Building glossary | Obra Lisboa

Absorção acústica — Sound absorption

Reduction of sound energy reflected by surfaces within a space.

Illustrative example: Considering an absorptive ceiling in a room with echo.

On site: It treats sound within a room; it does not mean insulating noise between rooms.

Acabamento — Finish

The final layer or treatment that determines how a surface looks and is used.

Illustrative example: Choosing washable paint for a kitchen wall.

On site: Specifying the finish helps you compare materials and plan maintenance.

Acessibilidade — Accessibility

Conditions enabling people with different abilities to use spaces and routes.

Illustrative example: Reviewing doorway clearance and manoeuvring space.

On site: It should be integrated into the design from the earliest decisions.

Aço de armadura — Reinforcing steel

Steel bars or mesh embedded in concrete, mainly to resist tensile forces.

Illustrative example: Identifying the reinforcement specified for a concrete beam.

On site: Steel positioning, connections and protection follow the structural design.

Aditivo — Admixture

A product added to a mix in small quantities to change properties such as workability or setting time.

Illustrative example: Selecting a mortar with a working time suited to the task.

On site: Dosage and compatibility are checked against the product documentation.

Afagamento — Wood floor sanding

Controlled sanding of a timber surface to prepare it for refinishing.

Illustrative example: Assessing a timber floor before renewing its varnish.

On site: The usable thickness and timber condition limit the work.

Agregado — Aggregate

Granular material, such as sand or gravel, used in construction mixes.

Illustrative example: Specifying the constituents of a concrete mix.

On site: Size and properties influence the behaviour of the mix.

Alçado — Elevation drawing

A drawing showing a vertical face of a building, including its openings, materials and proportions.

Illustrative example: Showing the windows on the front of a house.

On site: It helps coordinate openings, alignments and exterior materials.

Alinhamento — Alignment

A geometric relationship between elements following a common reference.

Illustrative example: Aligning the tops of doors along a corridor.

On site: Defining reference lines avoids visual differences that are difficult to correct later.

Alvenaria — Masonry

Construction using units such as bricks or blocks, arranged and joined to form walls or other elements.

Illustrative example: Building a block partition between two rooms.

On site: The wall’s role needs to be identified before deciding on the work.

Andaime — Scaffolding

A temporary structure providing access and working platforms at height during construction.

Illustrative example: Planning access to a façade to repair its finish.

On site: Assembly, use and inspection require planning by competent people.

AQS — Domestic hot water

Hot water prepared for domestic uses such as bathing and washing.

Illustrative example: Assessing hot-water needs for two bathrooms.

On site: System selection considers demand, space and maintenance.

Argamassa — Mortar

A mixture of binder, fine aggregates and water used for work such as laying masonry or rendering.

Illustrative example: Using a suitable mortar when laying bricks.

On site: The product must suit the work and the base.

Argamassa de colagem — Tile adhesive mortar

A mix used to bond finishes to a substrate; selection depends on the finish, substrate and exposure.

Illustrative example: Selecting tile adhesive for a shower area.

On site: The substrate, tile size and exposure influence selection.

Argamassa de juntas — Grout

Material used to fill joints between finish units.

Illustrative example: Selecting the fill between kitchen tiles.

On site: Selection considers joint width, cleaning and exposure.

Azulejo — Glazed ceramic tile

A ceramic tile, usually glazed, used to cover surfaces.

Illustrative example: Preserving an existing tiled panel during renovation.

On site: Condition, the value of the assembly and compatibility affect repair choices.

Barreira de vapor — Vapour barrier

A layer with high resistance to water-vapour passage; its position depends on the construction build-up.

Illustrative example: Assessing the layers of an insulated roof.

On site: Its position should follow assessment of the assembly's moisture and thermal behaviour.

Betão — Concrete

A material made from cement, water and aggregates that gains strength after mixing and placement.

Illustrative example: Constructing a concrete slab specified in the design.

On site: Its composition and installation depend on the element’s role and the design.

Betão armado — Reinforced concrete

A system in which concrete and reinforcement act together to resist design actions.

Illustrative example: Specifying a concrete slab with reinforcement defined in the design.

On site: Performance depends on the design and execution of the assembly.

Betonilha — Screed

A mortar layer that levels a floor or prepares the base for a floor finish.

Illustrative example: Levelling the base before installing the selected flooring.

On site: Allow for its thickness and readiness for the next stage.

Betume — Filler

A term used for filling or smoothing materials; the product depends on the application.

Illustrative example: Smoothing minor imperfections before painting.

On site: Identify the substrate and intended use, rather than relying only on the product name.

Bomba de calor — Heat pump

Equipment that transfers heat between environments and can provide heating, cooling or hot water.

Illustrative example: Considering a domestic water-heating solution.

On site: Capacity, noise, ventilation and available space need coordination.

Caderno de encargos — Specification

A document setting out technical requirements for the planned work, materials and execution.

Illustrative example: Describing the specified finishes for each room.

On site: It reduces ambiguity between pricing, materials and execution.

Caixa de estore — Shutter box

An enclosure housing a rolled shutter and its mechanism.

Illustrative example: Reviewing the box during window replacement.

On site: Airtightness, insulation and access to the mechanism should be considered.

Caixilharia — Window and door frames

The profiles and components forming the frame and opening parts of windows or doors.

Illustrative example: Replacing a window within its existing opening.

On site: Consider the complete assembly: frame, glazing, hardware and installation.

Caleira — Gutter

A channel collecting roof rainwater and directing it to downpipes.

Illustrative example: Reviewing rainwater collection when renewing a roof.

On site: Capacity, slope and maintenance influence drainage.

Calha técnica — Service trunking

An enclosure that organises and protects cables or small service runs and provides maintenance access.

Illustrative example: Organising cables on an office wall.

On site: Routes should account for protection, capacity and future access.

Cantaria — Dressed stonework

Worked stone elements used around openings, at junctions or elsewhere in a building.

Illustrative example: Assessing a stone surround on an old façade.

On site: Cleaning and repair should respect the stone type and condition.

Capilaridade — Capillary action

Water movement through fine pores in a material, which can contribute to damp near ground level.

Illustrative example: Investigating persistent damp at the base of a wall.

On site: Diagnosis distinguishes ground moisture, water ingress and condensation.

Carga permanente — Permanent load

The weight of elements that remain in a building, such as its structure, walls and finishes.

Illustrative example: Accounting for the weight of a new screed.

On site: Adding weight may require checking the existing structure.

Cerâmica — Ceramic material

Material formed and fired from mineral raw materials, used in building products.

Illustrative example: Comparing ceramic finishes for a floor.

On site: Intended use, surface properties and the installation system guide selection.

Cobertura — Roof

The upper assembly protecting a building from external exposure.

Illustrative example: Assessing tiles, insulation and junctions during renovation.

On site: The solution includes structure, water control, thermal performance and maintenance.

Cofragem — Formwork

Temporary or permanent moulds that shape concrete during placement and initial hardening.

Illustrative example: Defining formwork for a concrete staircase.

On site: Geometry, stability and removal sequence form part of planning.

Coletor — Manifold or collector pipe

A component that collects or distributes flows through several pipes; its role depends on the system.

Illustrative example: Planning an accessible water-distribution point.

On site: Access helps identify circuits and carry out maintenance.

Condensação — Condensation

Water vapour turning into liquid water, which can occur when air meets a cold surface.

Illustrative example: Seeing droplets on the inside of a window on a cold morning.

On site: The source of moisture needs to be identified before choosing a solution.

Corte — Section drawing

A drawing of a building as if cut by a plane, showing heights, levels and construction layers.

Illustrative example: Showing a suspended-ceiling height on a drawing.

On site: It shows relationships between floors, ceilings and services that plans may not reveal.

Cota — Dimension or level

A numerical indication of a dimension or level on a drawing.

Illustrative example: Indicating the finished floor level.

On site: Existing, proposed and finished dimensions must be distinguished.

Cura do betão — Concrete curing

Managing moisture and temperature in young concrete to support hardening and limit premature drying.

Illustrative example: Planning protection for a freshly cast slab.

On site: The procedure depends on the concrete, environment and specification.

Demolição seletiva — Selective demolition

Planned removal of parts of a building, separating materials and protecting elements that are retained.

Illustrative example: Removing a finish while retaining the existing wall.

On site: It helps protect retained elements and separate removed materials.

Desvão — Roof void

The space between a roof and the ceiling or floor below.

Illustrative example: Assessing access to the roof void for inspection.

On site: Use, ventilation and access need coordination.

Dilatação térmica — Thermal expansion

A material's dimensional change caused by a temperature change.

Illustrative example: Allowing for movement in a sun-exposed floor.

On site: Joints and edge details should accommodate expected movement.

Drenagem — Drainage

Systems that collect and convey water to prevent accumulation in unwanted areas.

Illustrative example: Assessing how water drains from a terrace.

On site: Falls, outlets and drainage routes must work together.

Eflorescência — Efflorescence

A surface salt deposit, often associated with water moving through a material.

Illustrative example: Investigating whitish deposits on a wall.

On site: Cleaning without understanding the water source may not solve the problem.

Empreitada — Construction contract works

Construction work agreed between a client and contractor, with a defined scope, price and conditions.

Illustrative example: Defining the work included in a kitchen renovation.

On site: Scope, exclusions and changes should be clear to both parties.

Escoramento — Temporary propping

Temporary support for building elements while work affects their stability or before they can support themselves.

Illustrative example: Planning temporary support during structural work.

On site: The arrangement and sequence are defined by competent professionals.

Estaleiro — Construction site facilities

The organised area supporting construction, including access, storage, equipment and welfare facilities.

Illustrative example: Reserving areas for materials and movement on site.

On site: Organisation reduces conflicts between deliveries, storage and work.

Estanquidade — Tightness

The ability to limit unwanted water or air passage through an element or joint.

Illustrative example: Reviewing the junction between window and wall.

On site: Specify whether the concern is water, air or both.

Estrutura — Structural system

The system of elements that receives building loads and transfers them to the ground.

Illustrative example: Identifying load-bearing elements before changing a room.

On site: Structural function should not be inferred from a wall's appearance alone.

ETICS — External thermal insulation composite system

An external thermal insulation system whose insulation, protective and finishing layers work together.

Illustrative example: Specifying a complete system in a facade refurbishment design.

On site: Connections and components need to be specified as parts of the same system.

Fachada — Façade

An external face of a building, including walls, openings, finishes and other visible elements.

Illustrative example: Assessing finishes and junctions before façade refurbishment.

On site: Work considers the whole assembly, including openings and drainage.

Ferragem — Hardware

A metal component used to fix, move, close or adjust doors, windows and furniture.

Illustrative example: Choosing hinges suited to a door.

On site: Weight, use and adjustability influence selection.

Fissura — Crack

An opening in a material whose cause and significance depend on its location, development and the affected element.

Illustrative example: Recording the location and development of a crack in a wall.

On site: The cause should be assessed before choosing a cosmetic repair.

Forra — Lining

A layer or element used to line a surface or conceal services.

Illustrative example: Creating a lining to accommodate a service run.

On site: Required inspection and maintenance access should be retained.

Fuga de água — Water leak

Unintended escape of water from a pipe, fixture or connection.

Illustrative example: Investigating a damp connection beneath a basin.

On site: Locating the source avoids repairing only the visible symptom.

Fundação — Foundation

The part of a structure that transfers the building loads to the supporting ground.

Illustrative example: Assessing how a new building is supported by the ground.

On site: The solution depends on loads and ground conditions.

Gesso cartonado — Plasterboard

A board with a gypsum core and paper facing, used in wall and ceiling systems.

Illustrative example: Creating a partition with boards fixed to a supporting frame.

On site: Performance depends on the complete system and a board type suitable for the location.

Guarda — Guardrail

A protective barrier beside a drop, staircase or balcony.

Illustrative example: Assessing replacement of a staircase guardrail.

On site: Geometry, strength and fixings require technical specification.

Impermeabilização — Waterproofing

A set of measures designed to stop water passing through a surface or junction.

Illustrative example: Treating the junction between a terrace floor and a wall.

On site: Junctions, edge details and drainage are part of the solution to assess.

Infiltração — Water ingress

Unwanted water entry through building elements or junctions.

Illustrative example: Assessing a stain that appears after rainfall.

On site: The source may be far from where the stain appears.

Isolamento acústico — Sound insulation

Reducing sound transmission between spaces through building elements.

Illustrative example: Assessing the wall between a bedroom and a noisy living room.

On site: Limiting sound transmission differs from reducing echo within a room.

Isolamento térmico — Thermal insulation

A layer or solution that limits heat transfer through parts of a building.

Illustrative example: Assessing roof insulation during a refurbishment.

On site: The continuity of the solution and its junctions with other elements matter.

Junta — Joint

A separation or connection between elements. It may accommodate movement or support the construction sequence.

Illustrative example: Detailing the joint where two different finishes meet.

On site: Joints do not all have the same purpose or filling material.

Lã mineral — Mineral wool

A mineral-fibre material used in thermal and acoustic insulation systems.

Illustrative example: Specifying insulation inside a partition.

On site: Performance depends on the product and continuity of the system.

Ladrilho — Tile

A modular unit used to finish floors or walls.

Illustrative example: Planning the tile layout on a floor.

On site: Format, cuts and joints should be planned before installation.

Laje — Slab

A mainly flat structural element used, for example, in floors and roofs.

Illustrative example: Assessing a floor before proposing a new opening.

On site: Changes to openings or loads require structural assessment.

Levantamento — Measured survey

A record of the dimensions, layout and observable conditions of a space or building before work begins.

Illustrative example: Measuring a kitchen before designing new cabinets.

On site: Existing dimensions and conditions inform design and quantities.

Mapa de quantidades — Bill of quantities

An organised list of work items and quantities used to prepare and compare quotations.

Illustrative example: Quantifying walls to be painted in each room.

On site: It helps compare quotations on the same scope.

Mástique — Sealant

A sealing material applied to joints, selected for movement and exposure.

Illustrative example: Detailing a seal between different materials.

On site: Compatibility, preparation and joint geometry affect the result.

Medição de obra — Measurement of works

Quantifying planned or completed work using defined rules.

Illustrative example: Checking the area of installed finish.

On site: The rules should allow design, quotation and execution to be compared.

Membrana de impermeabilização — Waterproofing membrane

A continuous layer, formed on site or applied in sheets, within a system that prevents water penetration.

Illustrative example: Detailing a membrane around a terrace drain.

On site: Continuity and special details matter as much as the main surface.

Microcimento — Microcement

A thin, continuous finish applied in layers to a prepared substrate and protected with a finishing system.

Illustrative example: Considering a continuous finish for a bathroom.

On site: Substrate preparation and final protection are essential to the system.

Nivelamento — Levelling

Checking or correcting surface heights against a reference.

Illustrative example: Assessing a substrate before installing flooring.

On site: Being level is not the same as having the required drainage fall.

Pavimento flutuante — Floating floor

Flooring whose boards form a layer laid over a base without being fully bonded to the substrate.

Illustrative example: Planning click-fit flooring in a living room.

On site: The base, joints and moisture conditions must suit the product.

Pé-direito — Floor-to-ceiling height

The vertical distance between a room's floor and ceiling.

Illustrative example: Checking available height before adding a suspended ceiling.

On site: Finishes and services can reduce the usable height.

Peitoril — Window sill

The element at the base of a window that finishes the opening and can help direct water outward.

Illustrative example: Reviewing the lower junction when replacing a window.

On site: The detail should coordinate the frame, façade and water drainage.

Pendente — Fall or slope

The inclination of a surface or pipe, often used to guide drainage.

Illustrative example: Defining the drainage direction of a terrace.

On site: It should be coordinated with levels, outlets and access.

Pilar — Column

A generally vertical structural element that transfers loads to other elements or foundations.

Illustrative example: Locating columns during an apartment survey.

On site: Their position affects layout options and alterations.

Planta — Floor plan

A drawing of a space in horizontal section, showing rooms, dimensions and circulation.

Illustrative example: Comparing two kitchen layouts.

On site: It helps assess circulation, furniture and relationships between spaces.

Ponte térmica — Thermal bridge

An area where heat passes through the building envelope differently because of its geometry or materials.

Illustrative example: Analysing the junction of a slab and an external wall.

On site: It highlights discontinuities that looking only at the wall may miss.

Pré-instalação — First-fix provision

Preparation of routes and connections for equipment to be installed later.

Illustrative example: Planning service routes before closing walls.

On site: Future equipment requirements should be identified.

Primário — Primer

A product applied before paint, adhesive or a finish to prepare the substrate and improve adhesion.

Illustrative example: Preparing a repaired wall before painting.

On site: The product must suit the substrate and the following finish.

Projeto de execução — Detailed design

Drawings and specifications developing the solutions needed to guide construction work.

Illustrative example: Detailing a cabinet's junction with a wall and lighting.

On site: Coordinating drawings and specifications avoids improvised site decisions.

Quadro elétrico — Electrical distribution board

An assembly containing devices that protect and distribute the electrical circuits of an installation.

Illustrative example: Assessing circuits during a kitchen renovation.

On site: Changes and checks are carried out by qualified professionals.

Ralo — Drain outlet

A fitting collecting surface water and conveying it to a drainage system.

Illustrative example: Coordinating a drain with a shower floor.

On site: Levels, waterproofing and cleaning should be considered together.

Reabilitação — Building rehabilitation

Work restoring or improving the usability and performance of an existing building.

Illustrative example: Renewing deteriorated elements while retaining parts of the building.

On site: Assessment of the existing building informs scope and priorities.

Reboco — Render or plaster

A mortar layer applied to a wall or ceiling to even out or protect its surface.

Illustrative example: Evening out a wall before its final finish.

On site: Compatibility with the base affects product selection.

Remate — Junction detail

A detail terminating a layer or connecting different materials or elements.

Illustrative example: Detailing the junction between façade and roof.

On site: Small discontinuities can undermine the performance of the assembly.

Revestimento — Surface covering

A material or set of layers applied to an element to protect, finish or adapt it for use.

Illustrative example: Installing ceramic tiles on a bathroom wall.

On site: Selection includes base preparation, joints and future maintenance.

Rodapé — Skirting board

A trim at the junction of wall and floor that protects the base of the wall and completes the room finish.

Illustrative example: Choosing a trim compatible with doors and flooring.

On site: Height, thickness and junctions should be coordinated.

Sanca — Ceiling cove

An element at the wall-ceiling junction, decorative or used to integrate lighting.

Illustrative example: Planning indirect lighting in a living room.

On site: Dimensions, lighting effect and equipment access need coordination.

Sifão — Trap

A fitting retaining a water seal to limit drainage gases entering a room.

Illustrative example: Reviewing a basin's connection to drainage.

On site: Access helps with cleaning and leak checks.

Soalho — Timber flooring

Flooring made from timber pieces, with various fixing and finishing systems.

Illustrative example: Assessing refurbishment of an existing timber floor.

On site: Moisture, substrate and usable thickness affect the work.

Soleira — Threshold

The lower element of a doorway, finishing the transition between spaces or between inside and outside.

Illustrative example: Reviewing the transition between a living room and balcony.

On site: Levels, accessibility and water protection need coordination.

Suporte — Substrate

The base onto which a material or building system is applied.

Illustrative example: Assessing a wall’s condition before applying a finish.

On site: The base condition affects preparation and the adhesion of subsequent layers.

Teto falso — Suspended ceiling

A ceiling installed below the building element above it, leaving a space in between.

Illustrative example: Integrating lighting into a ceiling below the existing slab.

On site: Available height, services and maintenance access need to be coordinated.

Tubo de queda — Downpipe

A mainly vertical pipe conveying rainwater or wastewater, depending on the system.

Illustrative example: Identifying the rainwater route from a roof.

On site: Systems must be distinguished and maintenance access considered.

Vão — Opening or span

An opening in a wall or a distance between supports, depending on the design context.

Illustrative example: Measuring a window opening before ordering.

On site: Final dimensions should account for the frame, allowances and junctions.

Ventilação mecânica controlada — Controlled mechanical ventilation

Air renewal using mechanical equipment for extraction and, depending on the system, supply.

Illustrative example: Assessing air renewal in a home during renovation.

On site: Sizing, noise and maintenance need to be considered in the design.

Vidro duplo — Double glazing

Two panes separated by a sealed cavity, with properties that contribute to the window's performance.

Illustrative example: Comparing glazing options for an existing window.

On site: Performance also depends on the frame, seals and installation.

Viga — Beam

A structural element that receives loads along its span and transfers them to its supports.

Illustrative example: Identifying the beam above an opening to be altered.

On site: Work depends on assessing loads and supports.