A comprehensive construction detail library built for architects and designers
Because no one likes starting from scratch.
- 700+ fully resolved details, ready to download and edit
- Save yourself hours of research and drawing time
- Fastest growing construction detail library in the UK…as far as we know 😉
- Not just building elements – these are complete details
Made for Architects
Stop hunting for that old detail, nestled four folders deep in an archived project, and head straight to the library instead.
Trusted by over 7,000 architects and designers since launch
So you’ll be in good company. Other like-minded architects have chosen to save time with us.
Fully categorised and searchable
Easily find the exact details you are looking for and download straight away. No fuss.
Works on multiple software
2D AutoCAD, 2D Revit and 3D SketchUp, plus PDF versions of the details. Something for everyone.
Wait, What Is the Detail Library?
Over 600 Details
The library consists of residential details for UK construction methods and standards. We are busy working on new details all the time, along with sourcing manufacturer details that we think our members will find useful.
Revit, CAD, SketchUp Details
The Detail Library provides construction details as AutoCAD 2D drawings, Revit 2D drawings, SketchUp 3D drawings, plus pdfs and jpegs of the 2D drawings.
Memberships for Full Access
Purchasing a membership allows you to download the details for free. Annual membership offers free access to all the details, no restrictions on downloads, no restrictions on use. Monthly membership offers free download of 25 details per month, no restrictions on use.
Search for What You Need
The library is fully categorised and searchable, to make it easy to find the exact detail you are after.
Save Hours of Time
We arm architects with construction details and resources so they can dodge headaches, streamline their workflow, and actually have time for lunch.
Perfect for You If…
- you want to save time,
- you work on the technical design of residential projects,
- you want to stop reinventing the wheel every time you start a new project,
- you want to learn more about construction detailing,
- you want to learn more about different types of construction,
- you want a starting point to develop your own details,
- you want a starting point for your own detail library,
- You want to build your confidence in architectural detailing.
How Can the Detail Library Help You?
- Save time searching for details.
- Not just components, fully resolved details.
- Save time and money drawing details from scratch.
- Improve your understanding of construction details.
- Find a variety of examples of different construction methods (traditional, new build, prefab, passivhaus and more!)
- Learn about different products and suppliers.
- Great start to your own detail library.
- Easily adjust the details as you need for your own project.
- New details added regularly.
Who is behind the Detail Library?
Hi, I’m Emma.
I am passionate about making construction details available to all.
In the past I have spent hours searching for details, trying to find an example of a detail so that I can understand the construction a bit better. When I was at university I was really frustrated with how difficult it was to improve my construction knowledge.
Working in practice I would find myself in a similar situation. I knew what I wanted to draw, but sometimes couldn’t find the precedents or examples that would help me come up with a suitable solution. A massive amount of time is spent looking back at previous details, or researching online etc.
The Detail Library presents a quick, go to resource to save time, and provide a selection of precedent details to work from. This is something I certainly wish I had access to, not only during my time working in practice, but during my studies too.
How Does It Work?
The Detail Library works on a subscription model – where you sign up for a membership and get access to the details 24/7.
There is no download limit on annual memberships.
There are no restrictions on use.
We have different membership options that provide different file versions. New details added to the library are automatically included in your membership.
CAD Details are AutoCAD dwg files in version 2010, Revit files are version 2023, SketchUp files are in SketchUp 2022.
If you only need a couple of details, you can purchase individual detail files.
What our Members Say
The detail library is a really useful piece of kit and has saved me hours of work on each job I do.
I prepare around 150 sets of plans each year; every set requires building regulation drawings, so I use the dwg images provided to prepare standard templates for each part of the build, when I have to provide a drawing of, say, foundations, I open the appropriate template and personalise the drawing and within 15 minutes, I have a drawing ready for a builder or building control.
Service is first class.
As Featured On
New Details Added This August:
REW04 – Retro Ecowall – Full Fill Warm Roof Eaves – Section
REW05 – Retro Ecowall – Intermediate Floor Joists Parallel With Wall – Section
REW11 – Retro Ecowall – Party Wall Flush Detail – Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
What version of CAD will I need?
All of the CAD drawings are AutoCAD 2010. Although the dwg files may be compatible with other programs such as Vectorworks, we cannot guarantee functionality. If you are not sure whether you will be able to view the CAD file, please download a full sample set: Go to Sample Download
What version of Revit will I need?
All core Revit drawings are in version 2019. All Revit drawings published between Jan 2022 and Jan 2026 will be in version 2020. All new Revit drawings published from Jan 2026 are in version 2023. If you are not sure whether you will be able to view the Revit file, please download a full sample set: Go to Sample Download
What version of SketchUp will I need?
As of 1 October 2024 all new SKP details will be versionless, meaning that they are backward compatible with any supported versions (2023, 2024 , 2025 and 2026).
Any existing SketchUp details prior to October 2024 will remain in version 2015.
Do I have to use CAD and SketchUp?
No, you can also get the jpeg and pdf of each detail if you sign up to the Pro plan or purchase individual details. The jpeg and pdf files are for the 2d images only. The 3d details are only visible in the SketchUp files. If you are not sure whether you will be able to open any of the files - please download the full sample pack. Go to Sample Download.
Does the library include the Understanding Architectural Details books by Emma Walshaw?
The Detail Library membership does not include the books themselves, however it includes details from the Residential, Passivhaus and Loft book. It also includes a selection of details from the House Extension Details Book. It does not include details from the Commercial or North American books.
What details are included from the books?
What's the difference between the books and the library?
The books are predominantly aimed at students and new graduates (although people from all across the architectural field do purchase them) - they contain explanatory information along with a selection of details that can also be purchased alongside the book. The details are in CAD and SketchUp.
The Detail Library consists of many of the residential details from the books, but hundreds of other details that we have added. We add new details every month along with useful resources and technical guides. You can purchase one off details, or subscribe for a year to have unlimited access to all of the details, and the new ones we publish.
The Detail Library contains details from:
- Understanding Architectural Details Residential (4th Edition)
- Understanding Passivhaus
- Understanding Loft Conversions
- And some details from Understanding Architectural Details Basements and House Extension Details
The Pro membership provides the details in CAD, SketchUp, and Revit (2D).
Some people like to purchase both the books and a subscription, and if this is of interest we offer a discount to anyone purchasing both.
Can I cancel at any time?
The subscription is for one year access to the library, if you choose to cancel you will still have access to the library until your annual subscription renewal date. You can cancel at any time.
How long will I have access for?
If you sign up to the Lite or Pro plan you will receive access for one year. This will be auto renewed on an annual basis.
If you sign up for Monthly Membership you will receive access for one month, this will be auto renewed on a monthly basis.
14 Day Money back Guarantee
We understand that signing up for an annual subscription is a big decision. If you are not satisfied with the Detail Library, you can send us a message within the first 14 days and we will refund your money. Any refund will be subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Does the subscription renew automatically?
The annual subscription renews automatically every year, and you will get a reminder email before payment is due. The monthly subscription renews automatically every month, and you will get a reminder by email before the payment is due.
How many users can use an account?
Is there a subscription for teams or education institutions?
Are the details relevant in my country?
The details are all based on UK construction methods and standards.
Is it UK construction?
All details are based on UK construction and drawn in metric units. If you decide to sign up to the library from outside of the UK, we cannot guarantee how helpful the details will be for you.
