Building height
For the purposes of Approved Document B Volumes 1 and 2.
- The height of a building is measured as shown in Appendix D, Diagram D4.
- The height of the floor of the top storey above ground level is measured as shown in Appendix D, Diagram D6.
Ref Approved document B, Fire Safety, Volume 2, Buildings other than dwellinghouses (2019 edition).
At 828 m and 163 floors, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE has been the world’s tallest building since 2010. For more information, see Tallest buildings in the world.
Classifications of building height include:
- Low rise buildings.
- Mid-rise buildings.
- High rise buildings.
- Skyscrapers.
- Supertall buildings.
- Megatall buildings.
- Groundscrapers.
- Super-slender buildings.
- Buildings of a great height.
- Buildings of a very great height.
- Multi-storey buildings.
- Small building.
- Tall buildings.
See also: Height.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approved documents.
- Building Regulations.
- Datum.
- Floor area.
- Gross floor area.
- Gross internal area.
- High-rise building.
- Height.
- International Property Measurement Standards.
- Medium-rise building.
- Net internal area NIA.
- Ordnance Datum.
- Storey.
- Tall building.
- Tallest buildings in the world.
- Total useful floor area.
Featured articles and news
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherit assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.