Buildings of a great height IGH
Under Article R. 122-2 of the Construction and Housing Code CCH (also referred to as the Building and Housing Code, the Code of Construction or Code de la construction et de l'habitation), the acronym IGH translates to buildings of a great height (or immeuble de grande hauteur). The equivalent term in English would be high-rise building or skyscraper.
According to the Construction and Housing Code: Sub-section 1: Definitions and classifications, Article R122-2, a high-rise building constitutes any building whose low floor of the last level is located, in relation to the highest ground level usable for the vehicles of the public emergency and response services against fire:
- More than 50 meters for residential buildings, as defined by article R. 111-1.
- More than 28 meters for all other buildings.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building codes.
- Buildings of a very great height ITGH.
- Establishments open to the public ERP.
- Fire risk in high-rise and super high-rise buildings DG 533.
- High-rise building.
- Multi-storey structure.
- Passive fire protection is a vital tool in any fire strategy.
- Skyscraper.
[edit] External resources
- Legifrance, Construction and Housing Code Article R. 111-1.
- Legifrance, Construction and Housing Code Article R. 122-2.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.