Single-storey building definition
Approved document B, Fire Safety, Volume 2, Buildings other than dwellinghouses (2019 edition), defines a single-storey building as:
'A building that consists of a ground storey only. Basements are not counted as storeys in a building (see Appendix D). A separated part that consists of a ground storey only, with a roof to which access is only provided for repair or maintenance, may be treated as a single storey building.'
Where a storey includes any of the following:
NOTE: The building is regarded as a multi-storey building if both of the following apply. |
The previous edition of the approved document gave a slightly different definition:
'A building consisting of a ground storey only. (A separated part which consists of a ground storey only, with a roof to which access is only provided for repair or maintenance…) Basements are not included in counting the number of storeys in a building.'
Where a ‘storey’ included:
- Any gallery if its area is more than half that of the space into which it projects; and
- A roof, unless it is accessible only for maintenance and repair.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Peter Barber’s work revives forgotten building types.
Insights of how to attract more young people to construction
Results from CIOB survey of 16-24 year olds and parents.
Focussing on the practical implementation of electrification.
Sustainable Urban Drainage and Biodiversity
Awards for champions of these interconnected fields now open.
Microcosm of biodiversity in balconies and containers
Minor design adaptations for considerable biodiversity benefit.
CIOB student competitive construction challenge Ireland
Inspiring a new wave of Irish construction professionals.
Challenges of the net zero transition in Scotland
Skills shortage and ageing workforce hampering Scottish transition to net zero.
Private rental sector, living standards and fuel poverty
Report from the NRH in partnership with Impact on Urban Health.
.Cold chain condensing units market update
Tracking the evolution of commercial refrigeration unit markets.
Attending a conservation training course, personal account
The benefits of further learning for professsionals.
Restoring Alexander Pope's grotto
The only surviving part of his villa in Twickenham.
International Women's Day 8 March, 2025
Accelerating Action for For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Lack of construction careers advice threatens housing targets
CIOB warning on Government plans to accelerate housebuilding and development.
Shelter from the storm in Ukraine
Ukraine’s architects paving the path to recovery.
BSRIA market intelligence division key appointment
Lisa Wiltshire to lead rapidly growing Market Intelligence division.
A blueprint for construction’s sustainability efforts
Practical steps to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Timber in Construction Roadmap
Ambitious plans from the Government to increase the use of timber in construction.