisions within project design teams.


Screenshot of the 'Early-stage' library for specifications at RIBA Plan of Work 'Concept Design' stage.

Screenshot of the 'Early-stage' library for specifications at RIBA Plan of Work 'Concept Design' stage.


The 'Early-stage' library is available in the 'UK - CAWS Work sections' and 'UK - Unilcass Work sections' content sets.


Benefits

  • Better capture the brief and planning requirements.
  • Fix performance requirements for each 'element' (e.g. walls, floors, roofs and so on).
  • Better communication with other consultants (e.g. cost, sustainability, fire and so on).
  • An ideal route into the technical specification development.


Scope of content

  • Walls (e.g. external, internal, barriers...).
  • Floors (e.g. ground, basement, upper...).
  • Roofs (e.g. flat, pitched, arched...).
  • Openings (e.g. doors, windows, hatches...).
  • Services (e.g. drainage, ventilation, hatches...).
  • External works (e.g. decks, pavements, gates...).
  • Structural (e.g. foundations, frames...).


'Early-stage' in 'UK - CAWS Work sections'

  • The 'Early-stage' library sits alongside the 'Building', 'Landscape' and 'Small works' libraries.
  • It comprises new sections in Group B, 'Complete buildings/ structures/ units'.

    A screenshot of the 'Early stage' sections UK - CAWS 'Browse content'.

'Early-stage' in 'UK - Uniclass Work sections'

  • The 'Early-stage' library sits alongside the 'Architecture', 'Landscape', ' Services' and 'Structure' libraries.
  • It comprises the Uniclass 'Elements/ functions' (EF) table.

    A screenshot of the 'Early-stage' sections UK - Uniclass 'Browse content'.