Construction costs are high, and developers want to do everything they can to both save costs and maximize land use. Going higher to increase density seems like a smart move! However, adding additional floors can add considerable costs if a building gets classified as a “high-rise” by code. Read on to find out more.
So, what constitutes a high-rise—and why is it important to know? A building with an occupied floor located 75’ above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access is considered a high-rise building!
Projects classified as a high-rise almost always have a considerably higher per square foot cost.
When a building is considered high-rise, egress, life safety, and emergency systems become a critical cost implication for your project. Here are some other design aspects that are affected by the high-rise denomination:
- Emergency Systems: Systems for emergency power require their own distribution system. Standby power is required for FCC lighting, elevators, power, fire detection equipment, and ventilation.
- Sprinklers & Alarms: Automatic sprinklers are required in all high-rise buildings. Fire alarms are also required in all high-rise buildings, facilitating early detection, location, and communication during a fire.
- Egress & Evacuation: There must be at least two exit stairways separated by a distance greater than 30’ or at least one-fourth of the maximum overall dimension of the served area. Fire separation requirements of stairs are increased in high-rise buildings, and all exit stairs are required to be smokeproof enclosures.
- Fire Command Center (FCC): An FCC is required for all high-rise buildings and must be at least 200sf with minimum widths of 10’ in any direction. The local fire official must approve the location of the FCC.
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Thank you,
Blair Hildahl
Blair@hotelsuniversity.com
608.304.5228