Last edited 03 Oct 2018

High-rise building

A high-rise building is defined variously as a building in which:

The number of storeys means occupants need to use a lift to reach their destination
The height is beyond the reach of available fire-fighting equipment.
The height can have a serious impact on evacuation.

Typically this is considered to include buildings of more than 7-10 storeys or 23-30 m.

A low-rise building is one which is not tall enough to be classified as high-rise.

Other definitions of buildings in relation to their height include:

Mid-rise buildings of five to ten storeys, equipped with lifts.
Skyscraper of 40 storeys or more.
Supertall buildings exceeding 300 m.
Megatall buildings exceeding 600 m.
Groundscrapers that extend horizontally over a large distance while only being of a low to medium height.
Super-slender buildings which are pencil-thin and of 50-90+ storeys.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

ICE publish new report calling for new sector-wide body to help avert structural failures.

The rainbow JCB will be making a welcome return to the London Build Expo on 23 and 24 October at Olympia.

An introductory article to external works - all activities carried out to the external environment of a building project.

With the clock ticking, RIBA say that a 'no deal Brexit' will be "disastrous" for the architecture profession.

The focus is generally on the lime binder, but the aggregate is actually the most significant element.

The importance of communication, collaboration and simplicity when planning construction projects.

New working group is set up to consider options for raising standards across the property agent sector.

BSRIA provide a top 10 list of recent legislation and guidance affecting buildings.

Record third-time winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize - our profile of one of the world's most celebrated architects.

Foster + Partner's London Bloomberg HQ building wins the 2018 Stirling Prize.