What type of wall supports no load or weight other than its own?

A non-bearing wall is designed solely to support its own weight and does not carry any other loads from the structure. This type of wall plays a crucial role in defining spaces within a building, such as rooms or corridors, without contributing to overall structural stability. Non-bearing walls are often made of lighter materials and can be easily modified or removed without compromising the integrity of the building.

In the context of building construction, distinguishing between non-bearing and load-bearing walls is essential for safe renovations and expansions. Load-bearing walls carry the weight of the building above, while retaining walls are used mainly to hold back soil, and fire-walls are specifically constructed to prevent the spread of fire between different sections of a building. These functionalities highlight the unique characteristics of each type of wall, leading to the classification of non-bearing walls as those which support minimal weight beyond their own.