What term describes buildings constructed primarily of wood with an external veneer of stucco, brick, or stone?

The term that describes buildings constructed primarily of wood with an external veneer of stucco, brick, or stone is Type 5 construction. This construction type is characterized by its use of wood framing as the main structural element, which can include materials such as plywood or oriented strand board for walls, while the exterior may have a decorative finishing veneer of noncombustible materials like stucco or brick.

Type 5 construction allows for more cost-effective building practices due to the use of wood as a primary material, but it also poses specific fire risks because wood is combustible. The veneer, although noncombustible, serves mainly as a protective finish rather than as a structural component and does not significantly alter the inherent fire behavior of the wooden frames beneath.

Understanding this classification is essential for fire prevention strategies, as the presence of combustible materials can influence how a fire might spread within a building. Each construction type has different implications for building codes, firefighting strategies, and risk assessments, making Type 5 particularly notable for its fire behavior profile.