https://secondegress.ca The Second Egress: Building a Code Change Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:53:32 +0000 https://secondegress.ca en https://secondegress.ca/Home Sun, 30 May 2021 18:46:18 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/Home window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Y11PY9EWEQ'); <img width="5101" height="3301" width_o="5101" height_o="3301" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ce2745691a968e370846da005bc3a2a6e068d1ffa794f3829d1b8dc4c761641d/250824_Code-Change-Diagram_18m-01.png" data-mid="237392360" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ce2745691a968e370846da005bc3a2a6e068d1ffa794f3829d1b8dc4c761641d/250824_Code-Change-Diagram_18m-01.png" /> This website was developed as a graduate degree project at McGill University in 2021 and has since evolved in other media. For inquiries: conrad.speckert@mail.mcgill.ca This website is a tool to make sense of the requirement for a second means of egress in Canada and prepare a building code change request. The first section documents the history of the building code requirement for two means of egress in Canada, situates this issue within the imperative of ‘missing middle’ densification and calls upon architects to challenge the legislative conditions of their work. The next section compares jurisdictions to better understand the Canadian code relative to its peers, followed by the code change request. The last section reimagines what could and should be built if it were legal, illustrating these opportunities with several case studies in alternative circulation.The Manual of Illegal Floor Plans is a collection of single staircase residential projects that are not permitted to be built in Canada, serving as reference library to reconsider the requirement for a second means of egress in small multi-unit residential buildings. Timeline Last Updated: December 2024 December 2, 2024 Sean Jursnick writes ‘The Seattle Special: A US City’s Unique Approach to Small Infill Lots:&nbsp;How building-code reform can support more housing types and create denser, more walkable communities.’ featuring several case studies of single exit stair building designs. November 21, 2024 As part of the City of Toronto’s application to the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), City Council directed staff to report back by the second quarter of 2024 on opportunities to enable as-of-right zoning for residential buildings with up to six units and four storeys city-wide. Housing Accelerator Fund: Expanding Permissions in Neighbourhoods for Six Units and Four Storeys - Preliminary Report provides an overview of the current policy context and ongoing work to permit six-unit buildings city-wide; summarizes emerging trends and best practices in other jurisdictions for multi-unit residential buildings; identifies potential barriers; and sets out a proposed workplan to identify opportunities to expand permissions for six-unit and four-storey residential buildings city-wide. Page 9 of the report includes a section on Ontario Building Code considerations:“Code development work related to single means of egress in residential buildings is underway and anticipated at both the provincial and federal levels. Toronto Building, as requested by City Council, will also engage with industry stakeholders to identify further opportunities to address Building Code-related challenges that may be impeding the design and construction of “missing middle” housing beyond land use planning policy, while addressing safety considerations for both building occupants and first responders, and to report back to the Planning and Housing Committee with recommendations no later than Q3 2025.” November 15, 2024 Laura King (NFPA regional director for Canada) writes “NFPA Impact: The debate over single-egress stairway” for Firefighting in Canada. November 5, 2024 The Globe and Mail Editorial Board writes ‘Canadians need homes, not just housing’. A single-stair, six-storey multiplex on a typical residential lot could fit a dozen units of 1,000 to 1,300 square feet, reckons Bryn Davidson, at Vancouver-based Lanefab Design/Build. At the upper end of that range you can build a three-bed, two-bath unit, which would work for a family, he says. The idea that condos and apartments are second-class housing in soulless mega buildings is deeply ingrained in the North American psyche. But large, comfortable flats in smaller buildings are the norm in European cities – not just housing, but a place to call home. October 25, 2024 UBC Robson Square hosts ‘Unlocking Housing Potential: How the New Single-Egress Code Can Help Us Build Better Communities’ featuring presentations from Conrad Speckert, LGA Architectural Partners and Associate Professor Inge Roecker and Nathanael Lauster. October 23-24, 2024 Conrad Speckert presents ‘Single Exit Stair Buildings’ at the CHBA BC and BOABC 2024 Education Summit. October 16, 2024 CBC News writes ‘Vancouver to explore single-stair amendments to its building code.’ October 16, 2024 The City of Toronto Beaches-East York Pilot Project is part of the Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) initiative. The Pilot Project was initiated with the purpose of building a missing middle demonstration project in consultation with the community and the development industry on City-owned land within the Beaches-East York neighbourhood (Ward 19). The processes and approaches developed through this initiative are intended to inform how missing middle projects may be built on other sites, both publicly and privately owned. In support of this goal, City staff have also developed a set of Key Findings to inform the creation of future policy and process changes for expanding housing options in neighbourhoods, including work on transition zones through the Housing Action Plan and work on enabling permissions for low-rise multi-unit residential buildings through the Housing Accelerator Fund. The Key Findings are included as Attachment 16 of this report. “The Pilot Project chose to include two exit stairs. The additional exit stair takes up approximately 150 square metres, or 6.5 percent of the gross construction area.” October 10, 2024 The Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies publishes ‘Legalizing Mid-Rise Single-Stair Housing in Massachusetts” a report from Boston Indicators, Utile, and JCHS. Building code requires that residential buildings between three and six stories must include two staircases. Advances in materials, smoke detection, and sprinkler systems mean this requirement may no longer be necessary, but it still drives up costs and limits design flexibility. By exploring the potential for allowing single-staircase designs, particularly in smaller, urban parcels, Legalizing Mid-Rise Single-Stair Housing in Massachusetts, a new report from Boston Indicators, Utile, and JCHS, examines how we could unlock new possibilities for more affordable, space-efficient housing. This is especially relevant in Greater Boston, where small, dense parcels near transit could accommodate more housing with such a change.&nbsp; September 11-12, 2024 Single Exit Stair Symposium at the NFPA Conference Center in Quincy, Massachussets “to discuss recent proposals across the United States and Canada for local and state amendments to permit taller apartment buildings with only a single exit. The symposium aimed to outline current single exit stair allowances in the United States and in other countries, highlight both the positive aspects and areas of concern for the proposals, and identify any knowledge gaps.” August 6, 2024: Single Stair, Many Questions, NFPA Journal Emerging Issues article by Jesse RomanNovember 12, 2024: The Single Exit Stair Debate, NFPA Podcast November 14, 2024:&nbsp;NFPA releases report on single exit stair apartment buildings following international symposium “NFPA will sponsor a research initiative through the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) to address critical knowledge gaps. This research will focus on a comprehensive code analysis and egress modeling study to assess the safety implications of single exit arrangements in six-story buildings. Findings from this research will contribute to the consensus-based codes and standards process, guiding future decisions on potential single exit stair allowances.“ December 5, 2024: Chris Dubay writes “The Debate on Single Exit Stairs in Apartment Buildings and the NFPA Fire &amp; Life Safety Ecosystem” for NFPA blog. <img width="587" height="784" width_o="587" height_o="784" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0ae1dc0eaeb43647d64f7a4fc43b5e3d16588430a4283e07f8a18257db885576/GYA8gLzXIAA5xFA.png" data-mid="223052235" border="0" data-scale="40" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/587/i/0ae1dc0eaeb43647d64f7a4fc43b5e3d16588430a4283e07f8a18257db885576/GYA8gLzXIAA5xFA.png" /> August 27, 2024 The British Columbia Building Code has been amended to enable the design and construction of multi-unit residential buildings with a single exit stair, by ministerial order on August 27, 2024. The changes were developed based on the Single Egress Stair Building Designs: Policy and Technical Options Report prepared for the Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Housing, by Jensen Hughes. “Single exit stair residential buildings are far more than just a residential building with an exit stair removed. Single exit stair residential buildings are limited in height, area, travel distance and occupancy load, and include compensatory measures as well as rely on a high-level of operations and management oversight and a high-level of local fire department capability and capacity to achieve an acceptable level of risk comparable to other new buildings. “ August 15, 2024 Frances Bula writes ‘A design change that aims to unlock housing density’ for The Globe and Mail including feature photographs of the Capitoll Hill Urban Co-Housing in Seattle. August 2024 The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs provides a single egress consultation webpage titled ‘Exploring Single Egress: Housing Solutions Lost in Translation without a National Fire Administration’. The webpage hosts several position papers from North American firefighting organizations and links to other resources and reports. “This webpage is intended to help track some of the conversation that is happening in anticipation of the CAFC’s formal response to the National Research Council’s consultation.” July 24, 2024 Toronto City Council adopts&nbsp;Single Exit Stair: Ontario Building Code Feasibility Study. The feasibility study that is the subject of this staff report was undertaken by a Building Code Consultant with expertise in fire protection engineering and considered impacts on both building occupants and first responders This report provides an overview of a technical study undertaken for the City of Toronto by a third-party Building Code Consultant with expertise in fire protection engineering, to consider the feasibility of an alternative solution to the single egress issue. July 24, 2024 Business Insider writes ‘One small step for apartment-kind - The foolproof fix for America's housing crisis: fewer stairs’. “Small projects like this one are tough to execute even with one stairwell. Brian Court, a partner at the architecture firm the Miller Hull Partnership and one of the designers of 1310 East Union, said a second staircase — something like 200 extra square feet per floor — would have made the development financially unfeasible.” 1310 East Union Condominiums in Seattle is an example of the kind of single-stair building that would be illegal in nearly every other American city. (Image by James F. Housel) <img width="1243" height="1600" width_o="1243" height_o="1600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6a935484dee835fa3fb366ed2c94f92f00161cf0a40e5371dacdab2f3dfe3601/1310.JH_.001.XL_.monograph_web-1243x1600.jpg" data-mid="223052881" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6a935484dee835fa3fb366ed2c94f92f00161cf0a40e5371dacdab2f3dfe3601/1310.JH_.001.XL_.monograph_web-1243x1600.jpg" />&nbsp; July 3, 2024 Matt Durnan writes ‘Making the Case for Single-Stair’ for NRU Publishing. June 24, 2024 Canada’s National Observer talks about single stair reform in ‘The building design that could crack the code on climate adaptation’ to describe the climate impact of “point access block” building design. June 20, 2024 Conrad Speckert presents ‘Single Stair Alternative Solutions’ at the Infrastructure Canada 2024 Research &amp; Innovation Symposium. May 24 and 28, 2024 LGA Architectural Partners and PUBLIC Architecture provide presentations on single stair building code reform at the Building Official’s Association of British Columbia (BOABC) 2024 Conference in Richmond, BC and at the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) 2024 Conference in Niagara Falls, ON. May 21, 2024 ULI (Urban Land Institute) Toronto hosts a webinar and panel discussion titled ‘Affordable Development Obstacles - The Single Staircase’. May 7, 2024 The Vancouver Urbanarium announces the winners of the Decoding Density affordable housing ideas competition featuring several single stair designs and other innovative building code concepts. April 18, 2024 The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) 2024 Performance-based Design Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark hosts ‘Fire Safety in Single Stair Tall Buildings - A Panel Discussion’ moderated by William Koffel, PE, SFPE with panelists Brian Ashe, CEng NER MIFireE MSFPE MSaRS, Richard Rankin, CEng MEng (Hons) MIFireE, Sawsan Dahham, Conrad Speckert and Yoshikazu Minegishi March 30, 2024 Mark Chubb writes ‘Are Two Exit Stairways Always Safer than One?’ to respond to recent discussions at the International Code Council (ICC) and compare IBC model code compliance with Seattle’s single stair conditions for small multi-unit residential buildings of up to 6 storeys. “The advocates for the status quo ante have no evidence two exit stairways make small-footprint multi-family dwellings less than six stories less safe than they will be with a single stairway and the myriad conditions attached to this allowance in the Seattle requirements and most legislative proposals for single stair reform in North America...” March 28, 2024 The UK government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes the final report of the ‘Means of escape in residential buildings research’ and includes several appendices on physical measures (A1-1) and international guidance (A1-2), current trends in residential buildings (A1-3), resident decision-making (B1), a proposed exemplar building and model selection (A), methodology and findings from interviews and surveys (B2), and a method to quantify effectiveness of evacuation strategies (A3). March 26, 2024 Stephen Smith and Ed Mendoza co-author a Point Access Block Building Design: Options for Building More Single-Stair Apartment Buildings in North America, a policy brief&nbsp;for Cityscape journal, published by the Office of Policy Development and Research of HUD, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. March 01, 2024 The Board of Directors of the U.S. National Association of State Fire Marshals issues a Position in Opposition of Single-Exit Stairway in Multifamily Structures position paper and the International Association of Fire Chiefs issues a similar Position Statement two days later. Please note that neither of these documents make reference to jurisdictions outside North America, despite the title of the IAFC including the word “International”. February 25, 2024 ‘Colorado could allow more single-stair apartment buildings, but fire chiefs worry about safety‘ including an interview with architect Sean Jursnick to discuss the proposed change to the state building code. February 2024 PUBLIC Architecture publishes the BC Housing Single Stair Report in collaboration with GHL Consultants, LGA Architectural Partners and RTA Quantity Surveyors. The report was commissioned and principally funded under BC Housing's Building Excellence Research &amp; Education Grants and by the City of Vancouver, as well as the CMHC-SSHRC Balanced Supply of Housing Node based at UBC’s Housing Research Collaborative. <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2191f4624b90e03357fcb08865d418cf59428ec42f25d18376aac54a0aa2cf7a/1A.png" data-mid="207963259" border="0" data-scale="75" data-no-zoom="true" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2191f4624b90e03357fcb08865d418cf59428ec42f25d18376aac54a0aa2cf7a/1A.png" /> <img width="889" height="506" width_o="889" height_o="506" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/05aae5d2ee160168b42e71c0ea025b391819463dce21b695735a07ca203e6528/50ftLotCommercial.png" data-mid="207963295" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/889/i/05aae5d2ee160168b42e71c0ea025b391819463dce21b695735a07ca203e6528/50ftLotCommercial.png" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/73f4f37f039c4198484bd2926f26fc7a6c6442f8480787e2847c96ebb99e99d4/1B.png" data-mid="207963250" border="0" data-scale="75" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/73f4f37f039c4198484bd2926f26fc7a6c6442f8480787e2847c96ebb99e99d4/1B.png" /> <img width="893" height="662" width_o="893" height_o="662" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/74de818f91050eb324b4c1f3c384150178cc450d48e34a86e6466af79edff796/2-33-footLots.png" data-mid="207963296" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/893/i/74de818f91050eb324b4c1f3c384150178cc450d48e34a86e6466af79edff796/2-33-footLots.png" /> <img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2756aece3788f3324c2f7ec25fde0c0b7b8d999d532345759fa4742055f9462d/2A.png" data-mid="207963294" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2756aece3788f3324c2f7ec25fde0c0b7b8d999d532345759fa4742055f9462d/2A.png" /> <img width="893" height="620" width_o="893" height_o="620" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6f9f65005412e296e0f1951a925e6ab69a4cc8080bc52e7805fb872ca3700e23/5-Combined33-foot-Lots.png" data-mid="207963298" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/893/i/6f9f65005412e296e0f1951a925e6ab69a4cc8080bc52e7805fb872ca3700e23/5-Combined33-foot-Lots.png" /> January 26, 2024 The BC provincial government issues a “request for proposal (RFP) seeking a response from consultants with expertise in building design, engineering, and fire and life safety to better understand the potential for single egress stair (SES) designs in B.C. buildings.” December 11, 2023 Uytae Lee of About Here Videos produces a short documentary about single stair design titled “Why North America Can't Build Nice Apartments” to raise awareness for the Vancouver Urbanarium ‘Decoding Density‘ architectural ideas competition. December 5, 2023 The British Columbia Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon, announces “The province will lead a discussion over the next year to update the BC Building Code to explore enabling single egress stairs, that will allow some buildings to be built more efficiently.” “The Province, along with fire-safety professionals and national partners, is examining opportunities in codes, including requirements for egress stairs. These opportunities may simplify the design of smaller multi-unit residential buildings and create options for quicker and more affordable construction, while maintaining or enhancing safety.“ October 24, 2023 Conrad Speckert writes A foreign perspective on second staircase regulations for Inside Housing magazine to compare proposed changes in the United Kingdon with other jurisdictions. October 7, 2023 The California State Legislature passes Bill AB-835 (State Fire Marshal: building standards: single-exit, single stairway apartment houses: report) to “require the State Fire Marshal to research standards for single-exit, single stairway apartment houses, with more than 2 dwelling units, in buildings above 3 stories and provide a report to specified legislative committees and to the California Building Standards Commission by January 1, 2026.” August 15, 2023 The National Housing Accord, led by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH), Smart Prosperity Institute and the Real Property Association of Canada (REALPAC) publishes a list of 10 recommendations to encourage purpose-built rental housing in Canada. Recommendation 6 is to “reform the National Building Code to drive innovation in the homebuilding sector” and specifically identifies modular housing, mass timber and single egress for multi-unit residential buildings up to 6 storeys. August 14, 2023 Spacing Podcast interviews Conrad Speckert and Heather Breeze to discuss their recent article for Spacing magazine in Episode 72: From Leipzig with Love - starting at 16:53. June 2023 Conrad Speckert and Heather Breeze co-author The Single Stair Solution for Spacing magazine’s thematic print edition ‘Fire!’ describing the proposed building code change and benefits for missing middle housing in Toronto. May 19, 2023 John Lorinc writes Putting high-rises on a low-carbon diet for the Globe and Mail, featuring the single stair code change and other mid-rise housing innovations in Toronto. May 4, 2023 Stephen Smith, founder of the New York City-based building code and construction policy not-for-profit Center for Building in North America, writes&nbsp;Why we can’t build family-sized apartments in North America including comparative unit layouts and floor plan illustrations by Michael Eliason.“The merits of North American building and zoning codes can be debated, but the effect is clearly that apartments, in order to provide the same number of bedrooms and give everyone a window, must necessarily consume far more floor area than point access block designs possible in other countries. So if you’re looking for a family-sized apartment in the U.S. or Canada and finding that new buildings don’t have what you’re looking for, it’s not you, it’s not the architect, and it’s not even the developer – it’s the codes.” April 27, 2023 Nik Luka and Conrad Speckert co-host a webinar for the CMHC Ballanced Supply of Housing Research Cluster featuring The Second Egress: Building a Code Change (start at 37m:30s). April 10, 2023 The Washington State Legislature passes Bill SSB5491 (Allowing for residential buildings of a certain height to be served by a single exit under certain conditions) including an amendment which “requires the State Building Code Council to convene a technical advisory group to recommend changes to the International Building Code (IBC) that would allow a single exit stairway for multifamily residential structures up to six stories above grade plane.” March 31, 2023 Chicago-based architecture critic and journalist Kate Wagner writes ‘Single-Stair Layouts Are Not Going to Fix the Housing Crisis‘...”They’re a good idea, but they’re not going to liberate us from capitalism.” February 27, 2023 Toon Dreessen, architect and former president of the Ontario Association of Architects, writes ‘Canada’s building codes and standards need to get with the times’ for the Globe and Mail. February 17, 2023 Conrad Speckert writes ‘The Curse of the Double-Loaded Corridor’ for Urban Progress, a Toronto-based quarterly print magazine that explores issues related to urban growth and development. January 19, 2023 The Second Egress is published in Cellar Architectural Journal, a student-run publication dedicated to space, design, and architecture-based research at McGill University. January 6, 2023 Lloyd Alter features this code change proposal in the article ‘This Parisian Apartment Building Could Only Work With Single Stairs’. December 26, 2022 Lloyd Alter writes about the possibilities of single stair reform and mass timber construction in the article ‘Australian Apartment Shows How Single Stairs Make Small Buildings Better’. December 20, 2022 The Niskanen Center think tank publishes a commentary on housing policy titled ‘How to build more family-sized apartments’ recommending land use and building code reforms “to eliminate barriers to multi-bedroom apartment construction”. December 15, 2022 The State of Montana Governor’s Housing Task Force submits ‘Recommendations and Strategies to Increase the Supply of Affordable, Attainable Workforce Housing’ including to “update state building code to allow for single-stair midrise (up to six stories) apartment buildings, also known as point access blocks, that meet appropriate fire safety requirements.” October 5, 2022 The UCLA Lewis Center hosts Beyond Zoning: Building Circulation Reform and Infill Housing, a panelist discussion on “the impacts of North American egress requirements on housing costs, location, and design”. September 2022 The City of Toronto Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) planning study releases findings of the Beaches-East York Missing Middle Pilot Project documenting the access/egress challenges with this scale of development, including single stair designs by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design. August 23, 2022 The Vivre-en-ville Quebec housing advocacy organization publishes a report entitled POURTES OUVERTES: Pour une Sortie de Crise Durable en Habitation [OPEN DOORS: for a sustainable way out of the housing crisis] featuring this research on page 54. August 8, 2022 The NFPA Journal publishes its quarterly overview of timely topics titled ‘In Compliance’ with a section commeting on single-exit design in multistory apartment buildings. July 25, 2022 The Mercatus Center think tank at George Mason University publishes Housing Reform in the States: A Menu of Options for 2023, including single stair reform under Option 16: “Allow Skinny Apartment Buildings”. April 18, 2022 Code Change Requests submitted to the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes to allow for single egress in multi-unit residential buildings up to six storeys in Part 3, and up to three storeys in Part 9, of the National Building Code of Canada. April 12, 2022 Conrad Speckert joins the&nbsp;Single Serves Podcast to speak about single stair buildings. March 30, 2022 The Ontario Minster of Municipal Affairs and Housing announces legislation titled ‘More Homes for Everyone’ including a proposed change to the Ontario Building Code: “facilitate more infill and low rise multi-unit housing by exploring opportunities to allow for single means of egress in four to six storey residential buildings, while continuing to protect public health and safety.” Alex Bozikovic writes in the Globe and Mail, “it will study changing the building code to allow single-staircase apartment buildings – which sounds boring, but would open up enormous possibilities for small and midsized buildings in our cities. Small infill is a crucial part of providing more housing, and more diverse cities.” March 24, 2022 Blair Scorgie speaks about the code change during a panel discussion at the Urban Land Institute:&nbsp;ULI Toronto: Ontario Building Code Review &amp; Carbon Reduction: Right direction?. March 15, 2022 Michael Eliason gives an online lecture on single stair buildings for the Passive House Network: PHN Presents: Optimizing Form &amp; Function: Meet Single Point Access Blocks, an old-new tool in sustainable place making. February 8, 2022 Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing published, including recommendation (3b) to “modernize the building code and other policies to remove any barriers to affordable construction and to ensure meaningful implementation (e.g., allow single-staircase construction for up to four storeys, allow single egress, etc.).” February 7, 2022 Craig Ruttan (Housing Policy Advisor of the Toronto Board of Trade) recommends to “legalize single stair access for buildings up to six storeys” at the Urban Land Institue’s ‘The End of Exclusionary Zoning’ seminar. January 28, 2022 A group of 45 architects, planners, developers and housing policy experts co-sign a letter to the Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force recommending a builiding code change to permit residential buildings of up to six storeys with a single exit stair. December 28, 2021 Michael Eliason (Larch Lab) prepares a report entitled “Unlocking livable, resilient, decarbonized housing with Point Access Blocks” commissioned by the City of Vancouver. December 23, 2021 Conrad Speckert and Michael Eliason interviewed for&nbsp;Slate Magazine, A surprising theory of what’s wrong with North American apartment buildings by Henry Grabar. December 20, 2021 Michael Eliason documents this website in Seattle’s Lead on Single Stair Buildings in The Urbanist planning, urbanism and housing policy journal. December 15, 2021 Conrad Speckert presents this website as the final graduate research project of the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree at McGill University. October 6-7, 2021 Michael Eliason delivers the keynote presentation emphasizing single stair apartment buildings at the Vivre-en-ville conference on housing affordability in Montreal. August 10, 2021 Seattle architect Michael Eliason writes The Case for More Single Stair Buildings. May 2021 Michael Evamy Scholarship 2021 awarded to Conrad Speckert for “the study of how Canada’s egress code requirements might affect the affordability of the nation’s housing supply.” January 4, 2021 Conrad Speckert writes The Second Egress: A Wicked Problem position paper for Professor Nik Luka at McGill University. June 2019 Alex Bozikovic et al. publish House Divided: How the Missing Middle will Solve Toronto’s Affordability Crisis. February 2019 The Ontario Association of Architects publishes a summary report entitled Housing Affordability in Growing Urban Areas including a recommendation for the building code to allow four storey residential buildings with a single stair. May 2010 The City of Toronto publishes the 2010 Mid-Rise Performance Standards which was informed by the Avenues &amp; Mid-Rise Buildings Study, a consultant report led by Brook McIlroy Planning + Urban Design. Their list of recommendation identified the following Ontario Building Code issue under Section 4.5.6: “The City of Toronto Building Department has indicated that they are open to considering compliance alternatives that would reduce the cost burden on mid-rise buildings with respect to certain requirements of the Ontario Building Code. Many mid-rise buildings on the Avenues could be expected to be located in close proximity to a fire station, and should be provided with smoke and heat detectors that have a direct connection to a central fire alarm and to the fire department. Given these factors and the additional fire suppression mechanism of sprinklers, cost-saving measures such as allowing floors to be served by one exit stair only could be considered. Such a measure would free up more valuable space for residential and retail uses and improve the efficiency of the buildings. The savings would accrue even if some additional conditions are imposed, such as maximum distances between suite entry door and stairwell; requiring all units to have balconies or other places of refuge; and specifying a maximum building height based on the height that a ladder truck or other rescue vehicles could safely access.” January 22, 2004 Toronto architect Eb Zeidler (1926-2022) is interviewed about the problem of requiring two means of egress for mid-rise apartment buildings in “Stairway to a better Toronto”. 1996 Larden, A. et al. (1996). “Main Streets Development / Ontario Building Code (OBC) Study.” https://www.codenews.ca/OBC/docs/OntarioMainStreets-A1995.pdf “The recommendations of the Mainstreets Development / Ontario Building Code Study, which were drafted 30 years ago, continue to be relevant today.“ October 1993 Toronto architect Eb Zeidler writes “Main Streets Initiative Handicapped by Building Codes” (originally published as The Single Stair and Housing on Main Streets Blues) as part of Janice Emeneau’s ‘A Practitioners Guide to Urban Intensification,’ published by the Canadian Urban Institute and available at the Toronto Reference Library (Call Number 307.1216 P67). 1984 Fire Safety and the Design of Apartments, a report to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) External Research Program prepared by Blandford Gates and Paul Sandori, documents the differences between European and Canadian apartment building layouts and fire safety design. (Call Number&nbsp;CA1 MH 84F38) “More and more of the population of Canada will choose to live in apartments to be closer to the urban activities or in the suburbs for economic reasons. The objective of this research paper is to assess planning and design criteria for apartment buildings of moderate height (up to 8 storeys) to assure the optimization of the plans and building layouts.Apartment living is a long-standing European tradition for exactly those reasons that are now influencing housing patterns in North America. There are, however, fundamental differences between the European and Canadian layouts which, in many respects, work in favour of the European apartment plans but these would not be acceptable under the fire safety provisions of the National Building Code of Canada. The research was undertaken to investigate the reason for, and the effectiveness of, the divergent approaches to fire safety and to recommend a course of action.The European fire safety record is better than that of Canada and we recommend that serious consideration be given to changes to our regulations that will permit better apartment planning.” This website, including all data and information incorporated herein, is being provided for information purposes only. For certainty, the author provides no representation or warranty regarding any use of or reliance upon this website, including no representation or warranty that any architectural designs comply with applicable laws including any applicable building code requirements or municipal by-laws. Any use of or reliance upon this website by any person for any purpose shall be at such person’s sole risk and the author shall have no liability or responsibility for any such use of or reliance upon this website by any person for any purpose. Prior to any use of or reliance upon this website by any person for any purpose, consultation with a professional architect duly licensed in the applicable jurisdiction is strongly recommended. https://secondegress.ca/A-Wicked-Problem Wed, 13 Oct 2021 22:33:40 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/A-Wicked-Problem window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Y11PY9EWEQ'); The Second Egress: A Wicked Problem Conrad Speckert McGill University School of Architecture Written January 4, 2021 Revised March 18, 2022 Published in Cellar Architectural Journal, 2023 This paper presents a first attempt to decode the requirement for two exit stairs in the National Building Code of Canada – to document its adverse effect on the design of small apartment buildings, and to compare Canada with other jurisdictions where this is not required. This study has since evolved into a project to thoroughly compare international building codes, study the history of the Canadian requirements and submit a code change request to the national codes board. Underpinning the research is the idea that architects should actively question and contribute to the rules we work with. A means of egress is defined by the 2015 National Building Code of Canada as a “continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from any point in a building or contained open space to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare.”1 Across Canada, the building code requires two means of egress for any multi-unit residential building exceeding two storeys, such that buildings of three storeys are subject to the same basic requirement as buildings of thirteen, or even thirty storeys. The implications of this rule upon the layout and therefore the efficiency of small apartment buildings is immense and creates a significant barrier to the construction of ‘missing middle’ and mid-rise housing. In the context of Toronto, the uneven distribution of housing typologies - as a city of detached single-family dwellings covering two-thirds of the land zoned for residential use, and a downtown of high-rise condo towers - is further exacerbated by this building code requirement.2 “In many of Toronto’s residential neighbourhoods deemed to be stable or imbued with character, our current zoning regulations make it far easier to build a 5,000 square foot single-family house than a multi-unit low-rise apartment or a rental suite in a house.” 3 It would be reasonable to expect that as buildings increase in scale, corresponding regulatory frameworks would adjust proportionately. In 2005, the Province of Ontario established the Greenbelt to prevent additional urban sprawl around Toronto, compelling developers to look inward at the existing urban and suburban fabric. In order to accommodate growth without defaulting to the high-rises of the downtown core or upsetting existing homeowners in the so-called ‘Yellowbelt’ of residential detached zoning, planners identified arterial roads as appropriate opportunities for densification. Officially adopted into the Toronto Official Plan in 2010, the ‘Avenues and Mid-rise Buildings Performance Standards’ established new building heights corresponding to the width of adjacent streets along the main transit corridors of the city. While this planning policy allowed for mid-rise densification, the reality is that very little has since been built. Land use and zoning restrictions were revised, but the construction of mid-rise buildings remains subject to the same lengthy approvals process, development charges and building code requirements as much taller high-rise buildings, thereby making them significantly less efficient and cost-competitive to build. <img width="1024" height="540" width_o="1024" height_o="540" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8af2e491ff4288e78d0dc97f474265d101a54d6a6d64e96359011c33a2d88e91/2010MidriseBuildingPerformanceStandards_CityOfToronto.jpg" data-mid="166053123" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8af2e491ff4288e78d0dc97f474265d101a54d6a6d64e96359011c33a2d88e91/2010MidriseBuildingPerformanceStandards_CityOfToronto.jpg" /> 2010 Mid-rise Buildings Performance Standards. Image courtesy City of Toronto. 1 National Building Code of Canada 2015.2 City of Toronto, “Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods”. 3 Annabel Vaughan, "Radical Typologies," in Alex Bozikovic, Cheryll Case, John Lorinc, and Annabel Vaughan, eds., House Divided: How the Missing Middle Will Solve Toronto’s Affordability Crisis, (Toronto, Ontario: Coach House Books, 2019), 157-166, 164. “My colleagues, we like mid-rise work,” said architect Richard Witt, principal at Toronto’s Quadrangle. “It’s interesting; it’s less formulaic, so you often get more interesting buildings. But the economics of it don’t work for anybody. Almost every client that’s done them has never done another one.” 4 Eberhard Zeidler (1926-2022) was one of Toronto’s most renowned modern architects. Born in Germany and educated at the Bauhaus, Zeidler immigrated to Canada in 1951 and designed many of the landmark buildings that define the city: the Eton Center; Ontario Place; the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto; as well as Sick Kids and Princess Margaret Hospital. In 1996, Zeidler wrote an essay entitled ‘Main Streets Initiative Handicapped by Building Codes,’ for the book A Practitioner’s Guide to Urban Densification. He describes the problem of the building code requirement for two exit stairs and how this makes it very difficult to build the kind of buildings envisioned by planning policy. The building typology of four to ten storey apartment buildings is typically designed with one exit stair and elevator shared between two to four apartments per floor. However, because the building code in Canada requires two means of egress, mid-rise buildings in this country are designed with two exit stairs connected by a long corridor, with a dozen or more units arranged along this corridor to achieve an efficient floor area ratio. Zeidler claims that “this appears to be a reasonable precaution for life safety. However, the life safety of this single stair type in Europe has been equal to, if not better than ours,” due to the fact that the single stair scheme is shared between fewer people on each floor.5 Such single stair buildings are the dominant housing type in dense urban contexts like Berlin, Paris, or Barcelona, but remain illegal to build in Canada since the National Building Code was first published in 1941. Amending the code requirement for two means of egress would make smaller apartment buildings of mid-rise height feasible on smaller properties and allow them to be built as originally envisioned by planning policy. 4 Shane Dingman, “Toronto wants mid-rise housing, but can we afford it?” The Globe and Mail, June 26, 2018, 5 Christopher Hume, “Stairway to a Better Toronto.” Toronto Star, January 22, 2004. "The two-stair plan entrenched in our building codes should be eliminated, to give us the incentive to rebuild our main streets with residential/commercial buildings that are in scale with the streets."6 In February 2019, the Housing Affordability Task Group of the Ontario Association of Architects issued a report with the objective of “identifying key design and planning elements to address housing affordability, including building form, construction methods, location and municipal planning.”7 The document is a comprehensive summary of housing affordability issues and presents solutions to increase housing supply, to make housing financially attainable, and to address the urgency of the crisis. One of the recommendations includes creating “an alternative means of achieving Ontario Building Code compliance to permit a four-storey building with a single exit.”8 In alignment with Zeidler’s recommendation, the report also associates the issue of the second egress with the housing affordability crisis. 6 Ibid. 7 SvN Architects + Planners Inc, Housing Affordability in Growing Urban Areas, February 2019, OAA Affordability Task Group, 50. 8 Ibid. Building code requirements for the number of exits in multi-unit residential buildings vary significantly between international jurisdictions - comprising different rules dependent on criteria such as building height, occupancy load, travel distances, dead-end lengths, stair width and configuration, fire-resistance rating of assemblies, fire-protection rating of doors, refuge areas and stretcher-sized elevators, automatic sprinkler systems and other protective measures. For instance, the United Kingdom’s Building Regulations are drastically different to the National Building Code of Canada. The United Kingdom does not establish a maximum building height for apartment buildings with a single exit stair.9 Tall residential buildings are designed with a stay-in-place firefighting strategy (Canada requires immediate evacuation), and regardless of building height, only a horizontal travel distance and maximum occupancy load per storey limit the size of the building, resulting in many tall buildings with a single exit stair.10 In 2017, one such building, the Grenfell Tower, was engulfed by the deadliest residential fire in the UK since the Second World War and cost the lives of seventy-two people. Subsequent inquiry determined the negligent use of combustible insulation to have caused the rapid spread of the fire across the building facade. The tower consisted of a twenty-four storey concrete structure with a single exit stair, for which the stay-in-place evacuation policy was sustained for more than eighty minutes before a general evacuation was ordered. Following the Grenfell inquiry, the government announced new fire safety regulations in 2020 to require sprinklering for residential buildings over eleven metres in building height, require increased evacuation signage, forbid the use of combustible materials in exterior wall assemblies and demand increased oversight during planning and construction.11 Notably, the new regulations do not include any changes to the unrestricted building height for single stair designs despite concerns raised by the Royal Institute of British Architects and London Fire Brigade.12 Consider another Commonwealth jurisdiction - In Australia, fire safety requirements increase significantly with buildings exceeding 25 metres in height, equivalent to the maximum vertical extent of a typical aerial apparatus (ladder firetruck). Buildings of up to ten metres in height are allowed to have a single unprotected escape path while buildings up to twenty-five metres in height require a single protected stair (corridor separation) and are governed by a maximum travel distance of six metres - only buildings exceeding twenty-five metres in height require two exit stairs.13 An excellent example of what the code allows for is the well-documented Nightingale 1 designed by Breathe Architecture in Brunswick, Australia - a five storey apartment building with a single central exit stair and a total of twenty apartments, on an urban infill property the size of a typical single-family detached lot. <img width="1191" height="842" width_o="1191" height_o="842" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d98dd83363dd6ba7070f80b119b2d84c3a2b2f7ffc5d4ef81b24ae7b58008f13/CAJ_Nightingale-1_orange.jpg" data-mid="165785261" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d98dd83363dd6ba7070f80b119b2d84c3a2b2f7ffc5d4ef81b24ae7b58008f13/CAJ_Nightingale-1_orange.jpg" /> Nightingale 1. (2017). Image by and courtesy of Breathe Architecture. Edited by author. 9 Her Majesty’s Government, Building Regulations 2010 – Fire Safety, Approved Document B, Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings (2019 edition incorporating 2020 amendments), 2020. 10 Boris Stock and Karl Wallasch, “Fire Safety Requirements for High-Rise Residential Towers in England and Germany,” FeuerTrutz International, (2020): 5-10. 11 Ministry of Housing, Communities &amp; Local Government, “A reformed building safety regulatory system: government response to the Building a Safer Future consultation”, London, UK, April 2020, 12 Kate Youde, “RIBA demands fire regs clarity amid single-stair towers controversy,” Architects Journal, January 26, 2022 13Australian Building Codes Board, National Construction Code, Series 2015, Volume 1 (Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings) In Germany, the ‘Musterbauordnung’ is the model building code adopted with modifications by the individual states. This code establishes the principle that buildings must generally have two means of egress - however the second egress can be a designated window or balcony for rescue by the fire department.14 Such rescue is permitted with extension ladders reaching up to eight metres or with an aerial apparatus reaching up to twenty-two metres (only if the local fire department is equipped with such a firetruck). A second egress is not required if the first egress is a “fire safety” stair (a pressurized stairwell with a protected lobby and standpipe).15 Over twenty-two metres in height, buildings are classified as high-rises, for which a single exit stair is permitted in apartment buildings up to sixty metres in height with several additional fire safety requirements.16 <img width="1042" height="1200" width_o="1042" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/631271a1cffd97a511ffba2f56962c39d403d8864e851d06a86ffcbe15cf0036/CAJ_FeuerwehrRichtlinien_01_1200px.jpg" data-mid="165785705" border="0" data-scale="40" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/631271a1cffd97a511ffba2f56962c39d403d8864e851d06a86ffcbe15cf0036/CAJ_FeuerwehrRichtlinien_01_1200px.jpg" /> Kompendium: Flächen für die Feuerwehr.In Joseph Messerer and Peter Bachmeier, Vorbeugender baulicher Brandschutz, 9., aktualisierte Auflage, Vorbeugender Brandschutz (Stuttgart: Kohlhammer, 2021). Edited by author. 14 Fachkommission Bauaufsicht, Musterbauordnung 2002 [Model Building Code, 2002], Bauministerkonferenz, 2020. 15 Karl Wallasch and Boris Stock, “Single Living,” Fire &amp; Risk Management (F&amp;RM) Journal, (2009): 19. 16 Fachkommission Bauaufsicht, Muster-Richtlinie über den Bau und Betrieb von Hochhäusern, Fassuing 2008 [Model-Highrise-Regulations, 2008], Bauministerkonferenz, 2012. The ‘Bremer Punkt’ (designed by Lin Architects + Urbanists) is a pilot project for urban densification in Bremen, Germany commissioned by the local housing association to address an “increasing housing shortage and a growing demand for affordable housing.”17 The project was included in the OAA’s Housing Affordability report as a case study on urban infill densification.18 The first of these projects, built in 2017, is a four-storey apartment building made of prefabricated, panelized wood construction with the single exit stair in cast concrete. The building is an almost perfect cube, occupying a footprint of 13.35 by 13.35 metres and fourteen metres in height. As a result of the single exit stair design, the building can be reconfigured for anywhere from four to eleven dwelling units, varying from studios of thirty square metres up to five bedroom units of 138 square metres, each benefiting from a corner condition and shallow depth. Alex Bozikovic, the architectural critic for the Globe and Mail newspaper and co-editor of the book House Divided: How the Missing Middle Can Solve Toronto’s Affordability Crisis, dedicates an entire chapter of this book to the ‘Bremer Punkt’. Bozikovic suggests that in the context of Toronto’s residential detached neighbourhoods, “if you built a Bremer Punkt building here, it would have a comparable footprint to the house that’s here now. It would be no taller than the neighbouring apartment buildings. To a casual observer, it wouldn’t look dramatically different in scale from the existing houses.”19 <img width="2500" height="1667" width_o="2500" height_o="1667" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/195296874974201ba5901ee02c04430c7a36073c12c3184f07d16e4d53cc19cb/BremerPunkt_Lin.jpg" data-mid="121571827" border="0" data-scale="56" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/195296874974201ba5901ee02c04430c7a36073c12c3184f07d16e4d53cc19cb/BremerPunkt_Lin.jpg" /> Bremer Punkt. (2017). Lin Architects Urbanists.Image courtesy of Nikolai Wolff/Fotoetage 17 Maria Francisca Gonzalez, “Bremer Punkt / Lin Architects Urbanists,” ArchDaily, January 10, 2018. 18 SvN Architects + Planners Inc, Housing Affordability in Growing Urban Areas, 61. 19 Bozikovic, "The High Cost of Building a Box," in Bozikovic et al., House Divided, 189-192, 190. “Larger buildings reflect economies of scale in multifamily construction. As land costs increase, developers need to fit more housing units on a single land parcel. The costs of design, regulation, and operations don’t vary much by building size, so larger buildings allow developers to spread these fixed costs over more apartments. As one developer put it: From an operations standpoint, it costs almost as much for us to operate a 30-40 unit building as it does a 100-unit building, so we are looking for sites that can accommodate larger projects.” 20 383 Sorauren is a ten-storey mid-rise development in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood of Toronto consisting of 142 residential units. The building won the 2017 Toronto Urban Design Award of Excellence for fitting in with the surrounding context of heritage industrial buildings and is considered an example of best practices in the design of mid-rise buildings. The project is described here to demonstrate the resulting building size and layout when dealing with the requirement for two means of egress. The plan consists of deep, repetitive and single orientation units accessed off an efficient double-loaded corridor with two exit stairs placed at opposite ends. The project is one of the best recent midrise buildings in Toronto and demonstrates what is presently viable in the best possible light. However, the reality is that this scale of development is deemed too small for Toronto’s market and serves as reminder that the ‘missing middle’ and midrise scale of the Bremer Punkt and Nightingale 1 remains unbuilt in this city partially due to the steadfast requirement for two means of egress. <img width="1440" height="1080" width_o="1440" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/40ab2cac3f1b0aaeb3e865ab4c5d1d8793d6a03dd5cc564510fb91d407a8921f/383Sourauren_architectsAlliance_01.jpeg" data-mid="121571699" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/40ab2cac3f1b0aaeb3e865ab4c5d1d8793d6a03dd5cc564510fb91d407a8921f/383Sourauren_architectsAlliance_01.jpeg" /> <img width="790" height="544" width_o="790" height_o="544" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/61af5002e32ee26cf69d72889977ac3b283c379afd7f7f714133aeff91c5a155/CAJ_383Sourauren_architectsAlliance_02.png" data-mid="165786417" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/790/i/61af5002e32ee26cf69d72889977ac3b283c379afd7f7f714133aeff91c5a155/CAJ_383Sourauren_architectsAlliance_02.png" /> 383 Sorauren. Image and Illustration by and courtesy of architectsAlliance. Edited by author. 20 Hannah Hoyt, “More or Less? An Inquiry into Design and Construction Strategies for addressing Multifamily Housing Costs,” Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University, 2020. “Where our current system allows new development, it favours bigness: big plans, big sites, big buildings, big capital, and big billings for planners and lawyers who know how to navigate the maze of regulation and consultation that governments have put in place. The city – government and entrepreneurs alike – should be able to build new housing at every scale in every area. Right now, we cannot.” 21 The West Don Lands (also known as the Canary District) is another recent Toronto example of the resulting designs when two means of egress is required for mid-rise housing. In advance of the 2015 Pan American Games, the City of Toronto allocated eighty acres of former industrial land to serve initially as Athletes Village and thereafter as “vibrant twenty-first-century century neighbourhood” of mid-rise buildings.22 The precinct policy and urban plan for the neighbourhood has been developed as perimeter blocks of ten to fifteen storeys, each averaging more than 100 residential units. The buildings consist of either courtyard or L-shape floor plans with deep building depths and repetitive, single-orientation units arranged along a double-loaded corridor. While the building code specifies a maximum dead end condition of six metres to reach one exit stair, the maximum travel distance between two exit stairs is fourty-five metres, resulting in long, narrow and artificially lit corridors to reach a central elevator core.23 An alternate single exit stair design could have allowed the architects to subdivide the floor plans with fewer apartments sharing a stair on each floor, and to propose shallower building depths with units getting daylight and fresh air from both sides. The design flexibility of a single stair layout also could have accommodated more diversity in the mix of unit types and much-needed larger, more family-friendly apartments with three or four bedrooms. 21 Bozikovic, "Conclusion," in Bozikovic et al., House Divided, 229-234, 229. 22 Urban Design Associates, West Don Lands Block Plan and Design Guidelines, Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation, 2006. 23 2012 Ontario Building Code, Section 3.3.1.9.9 and Section 3.3.1.4.4. “In dense environments across much of America, urban homes are stacked and tied together by a framework of systems that meet specific functions within tight efficiency requirements. These internal systems allow for humans to make their way from the public street to their dwellings, often hundreds of feet off the ground with ease and comfort. They also allow for mail to be delivered, trash to be removed, and water, air and electricity to service each home. And in all but a few examples, these functions are gauged by their built efficiency: what arrangement allows for the maximum amount of rentable area with the minimum amount of supporting space. In other words, how can a building make apartments as large as possible while meeting the minimum code and engineering standards to support their occupancy. To meet these ends, the connective tissue to access American urban dwellings has leaned heavily on the implementation of the double-loaded corridor. While not initially recognizable by name, the double-loaded corridor is spatially ubiquitous. Uniformly 5 feet wide with two rows of 26-30 foot deep dwellings flanking each side, these arrangements maintain a uniform height, material and direction. Their often lengthy procession is centered on an elevator core and capped by two egress stairs; a case study in anti-human engineering.” 24 Building code requirements for means of egress are closely tied to firefighting practices, and just as the code has evolved differently between jurisdictions, so to have firefighting practices. Though firefighting operations in Europe and North America share much in common, the differences in the design and tasking of aerial apparatus (ladder trucks) are a direct result of differences in evacuation and rescue practice. Aerial apparatus in Europe are used primarily as a rescue ladder with “a basket or small platform that can takefirefighters up and victims down,” whereas North American ladder trucks are equipped with pumps and water tanks and focused more on water flow and fire suppression.25 Fire truck manufacturers explain that differences in streets widths as well as the height of buildings also require “smaller, more compact aerials and more articulating platforms in Europe than we use in the U.S.”26 Means of egress therefore must be understood within the context of North American firefighting practices and urban planning. Nevertheless, performance-based building code compliance should allow additional life safety measures - like increased fire ratings on doors, limits to the number of dwelling units sharing the exit, or sprinklering and pressurization of the stairwell - to be proposed for a single stair design without any change to local firefighting and evacuation practices. It is also worth noting that many existing non-conforming buildings in Toronto today were built with a single exit stair. 24 Frank Zimmermann, “Breaking Up with the Double Loaded Corridor: A Study of Progressive Housing Design and Its Influence on Social Networks,” 2020. 25 Alan M. Petrillo, “Fire Apparatus – United States vs. Europe,” Fire Apparatus Magazine, (June 7, 2016). 26 Ibid. “Like most North American cities, Toronto has a history of incremental development that reflects growth patterns and population shifts. Take a walk through any older neighbourhood and you will see a diversity of housing stock: detached houses, duplexes, triplexes, walk-up apartments, rooming houses, small apartment buildings (fewer than eight to ten storeys), apartments above shops, laneway housing, coach houses, loft apartments in converted warehouses, multi-generational family housing, and everything in between. It is a perfect mix of housing types that organically grew out of the demands of people moving into the city. Yet the majority of this stock was built before Toronto’s zoning regulations came into effect in 1952. Paradoxically, much of what we love about the older parts of Toronto would not be allowed under current regulations.” 27 The conflicting priorities of planning departments with other institutions is a significant form of resistance to change, in which a technocratic approach of relying on empirical evidence can fail to produce consensus. The example of street building practices, explained by Professor Paul Hess at the University of Toronto, describes how “planning and other bureaucratic units within the urban bureaucracy such as fire departments often make competing or even contradictory safety claims. Pedestrian planners, for example, argue that narrow streets will reduce traffic speeds and the severity of pedestrian collisions, while fire department planners argue they will slow critical response times to fire or medical emergencies.”28 The issue of the second egress is a similar issue for which empirical evidence struggles to address inherently competing value systems between authorities. Hess further describes the dilemma of such wicked problems with the perspective of elected decision makers, who “may give less weight to the broad but relatively weak technical knowledge of planners, compared to the narrower, but more developed technical knowledge of engineers particularly as this is often directly connected to safety concerns and issues of legal liability. This inclusion or exclusion of actors and the differential valuing of viewpoints and types of knowledge in decision making processes narrows potential outcomes and sustains existing practices.” The term ‘wicked’ is borrowed from social policy and planning theory, used to define complex problems where stakeholders have differing or opposing views, and there is no immediate and ultimate way to test the success of a solution.29 In terms of a building code change request, the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, CCBFC, develops the model National Building Code on a five-year code cycle followed by provincial harmonization. A code change request to allow for single egress conditions will require review from several of the CCBFC’s Standing Committees: Use and Egress (SC-UE); Fire Protection (SC-FP); as well as Housing and Small Buildings (SC-HSB). Each committee includes twenty voting members (from within the construction industry, fire prevention and regulatory enforcement officers, as well as individuals from other research and public interest groups) who will need to reach consensus that the proposed change meets the fire and life safety objectives of the building code. 27 Vaughan, "Radical Typologies," in Bozikovic, et al., House Divided, 165. 28 Paul M. Hess, “Avenues or Arterials: The Struggle to Change Street Building Practices in Toronto, Canada,” Journal of Urban Design 14, no. 1 (February 1, 2009): 1–28. 29 Horst W. J. Rittel and Melvin M. Webber, “Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning,” Policy Sciences 4, no. 2 (June 1, 1973): 155–69. Building codes are by historical necessity, unyielding, the result of catastrophic fires in major cities at the turn of the twentieth century and an urgent need for regulation of construction practices within rapidly growing urban populations. The introduction of two means of egress was a decisive and understandable requirement within the context of an industry dominated by combustible wood-frame construction and remains in place today as undisputed regulatory permanence.30 However building codes do evolve to address emerging crises. Allowing mass timber construction at increasing heights to combat the embodied carbon of construction is proof that the governing assumptions on fire safety can be revised and adapted to new realities.31 &nbsp; “In the last century or two of social disruption, we were tempted by an excess of faith in the machine to do everything by means of it. We were like children left alone with a paint brush who applied it impartially to unpainted wood, to varnished furniture, to the tablecloth, to his toys, and to his own face. When with increased knowledge and judgment, we discover that some of those uses are inappropriate, that others are redundant, and that others are inefficient substitutes for a more vital adjustment, we will contract the machine to those areas in which it serves directly as an instrument of human purpose.” 32 &nbsp; The building code should not prohibit the construction of single stair buildings, but rather regulate the conditions in which it is acceptable. Can single stair designs with additional safety measures adhere to the risk assumptions of the current building code? The intention is to raise this question to architects, planners, builders, and fire engineers to reconsider the requirement for two means of egress. Canada is one of the most restrictive jurisdictions regarding the maximum height for single stair buildings, and this presents a significant obstacle to building the much-needed ‘missing middle’ of housing, especially in Toronto. The intention of this paper has been to introduce the wicked problem of the second egress as it relates to the design and supply of housing and to offer a starting point for further investigation towards a building code change. 30 Keith Calder, The Historical Development of the Building Size Limits in the National Building Code of Canada, The Canadian Wood Council, 2015. 31 David Israelson, “'Harder, faster, better, stronger' Mass timber is trending up,” The Globe and Mail, August 16, 2022. 32 Lewis Mumford (1963) in Barbara Brown Wilson and Steven A. Moore, Questioning Architectural Judgment: The Problem of Codes in the United States, New York: Routledge, 2014. Bibliography Australian Building Codes Board. National Construction Code, Series 2015, Volume 1 (Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings). https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/ Bozikovic, Alex, Cheryll Case, John Lorinc, and Annabel Vaughan. House Divided: How the Missing Middle Will Solve Toronto’s Affordability Crisis. Toronto Ontario: Coach House Books, 2019. https://www.deslibris.ca/ID/480052 Calder, Keith. The Historical Development of the Building Size Limits in the National Building Code of Canada. The Canadian Wood Council, 2015. City of Toronto. “Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods.” https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/planning-studies-initiatives/expanding-housing-options/ Dingman, Shane. “Toronto wants mid-rise housing, but can we afford it?” The Globe and Mail, June 26, 2018. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/real-estate/article-toronto-wants-mid-rise-housing-but-can-we-afford-it/ Fachkommission Bauaufsicht, Musterbauordnung 2002 [Model Building Code, 2002], Bauministerkonferenz, 2020. https://www.bauministerkonferenz.de/suchen.aspx?id=762&amp;o=759O762&amp;s=musterbauordnung Fachkommission Bauaufsicht, Muster-Richtlinie über den Bau und Betrieb von Hochhäusern, Fassuing 2008 [Model-Highrise-Regulations, 2008], Bauministerkonferenz, 2012. https://www.bauministerkonferenz.de/verzeichnis.aspx?id=991&amp;o=759O986O991 Gonzalez, Maria Francisca. “Bremer Punkt / Lin Architects Urbanists.” ArchDaily, January 10, 2018. https://www.archdaily.com/870720/bremer-punkt-lin-architects-urbanists Building Regulations 2010 – Fire Safety, Approved Document B, Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings (2019 edition incorporating 2020 amendments – for use in England). 2020.&nbsp; Hess, Paul M. “Avenues or Arterials: The Struggle to Change Street Building Practices in Toronto, Canada.” Journal of Urban Design 14, no. 1 (February 1, 2009): 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/13574800802451049 Hoyt, Hannah. “More or Less? An Inquiry into Design and Construction Strategies for addressing Multifamily Housing Costs.” Joint Center for Housing Studies. Harvard University, 2020 https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media/imp/harvard_jchs_gramlich_design_and_construction_strategies_multifamily_hoyt_2020_3.pdf Hume, Christopher. “Stairway to a Better Toronto, Interview with Eb Zeidler.” Toronto Star, January 22, 2004. Israelson, David. “'Harder, faster, better, stronger' Mass timber is trending up.” The Globe and Mail, August 16, 2022. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/industry-news/property-report/article-mass-timber-construction-material/ Ministry of Housing, Communities &amp; Local Government. A reformed building safety regulatory system: government response to the Building a Safer Future consultation, April 2020. London, UK.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877628/A_reformed_building_safety_regulatory_ system_-_gvt_response_to_the_Building_a_Safer_Future_consultation.pdf National Building Code of Canada. 2015. Ontario Building Code. 2022. Section 3.3.1.9.9 and Section 3.3.1.4.4. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332 Petrillo, Alan M. “Fire Apparatus – United States vs. Europe.” Fire Apparatus Magazine, (June 7, 2016). https://www.fireapparatusmagazine.com/fire-apparatus/fire-apparatus-united-states-vs-europe/ Rittel, Horst W. J., and Melvin M. Webber. “Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning.” Policy Sciences 4, no. 2 (June 1, 1973): 155–69. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01405730 Stock, Boris, and Karl Wallasch. “Fire Safety Requirements for High-Rise Residential Towers in England and Germany.” FeuerTrutz International, (2020): 5-10. https://www.medien.feuertrutz.de/?lang=en#doc/62580/5 SvN Architects + Planners Inc, Housing Affordability in Growing Urban Areas, February 2019, Ontario Association of Architects Housing Affordability Task Group, 50. Urban Design Associates. West Don Lands Block Plan and Design Guidelines. Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation. 2006. https://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/sites/default/files/documents/wdl-blockplans-1.pdf Wallasch, Karl and Boris Stock. “Single Living.” Fire &amp; Risk Management (F&amp;RM) Journal, 19. 2009. Wilson, Barbara Brown and Steven A. Moore. Questioning Architectural Judgment: The Problem of Codes in the United States. New York: Routledge, 2014. Youde, Kate. “RIBA demands fire regs clarity amid single-stair towers controversy.” Architects Journal, January 26, 2022. https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/riba-demands-fire-regs-clarity-amid-single-stair-towers-controversy Zimmermann, Frank. “Breaking Up with the Double Loaded Corridor: A Study of Progressive Housing Design and Its Influence on Social Networks.” 2020. https://issuu.com/frankzimm/docs/zimmerman__frank_breaking_up_with_the_double_loade Additional References Apps, P. (2020, November 06). Grenfell Tower Inquiry Diary Week 17. InsideHousing. Online: https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/news/grenfell-tower-inquiry-diary-week-17-its-hard-to-make-a-note-about-this-because-we-are-not-clean-68477 architectsAlliance. 383 Sorauren. Online: https://architectsalliance.com/projects/small/383-sorauren Barnett, J. (2011). How codes shape development in the United States, and why they should be changed. In S. Marshall (Ed.), Urban coding and planning (pp. 201-226). London : Routledge. Blais, P. (2003). Smart Development for Smart Growth. Issue Paper No. 6. Toronto: Neptis Foundation. Bozikovic, A. (2015, July 9). How top Canadian architects designed a Pan Am district from scratch. The Globe and Mail. Online. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/how-canadas-top-architects-designed-a-pan-am-district-from-scratch/article25385393/ Building Codes - Guides Online Library. National Research Council Canada. Online: http://codes-guides.nrc.ca/IA/05NBC/1.4.html Bukowski, R. (2009). Emergency Egress from Buildings. NIST Technical Note 1623. U.S. Department of Commerce: National Institute of Standards and Technology. Online: https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/Legacy/TN/nbstechnicalnote1623.pdf Canadian Architect. (2019, April 3). OAA releases report on addressing housing affordability through design. Online. https://www.canadianarchitect.com/oaa-releases-report-on-addressing-housing-affordability-through-design/ Canadian Wood Council. (1996). Fire Safety Design in Buildings – A reference for applying the National Building Code of Canada fire safety requirements in building design. Online: https://cwc.ca/wp-content/uploads/publications-FireSafetyDesign-s.pdf City of Toronto. (2017, September 13). Winners of the 2017 Toronto Urban Design Awards announced. Online. https://www.toronto.ca/news/winners-of-the-2017-toronto-urban-design-awards-announced/ City of Toronto. (2010). Mid-rise Building Performance Standards. Online: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/official-plan-guidelines/design-guidelines/mid-rise-buildings/ Daviter, F. (2019). Policy analysis in the face of complexity : What kind of knowledge to tackle wicked problems? Public Policy and Administration, 34(1), 62-83. Heckmann, O. et al. (2017). Floor Plan Manual of Housing, Fifth Revised and Expanded Edition. Basel: Birkhäuser Publishers. Kirkpatrick, D. (2017, June 24). Why Grenfell Tower Burned: Regulators Put Cost Before Safety. The New York Times. Online: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/24/world/europe/grenfell-tower-london-fire.html McMordie, M. (2016). Eberhard Zeidler. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Online: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/eberhard-heinrich-zeidler Meslin, G. (2017). The Yellowbelt. mapTO. Online: http://www.mapto.ca/maps/2017/3/4/the-yellow-belt Potter, G. (2008). Fire Commentary: European Firefighting Operations. Fire Enginering Magazine. Online. https://www.fireengineering.com/2008/06/12/257023/fire-commentary-european-firefighting-operations/ Vermeulen, S. (2006). An Architecture of Daily Life: the continuing evolution of Toronto’s residential fabric. Unpublished Master of Architecture Thesis. University of Waterloo. Waterfront Toronto. West Don Lands. Online. https://waterfrontoronto.ca/nbe/portal/waterfront/Home/waterfronthome/precincts/west-don-lands Wegmann, J. (2006). What Happened to the Three-Decker? Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 21. https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/37424/123191174-MIT.pdf Wu, S. (2001). The Fire Safety Design of Apartment Buildings. Fire Engineering Research Report 01/10. University of Canterbury School of Engineering. Online: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/35470098.pdf Zeidler, E. (1996). Main Streets Initiative Handicapped by Building Codes. In J. Emeneau (ed.), A Practitioners Guide to Urban Intensification. Toronto: Canadian Urban Institute. https://secondegress.ca/National-Building-Code Fri, 15 Oct 2021 17:08:04 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/National-Building-Code window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Y11PY9EWEQ'); National Building Code “In the broadest sense, building regulations develop from contingency to contingency. Each one represents an emergency measure taken with very little or no study. As the emergency recedes, the regulation tends to form part of traditional practice. It is added to the pile, which grows and grows.Progress towards better regulations in this country will be speeded when we have an understanding of the history of the regulations which are now enforced.” - R.S. Ferguson, Head of Building Standards Section (1960’s). National Research Council of Canada.<img width="3300" height="2550" width_o="3300" height_o="2550" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bf9f98c6416e8f1cd80ea92f9ffa136735274f35e0bd0b56cdc2c544db8c4ab7/211029_NBC_PageCount_CS_06-01.png" data-mid="188560769" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bf9f98c6416e8f1cd80ea92f9ffa136735274f35e0bd0b56cdc2c544db8c4ab7/211029_NBC_PageCount_CS_06-01.png" /> An understanding of the history of the National Building Code is critical to examining the technical rationale for the regulations today. In 2008, the B.C. Office of Housing and Construction Standards hired Senez Reed Calder Fire Engineering Inc. to prepare a report on the historical origins for some of the requirements in the National Building Code of Canada. In particular, the report is a deep-dive into the rationale for the height and area limits of combustible construction: The report documents the history of the building code in Canada and accounts for the influence of regulations in the US and disastrous conflagrations across North American cities at the turn of the century. Extracts from Calder, K et al. (2008). A Historical Perspective on Building Heights and Areas in the British Columbia Building Code “The first edition of Canada’s National Building Code was published in 1941 and was based on the US model codes available at that time. The development of the Canadian and US model codes originated out of a need to regulate construction on a national basis. Most of the requirements in both the Canadian and US building codes were developed based on large city regulations in existence at the time of their development, with the intention of limiting large catastrophic fire events such as conflagrations or fires with large life loss...”“...Most of these requirements originated from the local codes that existed in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago and Baltimore. These were all cities in which large conflagrations had occurred, accelerating the development of local building regulations...” “...The basis for the height and area limitations in the 2006 BCBC were developed nearly 100 years ago when city conflagration or large life loss were prominent considerations. The means for dealing with these risks, in part, was to limit the height and area of buildings to what the fire department of the time could reasonably handle. The statistical fire record has shown that the number of fires is decreasing, loss of life in fires has decreased, and the relationship of city-wide conflagrations to interior building design is not correlated in a reasonable way to building height and area. In summary, there is a lack of definition to correlate the building area and height to the overall construction, compartmentation, and fire and life safety systems...” “...Building area and heights were based on a survey of fire services capabilities in the early 1900’s. During this era:Construction: The methods of construction were vastly different and methods of determining fire resistance of structures were in their infancy. Compartmentation: The degree of building compartmentation that was factored into the reviews is not representative of residential construction in today’s code. Interior Finishes: Interior finishes were less controlled and flame-spread concepts were in their infancy. Wood was a more predominant ceiling finish, whereas gypsum board is a more common material for walls and ceilings in residences today. Evacuation: Exiting, fire alarm systems, and evacuation plans were less regulated and less effective. Concepts on evacuation relative to building height were based on buildings with open or unprotected stairs and not fire separated stair shafts as required by today's codes. Behaviour: The behaviour of people during a fire had not been studied and was therefore not understood. Firefighting: To the extent that it exists today, fire services did not have breathing apparatus, fire fighter’s stairs, aerial ladder trucks, addressable fire alarm systems, and floor plans. Hence, the building area and height rationalization based on hose stream penetration is not representative of today's capabilities...” History of the Single Exit Requirements in the National Building Code of Canada The table below looks specifically at the history of the second egress provisions in the National Building Code of Canada. The first edition of the NBC in 1941 permitted up to three storeys of noncombustible construction to be served by a single exit, which was later decreased to two storeys and reduced floor areas. Given the conclusions of the Senez Reed Calder report, the requirement for a second means of egress in the building code today may also be the result of pre-modern fire safety practices in the early 1900’s and remains engrained and unquestioned in the National Building Code today. NBC 1941 The first edition of the building code permits up to three storeys of noncombustible construction to be served by a single exit. Section 4.6.5 Number, Location and Width of Exits (pg 218) (c) From Floor-areas not on the Ground Floor. - Every such floor-area shall have direct access to at least two independent exits, except that in the following cases one exit shall be sufficient: (i) Floor-areas of 3,000 square feet or less in buildings of Type 1A, 1B or 1C Construction not over three storeys in height whose occupancies are included in Division 3 or 4 of Group C, Commercial and Industrial, or in Group D, Residential, or in Group E, Accessory. Note: Type 1A, 1B or 1C Construction require noncombustible construction for all load-bearing elements. <img width="577" height="478" width_o="577" height_o="478" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8cf5dccebda0642813313cdbc100750814ba20168804c221db870b7d66f2c53e/NBC1941_pg218_orange.png" data-mid="179853458" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/577/i/8cf5dccebda0642813313cdbc100750814ba20168804c221db870b7d66f2c53e/NBC1941_pg218_orange.png" /> NBC 1953The second edition of the building code introduces occupancy load limits for a single exit and restricts the maximum floor area from 3,000 down to 1,000 square feet. 3.20.7.3 Number, Location and Width of Exits from Floor Areas (b) Minimum Number of Exits Every floor area with an area of 1,000 square feet or more or an occupancy in excess of sixty persons shall have at least two separate exits. <img width="394" height="302" width_o="394" height_o="302" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/56f00632e6f55c4d83c2fa3cdccbf2412f85fe85ee669e61d192cafb7f1ac8f5/NBC1953_pg80_orange.png" data-mid="179853473" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/394/i/56f00632e6f55c4d83c2fa3cdccbf2412f85fe85ee669e61d192cafb7f1ac8f5/NBC1953_pg80_orange.png" /> NBC 1960The third edition of the building code maintains the provisions of the 1953 code and outlines the principles for the design of means of egress, engraining these concepts in future development of the code. 3.4.1 General Requirements for Means of Egress Principle 1: Means of egress are of two kinds, exit and access to exits. Exits (such as stair towers) should be designed for the sole purpose of escape. The standards of design within any exit enclosure should be adequate to satisfy the extra hazards of escape under the severe conditions imposed by fire. In many cases the standards for access to exits must be less stringent than those for exits because the access is within a floor area and must serve the needs of everyday use and occupancy as well as escape. Where floor areas are divided into rooms served by corridors, such corridors, even though they are defined as “access”, should be regarded almost as an “exit.” Principle 2: Means of egress, both access and exits, should be designed to increase in width as tributary population feeds into the main stream. Principle 3: Means of egress should be designed so that the escape route is always in a direction away from any possible fire. This means, in theory, that for any position in a building which might be occupied, it should be possible to travel in two directions since it is unlikely that both will be cut off at once. Ideally, therefore, corridors should have exits at both ends. Practically, it is difficult to achieve this ideal within individual suites and it is less important to achieve it in some circumstances such as where an entire floor area is one office or under the control of one person or which is not indended for infirm persons or for sleeping. Under some circumstances, therefore, a reasonable length of dead end may be tolerated but only with the approval of the authority having jurisdiction and only when no other reasonable solution exists. Principle 4: Exit safety in multistorey buildings is almost wholly dependent on the escape routes from any floor being fire separated from the other floors. This not only means that all exit stairs should be in fire-resistive shafts but that the doorways in such shafts should be closed off with fire doors. Even this is almost useless unless such doors are kept closed. Unless these construction practices are adhered to and the discipline of keeping doors closed is maintained, equivalent safety (ultimate safety is never possible) can only be achieved by the most complete sprinkler system and elaborate and expensive alarms. <img width="679" height="911" width_o="679" height_o="911" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/89c870a1479a1b7efeae495c682f2ff8c90a31d60f5b8866acc88aedba8ce648/NBC1960_pg81_orange.png" data-mid="179853483" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/679/i/89c870a1479a1b7efeae495c682f2ff8c90a31d60f5b8866acc88aedba8ce648/NBC1960_pg81_orange.png" /> NBC 1977The seventh edition refers to travel distance requirements depending on the floor area occupancy category to determine if one exit is allowed. 3.4.2. Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Sentence 3.3.4.2.(6), every floor area as regulated in Sentence 3.4.1.1.( 1) shall be served by not fewer than 2 exits. (2) Except for dwelling units, floor areas designed for an occupant load of not more than 60 persons in buildings not exceeding 2 storeys in building height may be served by 1 exit provided the floor area and travel distance requirements conform to Table 3.4.2.A. <img width="737" height="453" width_o="737" height_o="453" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a1fc223de08d413c8578ba500a162b294ce88e372dfe281cb5678b9dedb9f3fd/NBC1977_pg137.png" data-mid="124263914" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/737/i/a1fc223de08d413c8578ba500a162b294ce88e372dfe281cb5678b9dedb9f3fd/NBC1977_pg137.png" /> <img width="944" height="610" width_o="944" height_o="610" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e7c87ef65d074d55c5c18c2f28f42da56b710848ccf89f18b89316c2ea83a442/NBC1977_table3.4.2_pg138_highlighted.jpg" data-mid="179851917" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/944/i/e7c87ef65d074d55c5c18c2f28f42da56b710848ccf89f18b89316c2ea83a442/NBC1977_table3.4.2_pg138_highlighted.jpg" /> NBC 1980The eight edition permits the construction of three-storey townhouses accessed directly from the exterior, also clarifying that dwelling units in buildings up to three storeys can open directly into an exit stairway. Travel distances and floor areas are converted from imperial to metric units. 3.3. Safety Requirements within Floor Areas 3.3.4 Residential Occupancy3.3.4.3.(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), every dwelling unit containing more than 1 storey shall have an exit door or an egress door opening directly into a public access to exit from the uppermost storey and from the lowest storey of the dwelling unit so that the floor level of each such storey is served by an exit or egress door located not more than 1.5 m above or below the floor level. (2) A single exit is permitted from a dwelling unit provided the exit is an exterior door at or near ground level and (a) it is not necessary to travel up or down more than 1 storey to reach the exit door, or (b) the uppermost floor level opens to a balcony not more than 6 m above adjacent ground level. (4) In buildings of residential occupancy not more than 3 storeys in building height, a doorway from a dwelling unit is permitted to open directly into an exit stairway provided such dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress. (5) A doorway from a dwelling unit may open onto an interior corridor served by a single exit, or an exterior balcony served by a single exit stairway, or an exterior passageway served by a single exit stairway provided each dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress. <img width="693" height="499" width_o="693" height_o="499" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2b233a40b0c495e44357cf5fb3d7aa9c16b4b1f685e103bdce187191f3299397/NBC1980_pg128_orange.png" data-mid="179853694" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/693/i/2b233a40b0c495e44357cf5fb3d7aa9c16b4b1f685e103bdce187191f3299397/NBC1980_pg128_orange.png" /> NBC 1995The eleventh edition of the code subdivides the table on Criteria for One Exit between sprinklered and unsprinklered floor areas. 3.4.2. Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas 3.4.2.1. Minimum Number of Exits 1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), every floor area intended for occupancy shall be served by at least 2 exits. 2) A floor area in a building not more than 2 storeys in building height, is permitted to be served by one exit provided the total occupant load served by the exit is not more than 60, and a) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, the floor area and the travel distance are not more than the values in Table 3.4.2.1.A., or b) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout i) the travel distance is not more than 25 m, and ii) the floor area is not more than the value in Table 3.4.2.1.B. <img width="414" height="609" width_o="414" height_o="609" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ebe3ca5621bd04da56a1f62c4445c33ce391d74081fdb0f017474d5743a7c8b9/NBC1995_table3.4.2_pg131_highlighted.jpg" data-mid="179852164" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/414/i/ebe3ca5621bd04da56a1f62c4445c33ce391d74081fdb0f017474d5743a7c8b9/NBC1995_table3.4.2_pg131_highlighted.jpg" /> NBC 2005The introduction of objective and functional statements to accomodate performative code compliance. Division A - Part 2.2 Objectives OS1 Fire Safety An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in or adjacent to the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury due to fire. The risks of injury due to fire addressed in this Code are those caused by— OS1.1 – fire or explosion occurring OS1.2 – fire or explosion impacting areas beyond its point of origin OS1.3 – collapse of physical elements due to a fire or explosion OS1.4 – fire safety systems failing to function as expectedOS1.5 – persons being delayed in or impeded from moving to a safe place during a fire emergency OS3 Safety in Use An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in or adjacent to the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury due to hazards. The risks of injury due to hazards addressed in this Code are those caused by— OS3.1 – tripping, slipping, falling, contact, drowning or collision OS3.2 – contact with hot surfaces or substances OS3.3 – contact with energized equipment OS3.4 – exposure to hazardous substances OS3.5 – exposure to high levels of sound from fire alarm systems OS3.6 – persons becoming trapped in confined spaces OS3.7 – persons being delayed in or impeded from moving to a safe place during an emergency (see Appendix A) Division A - Part 3.2 Functional Statements F05 To retard the effects of fire on emergency egress facilities. F06 To retard the effects of fire on facilities for notification, suppression and emergency response. F10 To facilitate the timely movement of persons to a safe place in an emergency. F12 To facilitate emergency response. The original of this code is available for download on the NRC Publications archive: https://doi.org/10.4224/40001245 Sources: Archer, J.W. (2003). A Brief history of the National Building Code of Canada. Journal of the Ontario Building Officials Association, March, p.24-25.https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/object/?id=8bff8e43-1abc-4733-b5f7-5750227515cf National Research Council. (2020). Historical editions of Codes Canada publications (1941-1998). https://nrc.canada.ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/codes-canada/codes-canada-publications/historical-editions-codes-canada-publications-1941-1998 National Research Council Canada. (2020).&nbsp;Canada's national model codes development system.&nbsp; https://nrc.canada.ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/codes-canada/codes-development-process/canadas-national-model-codes-development-system Breneman, Scott. et al. (2019). Tall Wood Buildings in the 2021 IBC. Woodworks, Wood Products Council. https://www.woodworks.org/wp-content/uploads/wood_solution_paper-TALL-WOOD.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3Ephq57YljCOP_GNZNkMGoZBOFhtnWLnIJi13OXXOXIM4b9kKSoi0r7TgCalder, K et al. (2015). The Historical Development of the Building Size Limits in the National Building Code of Canada. The Canadian Wood Council / Sereca Consulting Inc. https://cwc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/HistoricalDevelopment-BldgSizeLimits-NBCC-2015-s.pdf Calder, K et al. (2008). A Historical Perspective on Building Heights and Areas in the British Columbia Building Code (Senez Reed Calder Historical Report).https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/construction-industry/building-codes-and-standards/reports/2008_senez_reed_calder_2008_10_17.pdf https://secondegress.ca/Legislating-Architecture Fri, 15 Oct 2021 17:06:52 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/Legislating-Architecture window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Y11PY9EWEQ'); Legislating Architecture Most architects choose to speak of their work as acts of deliberate authorship and the resulting manifestations of individual creativity. Few make reference to the zoning restrictions or building code conformance that determined the project to be of a certain size or construction. A similar commentary applies to the clever condominium developer purporting acts of altruistic sustainability by neglecting to disclose that the bicycle parking, electric-vehicle charging or green roof of their building was required by municipal by-law, but that is another story... It is an ignorant fiction to suggest today that architects control the design of buildings. A more honest description might be to describe architects as the manipulators of regulations, codes and standards into built form.&nbsp; Arno Brandlhuber is an architect that has frolicked since the 1990’s in the legislative mud of building codes and municipal zoning by-laws in Germany. In 2016, Brandlhuber co-edited the 225th edition of ARCH+ magazine, entitled ‘Legislating Architecture’ to explore how architecture is shaped by societal regulatory systems and law. The opening essay asks “can architects play a role in creating the legislative framework of their own practice? Can we create a self-aware architecture that challenges the status quo by being a catalyst to renegotiate our legislative conditions?” It is this question that underpins the work of The Second Egress, the idea that architects should actively question and contribute to the rules we work with. “In architecture, countless constraints and conditions lead to the design. The specific constraints and conditions imposed by the word are known to planners and designers as building law, zoning law or building code and are accepted, or at best interpreted, as such. Can these constraints and conditions also be understood as tools of design rather than as obstacles? Can planners and designers influence the definition of these constraints and conditions instead of being mere executors?” - Brandlhuber, Arno and Roth, Christopher. (2017).The Property Drama. Film. “Many architects do not particularly like to talk about economic and political outline conditions which, in their opinion, restrict their artistic freedom, or in the worst case, are seen as attacking the autonomy of the discipline of architecture. Other architects, however, make extensive use of rules, restrictions and opposition. For them deriving a concept from the outline conditions can, at times, represent the design act per se – the concept of a diagrammatic architecture that allows itself be used as a multi-purpose design weapon in each and every situation, so to speak.” - Müller, Mathias and Niggli, Daniel. (2012).Learning from Tokyo, EM2N. "Architecture during the last two centuries … is employed more and more as a preventive measure; an agency for peace, security and segregation which, by its very nature, limits the horizon of experience – reducing noise-transmission, differentiating movement patterns, suppressing smells, … veiling embarrassment, closeting indecency and abolishing the unnecessary; incidentally reducing daily life to a private shadow-play. But on the other side of this definition, there is surely another kind of architecture that would seek to give full play to the things that have been so carefully masked by its antitype; an architecture arising out of the deep fascination that draws people towards others; an architecture that recognizes passion, carnality and sociality." - Evans, Robin (1997). “Figures, Doors and Passages.” Translations from Drawing to Building and Other Essays, London. “Architects have essentially been neutered since the 1950’s!”- Prof. Andrew King, referring to practice in North America. (2021). 2.56mArno Brandlhuber &amp; Bernd Kniess + Uwe Schnatz (1997) Eigelstein 115, 50668 Köln, Germany “Inserted in an extremely narrow gap—just 2.56 meters wide—the project is less a house in the classical four-walls-and-one-roof sense but an infill for Cologne’s city center. The office and apartment building uses the existing party walls of the neighboring houses by inserting the concrete floor slabs directly into them, which allows for maximized use of the limited space. At ground level, a narrow corridor passes through the building into the rear courtyard, connecting the sidewalk with the exterior staircase at the back of the building. Relocating the vertical circulation to the outside not only increases the use of interior space but also allows for separate use by the apartment tenants. The one-room units have no partition walls. Instead, the core, comprised of the bathroom and storage space, divides the open floor into zones and permits minimum spatial separation. The apartments are open to the east and west sides of the building. With fully glazed facades this provides an unexpectedly spacious feeling inside which is continued on the roof terrace.”“In addition to the specific construction requirements of the narrow site, the building’s shape derives primarily from the legal situation. The German building code required each building in a block to be an independent construction. This law countered the owner’s arrangement with his neighbors, who asked him to maintain the shared party walls as part of the new structure. This condition was later adopted by the German building code as the so-called Verweisbaulast (reference construction encumbrances). The new code allowed for the use of adjacent party walls in new constructions, citing 2.56 as its legal precedent.” <img width="640" height="493" width_o="640" height_o="493" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cb4cfe6e5d808e5eca06a6e415ef6babacd66fda1742291694b9962384a2e0d9/0010_exploaded_isonometric_view_mf.jpg" data-mid="121960726" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/640/i/cb4cfe6e5d808e5eca06a6e415ef6babacd66fda1742291694b9962384a2e0d9/0010_exploaded_isonometric_view_mf.jpg" /> <img width="640" height="432" width_o="640" height_o="432" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/65b005ab742d5dae8406b0d7c2369ac4b2242d743eecea33dac4bf6e94f56c1f/0010_isometric_view_edited_mf_01.jpg" data-mid="121960741" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/640/i/65b005ab742d5dae8406b0d7c2369ac4b2242d743eecea33dac4bf6e94f56c1f/0010_isometric_view_edited_mf_01.jpg" /> <img width="640" height="437" width_o="640" height_o="437" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c46483bb8b73f9156b97dff76830d697c3ec9734db9c74c024bab6cd5eeffcbe/0010_isometric_view_edited_mf_02.jpg" data-mid="121960742" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/640/i/c46483bb8b73f9156b97dff76830d697c3ec9734db9c74c024bab6cd5eeffcbe/0010_isometric_view_edited_mf_02.jpg" /> <img width="640" height="432" width_o="640" height_o="432" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/295367d7dfd2d66ebf72ba5ffaedd46e6427be1aee387bbf1fd8c5e5a5eadd63/0010_isometric_view_edited_mf_03.jpg" data-mid="121960745" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/640/i/295367d7dfd2d66ebf72ba5ffaedd46e6427be1aee387bbf1fd8c5e5a5eadd63/0010_isometric_view_edited_mf_03.jpg" /> <img width="603" height="400" width_o="603" height_o="400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7d94eff46980646da6d8d5b48c8b186fd9b67157ac647d518c30919d95ace008/0010_og_4.jpg" data-mid="121960546" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/603/i/7d94eff46980646da6d8d5b48c8b186fd9b67157ac647d518c30919d95ace008/0010_og_4.jpg" /> <img width="489" height="400" width_o="489" height_o="400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/22dd0279e24b5de17ea5d01f8257b5c701f21f5c232d75d19ce104de21003b3f/0010_schnitt.jpg" data-mid="121960547" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/489/i/22dd0279e24b5de17ea5d01f8257b5c701f21f5c232d75d19ce104de21003b3f/0010_schnitt.jpg" /> <img width="1280" height="3055" width_o="1280" height_o="3055" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/70db7e48868942b160c97fc8d7c78830463e07f09c347c53c1661f79b2979b82/0010_DOS-7.jpg" data-mid="121960425" border="0" data-scale="70" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/70db7e48868942b160c97fc8d7c78830463e07f09c347c53c1661f79b2979b82/0010_DOS-7.jpg" /> <img width="1280" height="3296" width_o="1280" height_o="3296" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bdd7e305dbefd78be7d81f72643b53e5b2abe9b34c3dbee1be108edf1228e2f4/0010_DOS-6.jpg" data-mid="121960152" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bdd7e305dbefd78be7d81f72643b53e5b2abe9b34c3dbee1be108edf1228e2f4/0010_DOS-6.jpg" /> Brandlhuber, Arno. (1997). 0010 2.56. https://bplus.xyz/projects/0010-2-56 Brunnenstrasse 9Brandlhuber+ (2010) Brunnenstrasse 9, 10119 Berlin-Mitte, Germany “The concrete core, reduced to a minimum, houses the bathrooms and the elevator. It directly connects the different units to the street level via an entrance located in the public passageway. Apart from this central core, there is no other physical connection between the single units. The only way to circulate between them is either through elevator access or the external staircase attached to the rear façade. This exterior circulation layer is offset five meters from the back façade in accordance with the building code and fire regulations. The need for an interior stair is eliminated by shifting the staircase outside, which permits maximum spatial efficiency and complete independence for the users. The platforms connecting the exterior staircase also function well as terraces and public space for the residents. As the tram wires prevent firefighters from using extendible ladders on the street side, a second entrance had to be installed at the rear. In order to comply with regulations for the second fire escape —via the windows— the courtyard ground was raised 72cm on one side and 36cm on the other to match the maximum length of the fire brigade’s 8-metre ladder.” <img width="600" height="519" width_o="600" height_o="519" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7e386e328398322a13b9054c1f8e1916fd4f927b42472e8ec69366a90417e631/brandlhuber_brunnenstrasse_berlin_outside_staircase1.jpg" data-mid="121962563" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/7e386e328398322a13b9054c1f8e1916fd4f927b42472e8ec69366a90417e631/brandlhuber_brunnenstrasse_berlin_outside_staircase1.jpg" /> <img width="600" height="519" width_o="600" height_o="519" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6f19bdd734d2a45448d63b58b087d09d92f6a5d146da965e376b6a2da9815ba4/brandlhuber_brunnenstrasse_berlin_ladder_acess1.jpg" data-mid="121962503" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/6f19bdd734d2a45448d63b58b087d09d92f6a5d146da965e376b6a2da9815ba4/brandlhuber_brunnenstrasse_berlin_ladder_acess1.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2827" width_o="2000" height_o="2827" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b32c080500fe233c8c5e4d7be5e55e934ea1cd36cc21ecf4a47369cbe196bef8/09_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_ground_floor.jpg" data-mid="121958885" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b32c080500fe233c8c5e4d7be5e55e934ea1cd36cc21ecf4a47369cbe196bef8/09_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_ground_floor.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2827" width_o="2000" height_o="2827" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ef5ae1ba9abf4138e6ee66ea0f4312abd1b14a40df6dd5d434d1aef77cf0e3fa/10_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_upper_floor_one.jpg" data-mid="121958888" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ef5ae1ba9abf4138e6ee66ea0f4312abd1b14a40df6dd5d434d1aef77cf0e3fa/10_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_upper_floor_one.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2827" width_o="2000" height_o="2827" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c063e0f8676d88bb55ad86d0e65014a4d8475d0a1f283ae4dfcdf315e8d38cce/11_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_upper_floor_two.jpg" data-mid="121958889" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c063e0f8676d88bb55ad86d0e65014a4d8475d0a1f283ae4dfcdf315e8d38cce/11_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_upper_floor_two.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2827" width_o="2000" height_o="2827" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d3b573b08c264e9b37d3decde67bd242ee56ed3721a47af4f84eaf8a2c3ee418/12_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_upper_floor_three.jpg" data-mid="121958893" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d3b573b08c264e9b37d3decde67bd242ee56ed3721a47af4f84eaf8a2c3ee418/12_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_upper_floor_three.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2827" width_o="2000" height_o="2827" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1fc56a3be574b6761be1465230a9c6e482289ff2184322eddd457044207f87f6/13_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_upper_floor_four.jpg" data-mid="121958894" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1fc56a3be574b6761be1465230a9c6e482289ff2184322eddd457044207f87f6/13_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_upper_floor_four.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="2827" width_o="2000" height_o="2827" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b948526d51cd494af0a2b6a352a82f8eacb8db287038b5683d5e63b07e3a33aa/14_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_roof.jpg" data-mid="121958898" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b948526d51cd494af0a2b6a352a82f8eacb8db287038b5683d5e63b07e3a33aa/14_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_floor_plan_roof.jpg" /> <img width="1200" height="1477" width_o="1200" height_o="1477" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7a5bb03326954fc54ee7439d6e1b118ddd5c14536a35d5613be89267c99f7560/81baabf0bd5a499b8dd1d816e4ce4a6e.8945f03a.jpg" data-mid="121959329" border="0" data-scale="70" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7a5bb03326954fc54ee7439d6e1b118ddd5c14536a35d5613be89267c99f7560/81baabf0bd5a499b8dd1d816e4ce4a6e.8945f03a.jpg" /> <img width="1280" height="1855" width_o="1280" height_o="1855" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/919228e17507c768dc21f88e70da06a729121bfecd4e71931f3f91dd7a5b2a61/03_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_nathan_willock_staircase_at_dawn.jpg" data-mid="121958866" border="0" data-scale="70" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/919228e17507c768dc21f88e70da06a729121bfecd4e71931f3f91dd7a5b2a61/03_brandlhuber__archdaily_brunnenstrasse_berlin_nathan_willock_staircase_at_dawn.jpg" /> Brandlhuber, Arno. (2018). Brunnenstrasse. Atlas of Places. https://www.atlasofplaces.com/architecture/brunnenstrasse/ https://secondegress.ca/The-Missing-Middle Fri, 15 Oct 2021 17:09:12 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/The-Missing-Middle window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Y11PY9EWEQ'); The Missing Middle The intent of the requested code change is to make it easier to build missing middle and mid-rise housing. Planning policy and financing reforms are also required to facilitate and incentivize this scale of building. The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Housing Affordability Task Group published a report in February 2019 looking at how to increase the supply of housing, make housing financially attainable and address the urgency of this issue. First and foremost, the OAA proposed changes to single-detached “exclusionary” residential zoning. This key policy change has been extensively documented and faces a political struggle beyond the scope of architectural and planning practice - particularly the political resistance to change entrenched in the mindset of existing homeowners and municipal voters. However, California has recently ended single-family zoning statewide and New Zealand has enacted sweeping reforms to ban single-family detached zoning in cities.Whereas changes to zoning policy require enormous political buy-in and public consensus, a building code change in support of “missing middle” housing is the professional responsibility of fire protection engineers, architects, building officials and other industry experts to evaluate. Click here to read the OAA Summary Report - Housing Affordability Task Group <img width="1500" height="1011" width_o="1500" height_o="1011" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6cff7d0fa65c1a4606cccf80fea9895c4aea0ad936981e92bf568df85d9a30bb/MissingMiddleDiagram_CityOfEdmonton.jpg" data-mid="166054957" border="0" data-scale="80" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6cff7d0fa65c1a4606cccf80fea9895c4aea0ad936981e92bf568df85d9a30bb/MissingMiddleDiagram_CityOfEdmonton.jpg" /> ‘Missing Middle’ Housing. Image courtesy City of Edmonton. Further Reading on The Missing Middle House Divided: How the Missing Middle Will Solve Toronto’s Affordability CrisisEdited by Alex Bozikovic, Cheryll Case, John Lorinc, and Annabel Vaughan. (2019). Coach House Books.“ A citizen's guide to making the big city a place where we can afford to live. Housing is increasingly unattainable in successful global cities, and Toronto is no exception - in part because of zoning that protects "stable" residential neighborhoods with high property values. House Divided is a citizen's guide for changing the way housing can work in big cities. Using Toronto as a case study, this anthology unpacks the affordability crisis and offers innovative ideas for creating housing for all ages and demographic groups. With charts, maps, data, and policy prescriptions, House Divided poses tough questions about the issue that will make or break the global city of the future.“ <img width="900" height="1391" width_o="900" height_o="1391" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6b54a0526906b8c69070be36cba0e80603a7ca53fb59dc90c695c8f40f35c686/Image-front-cover_rb_modalcover.jpg" data-mid="126791131" border="0" data-scale="60" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/900/i/6b54a0526906b8c69070be36cba0e80603a7ca53fb59dc90c695c8f40f35c686/Image-front-cover_rb_modalcover.jpg" /> The Houses that Can’t be Built in America - The Missing MiddleNot Just Bikes. (March 8, 2021). Youtube. “In many US and Canadian cities you really only have two choices for living: an apartment, or a single family home. The housing options in-between these two extremes - called "Missing Middle Housing" - has been legislated almost out of existence in the US and Canada.” The ‘Missing Middle’ - An Answer to Toronto’s Housing Shortages? Urban Strategies Inc. (December 2020). Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, TRREB.“This report on the ‘missing middle’ has been commissioned by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board to assess the potential for increasing the available housing supply by introducing new forms of housing in the single-family neighbourhoods across the Greater Toronto Area. A lot of recent press and conference activity has identified the opportunity – most of our urban area is occupied by low density, single-family homes. Increasing the amount and variety of housing in those areas could significantly, and quickly, increase such housing supply.“ <img width="2550" height="3300" width_o="2550" height_o="3300" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/04e06966abb10e1a6447054d21490ae85d5e7d43b87e5bab4380a8f36227d428/2021.01.04-TRREB_Missing_Middle_Page_01.jpg" data-mid="140200398" border="0" data-scale="60" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/04e06966abb10e1a6447054d21490ae85d5e7d43b87e5bab4380a8f36227d428/2021.01.04-TRREB_Missing_Middle_Page_01.jpg" /> What is the Missing Middle? A Toronto housing challenge demystified. Canadian Urban Institute. (2018). Evergreen Housing Action Lab.&nbsp;“From 2017 to 2018, Evergreen’s Housing Action Lab convened a Missing Middle Working Group co-chaired by City of Toronto Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão and the Canadian Urban Institute. One of the initial tasks of the Working Group was to collaboratively create a “made in Toronto” framework for discussing missing middle housing. The purpose of this brief is to bring clarity to the concept of the missing middle and to identify areas to explore solutions for increasing the supply of missing middle housing in Toronto.” <img width="689" height="749" width_o="689" height_o="749" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b0eb8d0ed00e77cdef547fe9ddb1b510e4dc838bb436b00529b9fd532957e53d/Evergreen_excerpt.PNG" data-mid="140201164" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/689/i/b0eb8d0ed00e77cdef547fe9ddb1b510e4dc838bb436b00529b9fd532957e53d/Evergreen_excerpt.PNG" /> https://secondegress.ca/Toronto-Star-Eb-Zeidler Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:53:32 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/Toronto-Star-Eb-Zeidler window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Y11PY9EWEQ'); Stairway to a better TorontoChristopher Hume, Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: Jan 22, 2004. pg. B.02 ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Toronto Star Access provided by Toronto Public Library<img width="3130" height="5526" width_o="3130" height_o="5526" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ee2d029352914209d5fe7c5de7e3308c8837bca3a5f7f785e073e107dad9a64d/TorontoStar_Jan22_2004_B02_faded.jpg" data-mid="123916771" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ee2d029352914209d5fe7c5de7e3308c8837bca3a5f7f785e073e107dad9a64d/TorontoStar_Jan22_2004_B02_faded.jpg" /> https://secondegress.ca/Jurisdictions Sun, 17 Oct 2021 03:13:26 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/Jurisdictions window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-Y11PY9EWEQ'); Jurisdictions <img width="2874" height="5100" width_o="2874" height_o="5100" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/54515a0ef003a1427ddef6df590d53a2154bc4131dd38caa0a0316a4f925743c/261021_Jurisdictions_Updated_16.jpg" data-mid="253568966" border="0" data-scale="80" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/54515a0ef003a1427ddef6df590d53a2154bc4131dd38caa0a0316a4f925743c/261021_Jurisdictions_Updated_16.jpg" /> Cite this image: Speckert, C. (2022). Jurisdictions: Maximum Permitted Height for Single Stair Buildings [Infographic]. McGill School of Architecture. Updated in October 2026. Retrieved from https://secondegress.ca/Jurisdictions This jurisdictional scan is being provided for information and educational purposes only. The author has translated and summarized information from publicly available regulations to the best of their knowledge at the time of reviewing the applicable regulations. However, building regulations are constantly evolving and changing, such that the information presented here may be incorrect, outdated or no longer applicable. For certainty, the author provides no representation or warranty regarding any use of or reliance upon this website, including no representation or warranty that any information complies with applicable laws including any applicable building code requirements or municipal by-laws. Any use of or reliance upon this website by any person for any purpose shall be at such person’s sole risk and the author shall have no liability or responsibility for any such use of or reliance upon this website by any person for any purpose. Prior to any use of or reliance upon this website by any person for any purpose, consultation with a professional architect duly licensed in the applicable jurisdiction is strongly recommended. Jurisdiction Maximum Building HeightExplanation of code interpretation and additional information regarding relevant restrictions to maximum floor area, occupancy load, travel distance, etc. Note: Some jurisdictions have published a translation of their building code in English. Otherwise translations have been provided by a local expert, translation service or have been interpreted via correspondence with a local architect. Please refer to the original source documents for clarification and updated information. [Original Language]Source Document Link[Original Language] Code Section/Subsection/Articleshared by [Insert Name](Date) Canada (excl. British Columbia) 2 storeysThe 2020 National Building Code of Canada (and provincial editions, except British Columbia, see below) does not permit new multi-unit residential buildings exceeding 2 storeys to be served by a single exit. The requirements under NBC 3.4.2.1.(2) allow floor areas in a building not more than 2 storeys in height to be served by a single exit. Group C is the occupancy category for residential uses. Part 9 of the NBC includes similar conditions, but does not distinguish between sprinklered and unsprinklered floor areas. The NBC does allow individual dwelling units to be served by a single exit under certain conditions captured in 3.3.4.4. and 9.9.9.1. that are commonly known as rowhouse or stacked townhouse configurations. 3.4 Exits 3.4.2 Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas 3.4.2.1. Minimum Number of Exits 2) A floor area in a building not more than 2 storeys in building height, is permitted to be served by one exit provided the total occupant load served by the exit is not more than 60, and a) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, the floor area and the travel distance are not more than the values in Table 3.4.2.1.-A, or b) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout i) the travel distance is not more than 25m, and ii) the floor area is not more than the value in Table 3.4.2.1.-B. <img width="964" height="311" width_o="964" height_o="311" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bd35e676218c32ce60d32ac05cc7070a0fe922c334bee8af6a72ef625b730863/NBC-3.4.2.1.-A-unsprinklered.PNG" data-mid="223004038" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/964/i/bd35e676218c32ce60d32ac05cc7070a0fe922c334bee8af6a72ef625b730863/NBC-3.4.2.1.-A-unsprinklered.PNG" /> <img width="953" height="313" width_o="953" height_o="313" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/785faeff6675ff27edee7ab8fd4bad9b374fc9d5f850d1ef7584550be5a41a0a/NBC-3.4.2.1.-B-sprinklered.PNG" data-mid="223004109" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/953/i/785faeff6675ff27edee7ab8fd4bad9b374fc9d5f850d1ef7584550be5a41a0a/NBC-3.4.2.1.-B-sprinklered.PNG" /> The exception under 3.3.1.3.(9) also establishes that a public corridor served by a single exit is permitted for conditions permitted by 3.4.2.1.(2) so long as the floor area and travel distance limitations are met. 3.3.1. All Floor Areas3.3.1.3. Means of Egress (9) Except as permitted by this Section and by Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2), at the point where a doorway referred to in Sentence (8) opens onto a public corridor or exterior passageway, it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to each of 2 separate exits. 2020 National Building Code of Canada, Volume 1 3.4.2.1. Minimum Number of Exits British Columbia (excl. Vancouver) Not more than 6 storeys The British Columbia Building Code was amended to enable the design and construction of small apartment buildings with a single exit stair, by ministerial order on August 27, 2024. The changes were developed based on the Single Egress Stair Building Designs: Policy and Technical Options Report prepared for the Building and Safety Standards Branch, Ministry of Housing, by Jensen Hughes. A brief summary of the technical conditions is provided below. Please refer to the BCBC Revision 3 code language for further information. “Single exit stair residential buildings are far more than just a residential building with an exit stair removed. Single exit stair residential buildings are limited in height, area, travel distance and occupancy load, and include compensatory measures as well as rely on a high-level of operations and management oversight and a high-level of local fire department capability and capacity to achieve an acceptable level of risk comparable to other new buildings. “ The requirements apply to buildings of only residential occupancy that: a) are not more than six storeys in building height b) have a height not more than 18 m measured between the floor of the first storey and the uppermost floor level, excluding any floor level within a rooftop enclosure that is not considered as a storey in calculating building height in accordance with Sentence 3.2.1.1.(1), c) contain not more than four dwelling units on each floor, d) does not exceed an occupant load of 24 persons per floor, and e) have a travel distance from i) any part of the floor area to an exit not more than 25 m, andii) each dwelling unit to an exit of not more than 6 m. Additional requirements include: automatic sprinkler system throughout (NFPA 13), including balconiesexit fire separation of 2 hours with interior finishes of restricted flame-spread rating and smoke development classificationincreased exit facility width of 1500mm discharging directly to the exteriorexit stair shafts to be designed to limit the movement of smoke if building is 5 or more storeys in height (natural smoke control, mechanical smoke control or vestibules). increased fire-protection rating of 45 minutes for all suite entry doors and doors along public corridors to be equipped with hold-open devices.expectations for reliable water supply, firefighting response and building operations, inspections and maintenance to ensure reliability of safety systems. British Columbia Building Code 2024, Revision 3 3.2.10 Requirements for Residential Buildings with a Single ExitLink to Convenience Copy Vancouver (new buildings) Not more than 6 storeysThe 2025 Vancouver Building By-Law (VBBL) was amended to enable the design and construction of small apartment buildings with a single exterior exit stair, enacted by Vancouver City Council on January 20, 2026. The changes were developed collaboratively by Vancouver planning, building and fire services. The code language is an amended version of the British Columbia Building Code conditions under Subsection 3.2.10., requiring an exterior exit passageway and exterior exit stairway to provide a reliable means of limiting the spread of smoke. A brief summary of the technical conditions is provided below. Please refer to the VBBL code language for further information. 3.2.10.1. Requirements for Residential Buildings with a Single Exterior Exit Stair 3.2.10.1. Application 1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), this Subsection applies to buildings of only residential occupancy that a) are not more than six storeys in building height, b) have a height not more than 18 m measured between the floor of the first storey and the uppermost floor level, excluding any floor level within a rooftop enclosure that is not considered as a storey in calculating building height in accordance with Sentence 3.2.1.1.(1), c) contain not more than i)&nbsp; six dwelling units on each floor from the first storey to the third storey, and ii)&nbsp; four dwelling units on each floor above the third storey, d) do not exceed an occupant load of 24 persons per floor, and e) have a travel distance from i) any part of the floor area to an exit not more than 25 m, and ii) each dwelling unit to an exit of not more than 6 m.&nbsp; Additional requirements include: automatic sprinkler system throughout (NFPA 13), including balconiesexit to be comprised of an exterior exit passageway with not less than 50% of the exterior side open to the outdoors, leading to an exterior exit stairway that is also significantly open to prevent the accumulation of smokeexterior exit stair to be designed to prevent the accumulation of rain, snow or iceexit facility width of 1100mm discharging directly to the exteriorexpectations for reliable water supply, firefighting response and building operations, inspections and maintenance to ensure reliability of safety systems. 2015 Vancouver Building By-Law 3.2.10 Requirements for Residential Buildings with a Single Exterior Exit Stair Vancouver (heritage buildings) 3 storeys (applicable only to the restoration and rehabilitation of heritage buildings)Part 11 of the Vancouver Building By-Law sets out prescriptive alternative compliance measures for existing buildings.Section 11.5 sets out prescriptive alternative compliance measures for heritage buildings and is only applicable to the existing conditions and does not apply to new work which must conform to the requirements for new construction in other parts of the by-lawNo. 22: ExitsFloor areas may be served by a single exit within the limits of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2).(b) provided: (a) the building does not exceed 3 storeys in building height, (b) the building is sprinklered with fast-response sprinklers, and (c) all floor areas are protected by a system of smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system. <img width="1048" height="160" width_o="1048" height_o="160" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/370fe1c9d2b8dbe6a64bd06112a94d78589273e2ced4908ace5e9f5004431a8e/VBBL-11.5-No-22.PNG" data-mid="223002847" border="0" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/370fe1c9d2b8dbe6a64bd06112a94d78589273e2ced4908ace5e9f5004431a8e/VBBL-11.5-No-22.PNG" /> 2019 Vancouver Building By-Law Part 11 - Existiing Buildings Section 11.5 Alternative Compliance Measures for Heritage Buildings Nova Scotia (existing buildings only) 3 storeys (applicable to existing buildings only)Schedule D of the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations provides an Alternative Compliance Method No. 20 under Schedule D: Alternate Compliance Methods for Existing Buildings, effective April 1, 2025.Floor areas may be served by a single exit within the limits of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(1)(Part 3) provided the building:(a) does not exceed 3 storeys in building height,(b) is fully sprinklered with fast-response sprinklers, and(c) contains an approved fire alarm system with smoke detectors located in accordance with Article 3.2.4.11. (Part 3). <img width="996" height="151" width_o="996" height_o="151" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fbc1cf89507d77f0fc8ba48490e4fec8e03574bb8ca968e83584ce7dcbac4bd0/2024-NSBCR---Schedule-D-20-Exits.JPG" data-mid="241288879" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/996/i/fbc1cf89507d77f0fc8ba48490e4fec8e03574bb8ca968e83584ce7dcbac4bd0/2024-NSBCR---Schedule-D-20-Exits.JPG" /> Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations made under Section 4 of the Building Code ActR.S.N.S. 1989, c. 46N.S. Reg. 198/2024 (effective April 1, 2025) Schedule D: Alternate Compliance Methods for Existing BuildingsNo. 20 Exits United States (IBC) 4 Storeys (up to 6 storeys in some jurisdictions) The US model building code permits a single exit in apartment buildings (R-2 occupancy) of not more than four storeys in building height, with a maximum of 4 dwelling units per storey. The building must be sprinklered throughout (NFPA 13-R). The IBC previously permitted 3 storeys, until code change proposal E24-24 was approved for the 2027 IBC to raise the permitted height to 4 storeys with additional smoke detection provisions. Many individual states and cities also often make amendments to the model building codes. New York City, the City of Seattle and several other jurisdictions more recently allow for single exit conditions in apartment buildings of up to 6 storeys in building height, with additional restrictions on floor area, number of dwellings and travel distance. They also include additional automatic fire suppression, smoke control and compartmentation requirements. (Revision December 2024: The City of Chicago does not adopt the 3 storey permissions of the IBC and limits single exits for R-2 occupancies to not more than 2 storeys.) Seattle Building Code 2021 - Chapter 10: Means of Egress Section 1006.3.4 Single exits NYC Building Code 2014 - Chapter 10 Means of Egress (amended IBC 2009) Section 1021.1 Single Exits 5. Buildings of Group R-2 occupancy of construction Type I or II not exceeding six stories and not exceeding 2,000 square feet (186 m2) per story. 2019 Chicago Building Code Table 1006.3.3(1) - “Stories with One Exit or Access to One Exit for R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 occupancies - third story above grade or higher, NP - not permitted.” Note: Additional information regarding other United States jurisdictions is available here: https://www.centerforbuilding.org/trackers International Code Council (ICC) -&nbsp;2027 International Building Code - Chapter 10: Means of Egress 1006.3.3.2 Single-exits buildings with Group R-2 dwelling units (Note: the US spelling of storeys is stories and storey is story) United States (NFPA) 4 StoreysChapter 30 of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code permits a single exits in new apartment buildings of not more than four storeys in building height, with a maximum of 4 dwelling units per storey.&nbsp; 30.2.4.6 A single exit shall be permitted in buildings where the total number of stories does not exceed four, provided that all of the following conditions are met: (1) There are four or fewer dwelling units per story. (2) The building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 30.3.5. (3) The exit stairway does not serve more than one-half story below the level of exit discharge. (4) The travel distance from the entrance door of any dwelling unit to an exit does not exceed 35 ft (10.7 m). (5) The exit stairway is completely enclosed or separated from the rest of the building by barriers having a minimum 1-hour fre resistance rating. (6) All openings between the exit stairway enclosure and the building are protected with self-closing door assemblies having a minimum 1-hour fire protection rating. (7) All corridors serving as access to exits have a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating. (8) Horizontal and vertical separation having a minimum 1 ∕2-hour fire resistance rating is provided between dwelling units. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code&nbsp;(2024 Edition) Chapter 30: New Apartment Buildings (full access to the document is only available for free public use by creating an NFPA LiNK account) (Chapter 25 of the NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code also includes the same conditions for apartment buildings, within Section 25.2.4.3): Mexico (Mexico City) 5 storeys Mexico City specifies that multi-family housing up to five storeys (including the ground floor) may have a single exit if they have not more than four dwelling units per storey. <img width="1368" height="650" width_o="1368" height_o="650" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/21ed61c6a1940bb283563ce088287245484f3a0d8cc5ab4e26c33e8964fe5abb/Mexico-City---Updated.png" data-mid="230607373" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/21ed61c6a1940bb283563ce088287245484f3a0d8cc5ab4e26c33e8964fe5abb/Mexico-City---Updated.png" /> NORMA TÉCNICA COMPLEMENTARIA PARA EL PROYECTO ARQUITECTÓNICO[TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS] Tabla 4.3.1.2 – Número de rutas de evacuación por nivel [Number of evacuation routes per level] shared by Stephen Smith(revised February 2025) Costa Rica 4 storeysRules laid out by the Fire Department of Costa Rica's Engineering Unit defer to NFPA 101, which allows four storeys to be served by a single exit if there are no more than four units per storey and sprinklers are provided, among other limitations. In addition, there is an exception that allows single-exit buildings to be unsprinklered if the height is limited to three storeys. Original text in Spanish: 7.20. Excepciones para medios de egresoPuede aplicarse cualquier excepción para medios de egreso que esté establecida n la norma NFPA 101, siempre que se cumpla la totalidad de requerimientos stablecidos para su implementación, adicionalmente a efectos de este eglamento, se permite el uso de las siguientes excepciones para medios de egreso: 7.20.1) Apartamentos: (Ver resumen en tabla 6) Cualquier edificio de apartamentos, que enga tres pisos o menos y cuatro unidades de vivienda o menos en cada piso, puede contar con una única salida, siempre que se apliquen todas las siguientes condiciones: a) Que la escalera esté separada del resto del edificio mediante barreras quetengan una clasificación de resistencia al fuego no menor a 1 hora, con conjuntos de puertas cortafuego autocerrantes de 1 hora de resistencia que protejan todas las aberturas entre el cerramiento de la escalera y el edificio. b) Que la escalera no sirva más de medio piso por debajo del nivel de descarga de la salida. c) Que todos los corredores que sirven como acceso a las salidas tengan unaclasificación de resistencia al fuego mínimo de 1 hora. d) Que no haya más de 11 m de distancia de recorrido desde la puerta de entrada de cualquier unidad de vivienda hasta la salida. e) Que se provea una separación horizontal y vertical con clasificación deresistencia al fuego de 1 hora entre las unidades de vivienda. Reglamento Nacional de Protección contra Incendios (National Fire Protection Regulations) 7.20 Excepciones para medios de egreso (Exceptions for means of egress)shared by Stephen Smith &amp; Alonso Umaña Quesada, Fire Protection Specialist&nbsp;(December 2024) Brazil 80m (São Paulo) / 25 storeys (Rio de Janeiro)São Paulo requires two exit staircases for buildings exceeding 36m in height, except that apartment buildings (Division A-2 occupancies) up to 80m in building height are permitted to be provided with a single exit staircase.“5.5.3.5 Nas edificações com altura acima de 36 m, independente do item 5.5.3.1, é obrigatória a quantidade mínima de duas escadas, exceto para a Divisão A-2. Nas edificações da Divisão A-2, com altura acima de 80 m, independente do item 5.5.3.1, é obrigatória a quantidade mínima de duas escadas.“ Rio de Janeiro requires two exit staircases for apartment buildings (Division A-2 occupancies) of 25 or more storeys in building height. “5.3.2.2 As edificações com 15 ou mais pavimentos, qualquer que seja a área do pavimento, devem possuir, no mínimo, duas escadas de emergência. Excetua-se as edificações das divisões (A-2, A-6, G-2). "(D) As edificações das divisões (A-2, A-6, G-2) com 25 ou mais pavimentos, qualquer que seja a área construída, devem possuir no mínimo duas escadas de emergência." (São Paulo) Saídas de emergência - INSTRUÇÃO TÉCNICA Nº. 11/2018 [TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION NO. 11/2018 Emergency exits] 5.5.3 Saídas nos pavimentos [Exits on floors] (Rio de Janeiro) Nota Técnica: Saídas de emergência em edificações&nbsp;[Technical Note: Emergency exits in buildings] Anexo B - Tipos de escadas de emergência por ocupação [Annex B - Types of emergency stairs by occupancy] shared by Stephen Smith (April 2024) Australia 25mThe Building Code of Australia permits one exit for apartment buildings (Class 2 building) of not more than 25m in building height. ‘Fire-isolated’ (corridor separated) exit stairs are required for buildings of more than 3 storeys or 4 storeys where sprinklering or increased fire separation is provided. A maximum dead end travel distance of 6m applies. Australian Building Codes BoardNCC Series 2015 (Vol. 1)Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings D1.2 Number of Exits New Zealand 25mThe New Zealand Building Code permits one exit for apartment buildings (risk group SM) where the escape height is no greater than 25m if sprinklered, and 10m if unsprinklered. Dead-end limits on travel distance apply. C/AS2Acceptable Solution for Buildings other than Risk Group SH (2020) 3.13 Single escape routes England &amp; Wales 18m (effective September 30, 2026) England &amp; Wales permit a single exit to serve apartment buildings (blocks of flats) of up to 18 metres in height. This is a summary of the prescriptive guidance within Approved Document B (AD-B), 2019 Edition, Volume 1 including the 2026 Amendments. Volume 1 deals solely with dwellings, including blocks of flats. Until 2026, AD-B&nbsp;did not establish a maximum height limit for single stair blocks of flats. AD-B Volume 2 allows office buildings to be provided with a single stair where the height of the uppermost occupied floor level does not exceed 11m above grade (Section 3.3) and the occupant load per storey does not exceed 60 persons. For blocks of flats served by a single stair, AD-B provides conditions for sprinklered single stair residential buildings of up to 18m in height and unsprinklered small single stair residential buildings up to 11m in height. Building height is measured from lowest grade to the floor level of the uppermost occupied storey (Diagram D6 in Appendix D). Update (January 2023): In response to the Grenfell Tower inquiry, the Royal Institute of British Architects and London Fire Brigade submitted a request to further study the fire safety of single exit stair high-rise residential buildings. On December 23, 2022 the UK Government announced an open consultation to “introduce a threshold whereby residential buildings above 30 metres in height should be designed and built with 2 staircases.” Update (July 2023): “The Housing Secretary, Michael Gove, announces that the UK government will require two staircases in all new residential high-rises taller than 18m.” Update (September 2024): Amendment to Approved Documents, Building Regulation 2010, taking effect on 30 September 2026, including revised requirements applicable to horizontal escape for flats served by a single common stair. These include maximum travel distances for escape in one direction and requirement for flats to be separated from the common stair by a protected lobby or common protected corridor. &nbsp;<img width="739" height="717" width_o="739" height_o="717" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8b5fa8056d4a3c63ece65877b0e557ad24d7e3b0593ee9f57d3c56f85da6e97d/UK-AD-B-Diagram-3.7--September-2026-Amendments.PNG" data-mid="218497234" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/739/i/8b5fa8056d4a3c63ece65877b0e557ad24d7e3b0593ee9f57d3c56f85da6e97d/UK-AD-B-Diagram-3.7--September-2026-Amendments.PNG" /> The Building Regulations 2010Approved Document B, Fire Safety - Volume 1, 2019 Edition (incl. 2026 Amendments)3.28 Small single stair buildings 3.30 Number of common stairs Scotland 18m Following the Grenfell disaster, Scotland reviewed the Building Standards on Fire Safety in Scotland and issued a recommendation for change to the guidance on escape (2.9).“36. On the need for additional stairways there was no consensus amongst the Review Panel members. However the view of the chair, which was endorsed by all members of the international sub-group, was that there was a need to require at least two stairways in high rise domestic buildings with a storey at a height of 18m. This is firstly to provide an alternative in case of the failure of the first stairway and secondly to provide a route for escape if the other stairway is being used for fire-fighting operations. The height of 18m is currently used with in the Technical Handbooks and it was considered sensible to retain it as it is well known and relates to the ability of the fire service to intervene if absolutely necessary through the use of high reach appliances.” “Recommendation 5 - Changes are needed to the simple guidance on escape. In particular, in domestic buildings over 18m there should be two stairways and fire service activated evacuation sounders in each flat.“ Building Standards Technical Handbook 2022: Domestic -&nbsp;Table 2.6&nbsp;Escape routes from flats and maisonettes (including social housing dwellings) and any ancillary roomsFor buildings where the height of the topmost storey is more than 7.5m but not more than 18m above adjacent ground: At least one escape route and - protected lobbies (see clause 2.9.13), and - smoke ventilation (see clause 2.9.14 – 2.9.16), and - not more than 10m travel distance inside protected lobbies, or At least two escape route [3] and - not more than 30m travel distance in protected corridor <img width="3109" height="2114" width_o="3109" height_o="2114" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ca63f403bfabd22aa2a7d628de35f48d84e302383f566e7aaac685fbc5c10e52/Scotland---2.9.10-D.jpg" data-mid="161994732" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ca63f403bfabd22aa2a7d628de35f48d84e302383f566e7aaac685fbc5c10e52/Scotland---2.9.10-D.jpg" /> Scottish Government - Report of the Review Panel on Building Standards (Fire Safety) in Scotland, June 2018 Building Standards Technical Handbook 2022: Domestic 2.9 Escape Table 2.6 shared by Harry Scoffin (August 2023) Ireland 60mIreland’s technical guidance documents allow a single exit stairway for residential buildings (flats) with a building height of up to 60m. (Note: a previous version of this jurisdictional scan incorrectly referenced a maximum building height of 10m / four storeys based on Section 1.6.6.1 Small Single-Stair Buildings, however larger buildings are permitted to be provided with a single vertical means of escape where other criteria is met). TDG-B Volume 2 deals solely with dwelling houses, however “where very large or unusual dwelling houses (over 15m in height), are proposed, or where an alternative approach is required, some of the guidance in Volume 1 may be need to supplement that given by Volume 1.” TDG-B Volume 1 applies to all other types of buildings of up to 60m in height. These technical guidance documents require sprinklers in all ‘flatted’ dwellings over a building height of 15m and is based on a simultaneous evacuation strategy. British Standard BS5588-1:1990 is applicable for the performance-based design of buildings of more than 60m in height. TDG-B Volume 1, Paragraph 1.6.6 identifies the applicable travel distance constraints and Paragraph 1.6.7.2 describes the design of escape stairways. A maximum travel distance of 45m from the farthest location in the floor area to the exit is permitted for unsprinklered buildings and is increased to 60m for sprinklered buildings. Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document B 2024, Fire Safety - Volume 1 5.5. Personnel Access to Buildings for Firefighting 1.6.6.3 Diagram 28 (Flats with a Corridor / Lobby Approach - Single Stair).&nbsp; Sweden 20 Storeys (BFS 2024, effective 2026, transition period in 2025)Swedish prescriptive building regulations were updated in 2025 to increase the permitted height for prescriptive high-rise building design from 16 to 20 storeys. As a result, the maximum prescriptively permitted building height for single stair apartment buildings was also increased from 16 storeys to 20 storeys. &nbsp; The most recent version of the regulations is BFS 2024:7 and includes changes to requirements for smoke control measures and smoke protection of doors into exit stairs. Sweden permits one exit for class 3 (residential) buildings with a maximum occupant load of 50 people per storey and a maximum travel distance of 30m. Different requirements for the fire-protection rating/smoke-tightness standard of closures apply for buildings of not more than 8 storeys and buildings of more than 8 storeys. Boverket’s Building Regulations, BBR18 (2018) - BFS 2011:26 with amendments up to BFS 2018:4 5.322 Access to only one escape route shared by Axel Mossberg, PhD Fire Safety Consultant, Bengt Dahlgren(December 2025) Denmark 45mDenmark permits a single exit for multi-unit residential (category 4) buildings up to 45m in building height, with a maximum of 4 dwelling units per storey with direct access from the dwelling unit to the exit stair (no corridor separation). For building with floors more than 22m above ground, where the rescue openings cannot be reached by rescue ladder, a pressurized “security” stair with corridor separation is required and a maximum of 6 dwelling units per storey is allowed.These are prescriptive, pre-approved conditions. According to a local architect, buildings over 45m in height require a performative code-compliance process and fire engineering consultations. Bygningsreglementets vejledning til kapitel 5 – Brand Bilag 2 - Præ-accepterede løsninger for etageboligbyggeri (2021) 2.3.2.2.1 Udgange fra brandceller som boligenhed[Exits from fire cells as dwellings] Norway 8 Storeys Norway permits a single exit for multi-unit residential (risk class 4) buildings up to 8 storeys so long as each dwelling unit has an operable window or balcony for rescue and firefighting. A maximum travel distance of 15m from the dwelling unit entry door to the exit stair door applies. Direktoratet for byggkvalitet Byggteknisk forskrift (TEK17)IV Tilrettelegging for rømning og redning § 11-13 Utgang fra branncelle [Exits from fire cells] Finland 52mFinland allows for a single exit for multi-unit residential (’Yleensä‘) buildings up to 52 metres&nbsp;measured to the floor level of the uppermost occupied storey. The single exit staircase must be protected against fire (’Palolta suojattu’) in buildings exceeding 24 metres in height and 300m2 in area. A fire sprinkler system is required for buildings exceeding 24 metres in height where a single staircase is provided. The following graphic is from the unofficial translation. Legally binding versions only in Finnish and Swedish. <img width="782" height="580" width_o="782" height_o="580" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3a80fa2f9f067950290cb2c4f5721e17ab6431ae732e5530f05505e9675e5639/Finland-Table-11-english.PNG" data-mid="208148666" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/782/i/3a80fa2f9f067950290cb2c4f5721e17ab6431ae732e5530f05505e9675e5639/Finland-Table-11-english.PNG" /> 848/2017 Decree of the Ministry of the Environment on Fire safety of Buildings § 33 Uloskäytävien lukumäärä[33 Number of Exits] shared by Aleksi Ojala (April 2024) France 50m France permits a single exit for residential buildings up to 50m in building height. Two means of egress and additional life safety measures are required for high-rise buildings (immeuble de grande hauteur) exceeding this height. Code de la construction et de l'habitation Titre II : Sécurité et protection contre l'incendie -&nbsp;Chapitre II : Immeubles de grande et de moyenne hauteur R122.2 and R122.9 Belgium 25m The Belgian code is subdivided by low-rise (under 10m), mid-rise (10m to 25m) and high-rise (over 25m) building heights. Belgium allows one exit for mid-rise buildings of not more than 25m in building height with a maximum occupant load of 50 people per fire compartment. Basisnormen voor de Preventie van Brand en Ontploffing (2016), Bijlage 3/1 Middelhoge Gebouwen [Mid-rise buildings] 2.2.1 Aantal uitgangen [Number of Exits] Netherlands 5 Storeys (12.5m Finish Floor Level) The Netherlands permits one exit for multi-unit residential building where the floor level of the uppermost storey is no more than 12.5m above grade (5 storeys), where the floor area served by the single exit does not exceed 800m2, with a maximum floor area per dwelling unit of 150m2. The Netherlands also permits one exit for multi-unit residential buildings where the floor level of the uppermost storey is not more than 6m above grade (three storeys) with no more than 6 dwelling units served by the single exit. Note: correspondence with a Dutch architect indicates that the 5 storey limit can be exceeded by providing a ‘safety escape route’ [Veiligheidsvluchtroute], such an escape route is separated by a non-enclosed exterior gallery to prevent the passage of smoke into a single staircase (see diagram below). As a recent example, the multi-unit residential building BBSH20A in Amsterdam (completed in 2021), by Olaf Gisper Architects&nbsp; is a 10 storey mass timber design with 29 dwelling units and a ‘safety escape route’ single exit stair. https://olafgipser.com/projects/residential-building-bsh/#1&nbsp; <img width="322" height="268" width_o="322" height_o="268" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b97fbf93efad617b7f931a5065251a674587e98b25de329671698099e1cefdb6/infoblad-bouwbesluit-2012-vluchten-bij-brand.nl.jpg" data-mid="140209344" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/322/i/b97fbf93efad617b7f931a5065251a674587e98b25de329671698099e1cefdb6/infoblad-bouwbesluit-2012-vluchten-bij-brand.nl.jpg" /> Bouwbesluit 2012 [Draft Building Decree], Chapter 2 Technical construction requirements to ensure safety Article 2.105 Additionally protected escape route Germany 60m Germany permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings up to 60m in building height. Buildings over 22m with a single exit stair require additional fire safety measures including the fire separation and pressurization of the single exit stair as safety stair (Sicherheitstreppenraum) and assembly fire ratings of at least 120 minutes. An additional firefighting elevator is typically required for buildings over 30m in height. The model high-rise building code applies to high-rise buildings over 22m in building height and is prepared by the federal “Bauministerkonferenz” (assembly of construction ministers) tasked with establishing the model code referenced by the 16 individual states within Germany. Muster-Richtlinie über den Bau und Betrieb von Hochhäusern Muster-Hochhaus-Richtlinie - MHHR 2008[Model High-rise Building Code]&nbsp; 4.2 Notwendige Treppenräume, Sicherheitstreppenräume [Required stairs, Safety stairs] shared by Boris StockDipl. Ing (FH), BFT Cognos Switzerland No Maximum Height Limit (75m / 100m deemed acceptable) Switzerland permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings without a specified maximum building height with a 900m2 maximum floor area per storey, a maximum total travel distance of 35m&nbsp;and a maximum occupant load of 100 per floor area. Sprinklering is typically not required. The association of cantonal fire insurance companies establishes the fire safety regulations across Switzerland. Update September 2024: According to several fire protection engineers practicing in Switzerland, high-rise buildings of more than 75 to 100m in building height are provided with two exits. <img width="893" height="521" width_o="893" height_o="521" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e537748b2662912e43211034d5aa3b7504b90ddb64cf9e68f5221192b4c96427/Switzerland_Diagram_TravelDistances.png" data-mid="139943314" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/893/i/e537748b2662912e43211034d5aa3b7504b90ddb64cf9e68f5221192b4c96427/Switzerland_Diagram_TravelDistances.png" /> Vereinigung Kantonaler Feuerwehrversicherungen Brandschutzrichtlinie 2017 [Fire Safety Regulations] 16-15 Flucht- und Rettungswege2.4.2 Anzahl vertikale Fluchtwege [Number of Vertical Exits] Austria 90mAustria permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings up to 90m in building height provided that the single staircase includes additional compartmentation and smoke control measures. Maximum travel distances are also applicable. For buildings of more than 90m in height, a performance-based design (PBD) fire safety design would be required. The Austrian Institute of Construction Engineering (OIB) publishes guidelines [available in German only] that harmonize the construction engineering regulations across the country. Implementation of building regulations in Austria are the responsibility of the territories.The OIB fire protection regulations for buildings with an escape level more than 22m above ground further distinguish between three sub-categories of building height: (i) where the uppermost occupied storey is not more than 32m above ground, (ii) between 32m and 90m above ground, and (iii) buildings with the uppermost occupied storey more than 90m above ground. OIB-RICHTLINIE 2.3 - Brandschutz bei Gebäuden mit einem Fluchtniveau von mehr als 22 m [OIB Regulation 2.3 - Fire protection for buildings with an escape level of more than 22 m] 3.1 Fluchtwege [Means of egress] Poland 25m Poland permits a single exit for medium-high multi-unit residential (Division ZL IV) buildings up to 25m in building height or of a maximum of 9 storeys above grade. A single exit is also permitted in residential buildings exceeding 25m in building height with additional life safety measures and a maximum floor area per storey of 750m2. Warunki techniczne, jakim powinny odpowiadać budynki i ich usytuowanie (2002) [Technical conditions to be met by buildings and their location] Rozdział 4. Drogi ewakuacyjne [Chapter 4. Escape routes] § 246. Romania 28m Romania permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings of up to 28m in height. Two exit staircases are required for buildings classified as ‘tall buildings’, defined as having a finished floor level of the entrance floor of the uppermost dwelling unit more than 28 meters above the level of firefighter access. NORMATIV PRIVIND SECURITATEA LA INCENDIU A CONSTRUCŢIILOR PARTEA I - CONSTRUCŢII - 118/1 - 2013[REGULATIONS REGARDING FIRE SAFETY OF BUILDINGS PART I - BUILDINGS 118/1 - 2013] Art. 134 Număr căi de evacuare {Number of escape routes] shared by Stephen Smith (April 2024) Belarus 75mBelarus permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings of up to 75m in height.Non-residential buildings with a single exit stair are permitted up to 15m in height, while residential buildings (Occupancy type F1.3) with a single exit stair are permitted where the floor area per storey served the single exit does not exceed 550m2. Several adjacent single exit stair conditions are permitted where a firewall separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least REI 45 is provided. Refer to Chapter 7 and Annex G, Table G.1 of the Source Document. Residential buildings of more than 75m in height and non-residential buildings of more than 50m in height are classified as high-rise buildings and follow a separate set of regulations which requires a minimum of two separate exit stairs. СТРОИТЕЛЬНЫЕ НОРМЫ РЕСПУБЛИКИ БЕЛАРУСЬ - ПОЖАРНАЯ БЕЗОПАСНОСТЬ ЗДАНИЙ И СООРУЖЕНИЙ СН 2.02.05-2020 (Минск 2023) [BUILDING STANDARDS, THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS - FIRE SAFETY BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES - CH 2.02.05-2020 (Minsk 2023)] shared by Vadim Kudryashov, PhD, Professor of Fire Safety Chair, University of Civil Protection of Belarus (July 2024) Russia 75mRussia permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings of up to 75m in height.Multi-unit residential buildings with a single exit stair are permitted where the floor area per storey served the single exit does not exceed 500m2. The construction type and design of the exit staircase depends on the building height as well as the design of smoke control measures, fire alarm systems and fire suppression systems. Refer to Chapter 6.1. of the Source Document. Residential buildings of more than 75m in height and non-residential buildings of more than 50m in height are classified as high-rise buildings and follow a separate set of regulations which requires a minimum of two separate exit stairs. (Section 1.2) СВОД ПРАВИЛ СП - 1.13130.2020 - СИСТЕМЫ ПОЖАРНОЙ ЗАЩИТЫ Эвакуационные пути и выходы [CODE OF RULES - 1.13130.2020 - FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS - Evacuation routes and exits] published by the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM) Italy 80m Italy permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings of&nbsp;up to 80m in building height with a maximum floor area per storey of 500m2 to be served by the single exit. The “Tabella A” [Table A] of the Italian prescriptive fire regulations for civil buildings provides several parameters in relation to:- maximum floor area of each multi-storey fire compartment- maximum floor area per storey- specific fire protection requirements for the exit stair and elevator shafts- required fire-resistance ratings (REI) of exit stairs, lifts, fire doors and walls . The requirements are sub-categorized depending on building height between type “a” (12m to 24m), type “b” (24m to 32m), type “c” (32m to 54m), type “d” (54m to 80m), and type “e” (above 80m). Buildings above 80m in height require two stairs and a helicopter rescue pad on the roof. <img width="707" height="738" width_o="707" height_o="738" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/45f741b7426cc957b2cde473e95349bf83d4476956e02e0d0f92dd03b8c2ba39/Italy_Diagram_TabellaA.png" data-mid="139944190" border="0" data-scale="70" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/707/i/45f741b7426cc957b2cde473e95349bf83d4476956e02e0d0f92dd03b8c2ba39/Italy_Diagram_TabellaA.png" /> Buildings in Italy can also be designed by applying the performance-based Italian Fire Code. The ‘deemed-to-satisfy’ solution to achieve performance level II requires at least two exits where the uppermost occupied storey exceeds 32m in building height. Codice di prevenzione incendi in inglese [Italian Fire Safety Code in English] D.M. N. 246 del 16/05/1987 - Norme di sicurezza antincendi per gli edifici di civile abitazione [D.M. N. 246 of 16/05/1987 Fire safety standards for residential buildings] (October 2020) 2. Caratteristiche Costruttive 2.0 Classificazione - Tabella Ashared by Piergiacomo Cancelliere, PhD Ministero dell'Interno, Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco (April 2024) Spain 28m Spain permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings up to 28m in building height measured as the floor level of the uppermost storey, where the total occupancy load of the building is not more than 500 people. The exit stair must be protected (fire separated) for residential buildings over 14m in building height. <img width="746" height="727" width_o="746" height_o="727" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9552d3fa5ccd5b49bda92b69397bfa43f52ace6a610beb0f20c1936500974095/Spain_Capture_01.PNG" data-mid="139950895" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/746/i/9552d3fa5ccd5b49bda92b69397bfa43f52ace6a610beb0f20c1936500974095/Spain_Capture_01.PNG" /> Código Técnico de la Edificación Documento Básico SI - Seguridad en caso de Incendio (2019) 3 - Número de salidas y longitud de los recorridos de evacuación [Number of exits and length of evacuation routes] Portugal 28mPortugal allows a single exit for apartment buildings of not more than 28m in height with a maximum travel distance of 15m. Buildings greater than 28m in height require at least two exits regardless of occupancy types. The minimum clear width of the exit staircase serving residential occupancies also varies depending on building height. - for buildings of not more than 9m in height, min. 900mm wide - for buildings of 9m to 28m in height, min. 1200mm wide- for buildings of more than 28m in height, min. 1400mm wide Regulamento Técnico de Segurança Contra Incêndio em Edifícios [Technical Regulation on Fire Safety in Buildings] CAPÍTULO IV,&nbsp;Artigo 64.º [CHAPTER IV, Article 64] shared by Paulo Prata Ramos, ETU Fire Safety Consultants (April 2024) Egypt 16m Egypt permits a single exit for any building up to 16m in building height where the occupant load is not more than 60 persons per floor&nbsp;and the travel distance to the exit is not more than 9 metres. INSERT SCREENSHOT HERE [Executive Appendix of the Unified Building Law, Ministerial decree no.144 Year 2009. By Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Development (2009)] shared by Hania Shehab (April 2025) Kenya 6 Storeys Kenya permits a single exit for any building up to 6 storeys in building height&nbsp;or where the floor level of the uppermost storey is not more than 17m above grade. Building Code of the Republic of Kenya (2009 Edition) MM4.2 Means of Escape Rwanda 3 StoreysRwanda permits a single exit for buildings of up to 3 storeys in building height and no individual escape route shall be designed for a population of more than 200 persons. The required width of the escape route is specified in Table 3.10.2-3.&nbsp; Rwanda Building Code - 2019 Requirements for Accessibility &amp; Evacuation 3.10.2.3.16. Uganda Any Basement or Above Ground Storey 3.4.6.12 A building with a storey above or below the ground level shall be served by not less than two separate stairways; and the entrance to the emergency stairway shall not be less than 5.0 meters from the entrance to any other stairway. The Republic of Uganda - Building Control Regulations (amended August 2012) 3.4 Fire Protection 3.4.6. Escape Routes shared by Harry Scoffin (December 2022) South Africa 3 Storeys South Africa permits a single exit for buildings up to 3 storeys in building height. SANS 10400-T:2011 Edition 3Part T: Fire Protection 4.16 Provision of escape routes Turkey 21.5mTurkey permits a single exit for buildings with a height of not more than 21.50m. BİNALARIN YANGINDAN KORUNMASI HAKKINDA YÖNETMELİK - MADDE 48 Article 48.5 United Arab Emirates 15m The UAE permits a single exit for buildings&nbsp;up to 15m in building height where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, with a maximum floor area per storey of 500m2&nbsp;and where there are not more than 4 dwelling units per storey. UAE Fire &amp; Life Safety Code of Practice - Chapter 3: Means of Egress 12.1.3 Single Exit Staircase Requirements Israel 29mThe Israeli code permits a single exit for buildings not more than 29m in building height. Buildings up to 13m in height can have a single unprotected stair. The Israeli code also sets a maximum travel distance of 30m to the exit stair. Buildings exceeding 13m in height may have a single protected stair if residential use, or any use not exceeding a maximum occupancy load of 30 people per floor.&nbsp; All buildings regardless of occupancy exceeding 29m in building height require two stairs, one of which may be an exterior stair. תקנות התכנון והבניהפרק ז': בניין גבוה ורב-קומותחדר מדרגות מוגן ומדרגות חוץ בבניין גבוה תק' (מס' 3)&nbsp; תשס"ח-2008 Planning and Building Regulations, Chapter 7: A tall, high-rise building - Protected staircase and exterior stairs in a high-rise building, (No. 3), 2008 Iran 30m / 6 Storeys 3.1.10.2.4. - In the following cases, each residential unit can exceptionally access only one exit. A single exit is allowed for buildings up to 23m in height with maximum 2 dwelling units per floor, in which the stair must be fire rated. According to a local architect, the fire regulations were amended in 2019 to permit a maximum height of 30m, or 6 storeys above ground, in which the stair must be ventilated, the building sprinklered, and a maximum of 3 dwelling units per floor. مقررات ملّی ساختمان ایران / مبحث سوم حفاظت ساختمانها در مقابل حریق National Building Regulations of Iran (2017) - Chapter 3 - Fire Protection of Buildings Saudi Arabia 3 Storeys 8.18.2 (c) - Buildings classified as Group R-2 equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7.3 of SBC 801 and provided with emergency escape and rescue openings in accordance with Section 8.25 shall have a maximum height of three stories above grade, or as agreed by the local municipality.” Saudi Building Code 2007Chapter 8 - Means of Egress Table 8.18.2 - Buildings with One Exit India 15m India permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings up to 15m in building height with a maximum floor area of 500m2 per storey. National Building Code of India 2005, SP 7 (Group 1) 4.6.2 Number of Exits Bangladesh 33mBangladesh permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings of up to 10 storeys or 33m in height. A single exit is not permitted for high-rise buildings, defined as buildings of more than 10 storeys or 33m in height, measured from the level of fire department vehicle acess.Article 3.14.2 specifies that a single exit is permitted from floor areas where the occupant load does not exceed 50 occupants. For residential uses (Classification A), occupancy load is calculated as 1 occupant per 18m2 in gross floor area (Table 4.3.1.) corresponding to a maximum floor area of approximately 900m2. The 2020 edition of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) specifies the minimum requirements for the design and construction of all buildings within Bangladesh. In addition, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) [Capital City Development Authority] is the public agency responsible for co-ordinating urban development in Dhaka and is resposible for approving and enforcing building safety requirements in Dhaka city. Although their rules apply only to Dhaka, they are generally followed in other parts of the country as well. RAJUK rules in effect since 2008 specify that flats in apartment buildings (A2 occupancy) can be served by a single exit in buildings of up to 10 storeys and 33m in height with a maximum of 4 dwelling units per storey and a maximum travel distance of 23m to the exit. According to Mr. Maidul Islam, the previous edition of the BNBC defined high-rise buildings as buildings of more than 6 storeys or 20m in height and it is still common practice of local government agencies to require two exit stairs for buildings of more than 6 storeys in height. Bangladesh National Building Code, 2020 - S.R.O. No.55-Law/2020.Article 3.14.2.&nbsp; shared by Maidul Islam, MFSE (May 2024) Pakistan One StoreyPakistan requires that “in new and existing occupancies, the number of means of egress from any balcony, mezzanine, story, or portion thereof shall be not less than two” and that “exit access corridors shall provide access to not less than two exits.” As a result, any building of more than one storey requires two exits.&nbsp; 2016 Building Code of Pakistan, Fire Safety Provisions Section 10.11.2 Section 14.12.1.4 shared by Maidul Islam, MFSE (August 2024) China 18 Storeys China permits a single exit for multi-unit residential buildings up to 18 storeys in building height with a maximum floor area of 650m2 per storey. A maximum travel distance of 15m from the dwelling unit door to the exit applies for buildings less than 10 storeys in height, which is shortened to a maximum travel distance of 10m for buildings between 10 and 18 storeys in height. <img width="883" height="613" width_o="883" height_o="613" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3fee8d17080f0159b4d5a85352e27640a77751a171fa32ccbf2a02ff82dce32f/China_Translation_Screenshot.PNG" data-mid="139950422" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/883/i/3fee8d17080f0159b4d5a85352e27640a77751a171fa32ccbf2a02ff82dce32f/China_Translation_Screenshot.PNG" /> National Standard of the People’s Republic of China -&nbsp;GB 50368-2005, Residential Building Code Section 9.5.1 shared by Lucy Lin(November 2022) South Korea No Maximum Height Limit South Korea does not set a maximum building height for multi-unit residential buildings with a single exit stair. The code only limits single exit stair conditions for residential occupancies based on horizontal restrictions, including a&nbsp;maximum of 4 dwelling units per storey or a maximum inhabited floor area of 300m2per storey as well as maximum travel distance limits. Article 35 requires the exit stair to be a ‘firefighting’ stair (safe evacuation stair) for apartment buildings of 16 or more storeys if the floor area per storey exceeds 400m2. 건축법 시행령제34조(직통계단의 설치) [Building Law Enforcement Decree] (2022)&nbsp; Article 34 (Installation of Direct Stairs) Japan 5 Storeys, 14 storeys, Any Height Japan’s building code includes several trigger levels to define permitted conditions for single staircase buildings in both residential or office buildings: For buildings of up to two storeys in height, a single open staircase (without corridor separation) is permitted to serve a maximum floor area per storey of 200m2 for combustible construction and 400m2 for non-combustible construction. A fire sprinkler system is not required.For buildings of three to five storeys in height, a single ‘fire-compartmented’ staircase (i.e. corridor separation) is permitted to serve a maximum floor area per storey of 100m2 for combustible construction and 200m2 for non-combustible construction. A fire sprinkler system is not required.For buildings of six to fourteen storeys, a single exterior staircase is permitted and for buildings of fifteen or more storeys and a single ‘fire-compartmented’ staircase with a vestibule is permitted to serve a maximum floor area per storey of 100m2 for combustible construction and 200m2 for non-combustible construction. A fire sprinkler system is required for buildings of 11 or more storeys in height.&nbsp;An evacuation balcony and hatch is also required for buildings of six or more storeys in height served by a single staircase. shared by Yoshikazu Minegishi, PhD, MSFPE, PE - Building Research Institute, Japan (April 2024 at the SFPE PBD Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark) Singapore 60mSingapore permits a single exit in apartment buildings up to 24m so long as the one-way travel distance is complied with, and exceeding 24m in height under the following conditions: (a) The building’s habitable height does not exceed 60m, unless otherwise permitted by the SCDF. (b) The single exit staircase shall serve not more than four apartments or maisonettes at each storey. (c) Provision of exits for each residential apartment or maisonette shall comply with the requirements under Cl.9.2.1a.(5). (d) Travel distance from the most remote exit door to the exit staircase from each apartment or maisonette shall not exceed 15m. (e) The approach to the exit staircase shall be through cross-ventilated corridor/lobby in accordance with Cl.1.4.28, except that the ventilation openings shall have a minimum width of 2m and a minimum height of 1.2m, as well as the following requirements: (i) the openings shall be unobstructed from the parapet wall or balustrade level upwards and be positioned on opposite sides of the corridor/lobby such that they provide cross ventilation throughout the entire space of the corridor/lobby; and (ii) the entire cross-ventilated corridor/lobby shall be unobstructed and maintained at minimum 2m width throughout. <img src="https://www.scdf.gov.sg/images/default-source/firecode/chapter-9/fg-9-2-1a(4)(e).tmb-firecode.png" data-scale="15"> (f) Where multiple ventilation openings are provided on opposite sides of the corridor/lobby, the minimum width and height of each opening shall not be less than 1m and 1.2m respectively, provided the aggregate width of the openings at each opposite side is not less than 2m. (See Diagram 9.2.1a.(4)(f)) <img width="426" height="326" width_o="426" height_o="326" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3796f07531575b74eee57c6ab475a1b54bc7d4644cca3b1b7ff9397eff6c35fe/diagram-9-2-1a-4f.jpg" data-mid="161993193" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/426/i/3796f07531575b74eee57c6ab475a1b54bc7d4644cca3b1b7ff9397eff6c35fe/diagram-9-2-1a-4f.jpg" /> Singapore Civil Defence Force - Fire Code 2018 - Chapter 9 - Additional Requirements for Each Purpose Group 9.2 Purpose Group II Ocupancy 9.2.1.a. Means of escape shared by Harry Scoffin (December 2022) Hong Kong 6 storeys or 17m (uppermost finish floor height) (1)&nbsp; &nbsp; Every building shall be provided with such means of escape in case of emergency as may be required by the intended use of the building. (2)&nbsp; &nbsp; Without prejudice to paragraph (1), every building which exceeds 6 storeys in height or in which the level of the floor of the uppermost storey is more than 17 m above the level of the ground at the point of discharge of the main staircase shall, in addition to the main staircase, be provided with a second staircase as means of escape in case of emergency. (L.N. 294 of 1976) Building (Planning) Regulations - Cap. 123, Section 38 - Part V Staircases, Fire Escapes and Access for Firefighting and Rescue Purposes 41. Means of escape shared by Harry Scoffin (December 2022) This website, including all data and information incorporated herein, is being provided for information purposes only. For certainty, the author provides no representation or warranty regarding any use of or reliance upon this website, including no representation or warranty that any architectural designs comply with applicable laws including any applicable building code requirements or municipal by-laws. Any use of or reliance upon this website by any person for any purpose shall be at such person’s sole risk and the author shall have no liability or responsibility for any such use of or reliance upon this website by any person for any purpose. Prior to any use of or reliance upon this website by any person for any purpose, consultation with a professional architect duly licensed in the applicable jurisdiction is strongly recommended. https://secondegress.ca/London Tue, 05 Oct 2021 21:43:01 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/London London Update (January 2023): In response to the Grenfell Tower inquiry, the Royal Institute of British Architects and London Fire Brigade submitted a request to further study the fire safety of single exit stair high-rise residential buildings. On December 23, 2022 the UK Government announced an open consultation to “introduce a threshold whereby residential buildings above 30 metres in height should be designed and built with 2 staircases.”Update (July 2023): “The Housing Secretary, Michael Gove, announces that the UK government will require two staircases in all new residential high-rises taller than 18m.”Update (September 2024): Amendment to Approved Documents, Building Regulation 2010, taking effect on 30 September 2026, including revised requirements applicable to horizontal escape for flats served by a single common stair. These include maximum travel distances for escape in one direction and requirement for flats to be separated from the common stair by a protected lobby or common protected corridor. The information on this page was originally prepared in 2021. <img width="1000" height="823" width_o="1000" height_o="823" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3582289ac19bd6452c1245267490fae336cd63bef6fa74fb23d6fb075a21a2c2/211023_Grenfell_3D_01_Perspective_exterior.jpg" data-mid="122422694" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3582289ac19bd6452c1245267490fae336cd63bef6fa74fb23d6fb075a21a2c2/211023_Grenfell_3D_01_Perspective_exterior.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="823" width_o="1000" height_o="823" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/cbdb57fcb0291791b5834ae740874a1fce08b3a947a21c1c0168f58e65f5a884/211023_Grenfell_3D_01_Perspective_stair.jpg" data-mid="122422717" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/cbdb57fcb0291791b5834ae740874a1fce08b3a947a21c1c0168f58e65f5a884/211023_Grenfell_3D_01_Perspective_stair.jpg" /> Until 2023, the United Kingdom did not establish a maximum building height for single stair residential buildings (flats).The UK’s prescriptive building regulations did not establish a vertical constraint for single stair conditions, rather limiting single stair design only horizontally with maximum travel distances. Existing high-rise residential buildings in the UK were designed with a shelter-in-place fire evacuation strategy, such that only occupants from the flat where the fire occurs will immediatelly evacuate to avoid crowding of the exit. All other occupants remain in place until explicitly ordered to evacuate. This is also known as the ‘stay-put’ policy. On June 14, 2017, one such building, the Grenfell tower, was engulfed by the deadliest residential fire in the United Kingdom since the Second World War and cost the lives of 72 people. The negligent use of combustible insulation for the retrofit cladding material caused the rapid spread of the fire up the building facade. The tower consisted of a 24-storey concrete structure with a single exit stair. At the Grenfell inquiry, experts testified that the shelter-in-place evacuation policy was sustained for more than 80 minutes beyond the point at which a general evacuation should have been ordered. <img width="2550" height="3060" width_o="2550" height_o="3060" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/23c0c6ec47432ffbf28e47364eecda374183bac0d8f79c0050a5b2f23d4ab3c9/211209_LondonBerlin_Categories_CS_01-02.png" data-mid="127069587" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/23c0c6ec47432ffbf28e47364eecda374183bac0d8f79c0050a5b2f23d4ab3c9/211209_LondonBerlin_Categories_CS_01-02.png" /> <img width="2550" height="3060" width_o="2550" height_o="3060" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/99da56a38b40ff8e9bf421346137367539955f13a12add5c63cd0a637bac8b05/211209_LondonBerlin_Categories_CS_01-01.png" data-mid="127069575" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/99da56a38b40ff8e9bf421346137367539955f13a12add5c63cd0a637bac8b05/211209_LondonBerlin_Categories_CS_01-01.png" /> Comparison of UK and Germany Height Classifications&nbsp; adapted from Wallasch, K et al. (2009). Single Living. <img width="2205" height="2292" width_o="2205" height_o="2292" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/507395056f7f081b24d55f5bff8846c2619c082512fffcd2c95d07b74ca8b8d0/211210_GrenfellPlan_CS_01-01.png" data-mid="127067516" border="0" data-scale="70" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/507395056f7f081b24d55f5bff8846c2619c082512fffcd2c95d07b74ca8b8d0/211210_GrenfellPlan_CS_01-01.png" /> Largely in response to the Grenfell disaster, the government announced new fire safety regulations in 2020, which require fire sprinklers for all residential buildings over 11 meters in building height, require increased evacuation signage, forbid the use of combustible materials in exterior wall assemblies and demand increased oversight during planning and construction.1 In London alone there are currently 510 high-rise towers in planning and 115 in construction. Since 2014, 122 such projects have been completed and in the next 2 years, 96 such towers are expected to follow.2 The UK building code is described here because the Grenfell Tower disaster is sometimes cited as argument against allowing single stair buildings in Canada. However, a 24-storey unsprinklered high-rise building is not representative of the code change requests for single exit stair permissions in fully sprinklered buildings of three to six storeys in height. <img width="768" height="708" width_o="768" height_o="708" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/61fc1415327d9219c46bb9db668512110b82a1880145f48b5e0d7cd1de896439/sprinkles-768x708.jpg" data-mid="121975635" border="0" data-scale="100" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/768/i/61fc1415327d9219c46bb9db668512110b82a1880145f48b5e0d7cd1de896439/sprinkles-768x708.jpg" /> &nbsp; Sources:[1] Ministry of Housing, Communities &amp; Local Government. (2020). A reformed building safety regulatory system. London, UK.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877628/A_reformed_building_safety_regulatory_system_-_gvt_response_to_the_Building_a_Safer_Future_consultation.pdf [2] Stock, B., Wallasch, K. (2020). Fire Safety Requirements for High-Rise Residential Towers in England and Germany. FeuerTrutz International 2020. https://www.medien.feuertrutz.de/#doc/62580/5 HM Government. (2006). Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Sleeping Accomodation.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/422192/9281_Sleeping_Accomodation_v2.pdf Wallasch, K. et al. (2009). Single Living. https://www.building.co.uk/karl-wallasch-and-boris-stock-on-germanys-regulatory-approach-to-single-stair-high-rise-buildings/3149160.article Fire Safety Compliance and Timed Exit Empirical Study. https://global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/2396-fire-safety-strategies-for-penthouse-designs.pdf Chey, Katy. (2017). Multi-Unit Housing in Urban Cities: From 1800 to Present Day. "London: Circa 1840 to 1900, London Tenement." Kirkpatrick, D., Hakim D., Glanz, J. (2017). Why Grenfell Tower Burned: Regulators Put Cost Before Safety. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/24/world/europe/grenfell-tower-london-fire.html https://secondegress.ca/Berlin Tue, 05 Oct 2021 21:43:01 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/Berlin Berlin Germany allows for both office and residential buildings of up to 22m in height to be served by a single exit stair, with additional fire safety measures increasing the maximum height to 60m. The Musterbauordnung is the model building code set by the federal state and adopted with modification by individual jurisdictions throughout Germany. The code establishes the principle that buildings must generally have two means of egress, however the second means of egress can be a designated window or balcony designed for rescue by the fire department. Such rescue is permited with extension ladders reaching up to 8m from grade or with an aerial fire apparatus reaching up to 22m from grade, which is only permitted if the local fire department is equipped with the respective equipment. Alternatively, a second means of egress is not necessary if the single exit stair is a “fire safety” stair (Sicherheitstreppenraum) within a smokeproof enclosure in buildings of up to 60m height. In Germany, buildings over 22m in height are classified as high-rise, subdivided between buildings greater than 22m but less than 60m and buildings greater than 60m in height. However, such tall buildings are rarely constructed in Berlin, where local planning policy establishes a maximum building height of 22m based on the roof parapet height of the existing city fabric (with very few exceptions made). The result is a city of single-stair mid-rise buildings, driven by the legal restrictions of planning policy and building codes. <img width="1042" height="1200" width_o="1042" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4c5005d543862dd194307c67b486a5af178953804299f22a8a3b0c51a80bd72d/FeuerwehrRichtlinien_01_1200px.jpg" data-mid="124183805" border="0" data-scale="100" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4c5005d543862dd194307c67b486a5af178953804299f22a8a3b0c51a80bd72d/FeuerwehrRichtlinien_01_1200px.jpg" /> Translated diagram from German Guidelines for Firefighting Access (Kompendium: Flächen für die Feuerwehr, 2020/05) Code Translation Building Code for Berlin (BauO Bln)Fifth SectionEgress, Openings, Guardrails § 33 First and Second Egress (1) For floor areas with at least one occupancy such as dwelling units, offices or independent commercial spaces, there must be at least two independent means of egress per floor; both escape routes can however pass through the same corridor within the floor area.(2) For occupied floor areas per Sentence 1, that are not on the ground floor, the first means of egress must be a stair. The second means of egress can be another stair or a designated area within the occupied floor area that can be reached by the firefighting apparatus of the fire department. A second means of egress is not required if the first means of egress is a fire separated, fire safety stairwell.(3) Buildings, for which the second egress requires the fire apparatus of the fire department and in which the sill height of designated windows or landings is more than 8 meters above grade, may only be erected if the local fire department has aerial firefighting apparatus. In the case of special constructions the second egress via fire apparatus is only permitted if there are no concerns regarding occupant rescue. Bauordnung für Berlin (BauO Bln) Fünfter AbschnitRettungswege, Öffnungen, Umwehrungen § 33 Erster und zweiter Rettungsweg (1) Für Nutzungseinheiten mit mindestens einem Aufenthaltsraum wie Wohnungen, Praxen oder selbständige Betriebsstätten müssen in jedem Geschoss mindestens zwei voneinander unabhängige Rettungswege ins Freie vorhanden sein; beide Rettungswege dürfen jedoch innerhalb des Geschosses über denselben notwendigen Flur führen. (2) Für Nutzungseinheiten nach Absatz 1, die nicht zu ebener Erde liegen, muss der erste Rettungsweg über eine notwendige Treppe führen. Der zweite Rettungsweg kann eine weitere notwendige Treppe oder eine mit Rettungsgeräten der Feuerwehr erreichbare Stelle der Nutzungseinheit sein. Ein zweiter Rettungsweg ist nicht erforderlich, wenn die Rettung über einen Sicherheitstreppenraum möglich ist. (3) Gebäude, deren zweiter Rettungsweg über Rettungsgeräte der Feuerwehr führt und bei denen die Oberkante der Brüstung von zum Anleitern bestimmten Fenstern oder Stellen mehr als 8 Meter über der Geländeoberfläche liegt, dürfen nur errichtet werden, wenn die Feuerwehr über die erforderlichen Rettungsgeräte wie Hubrettungsfahrzeuge verfügt. Bei Sonderbauten ist der zweite Rettungsweg über Rettungsgeräte der Feuerwehr nur zulässig, wenn keine Bedenken wegen der Personenrettung bestehen. BauO Bln Accessed November 2, 2021 https://gesetze.berlin.de/bsbe/document/jlr-BauOBE2005rahmen Diagram from German ‘Raumpilot’ textbook: The requirements for exiting are associated with each building classification. The building classes are defined by the model building code (MBO, § 2) and correlating state building regulations. Additional requirements for high-rise buildings with special conditions for exits are defined in the High Building Regulations (MHHR and others). &nbsp;Buildings up to 7m in height can have a single, unprotected exit stair (building class 3)Buildings up to 22m in height can have a single, unprotected exit if the fire department ladder serves as second means of egress (building class 5)Buildings&nbsp;up to 60m in height can have a single exit if the stair is a protected “Sicherheitstreppenhaus”Buildings exceeding 60m in height must have two exit stairs, one of which must be a protected “Sicherheitstreppenhaus” Note: building height is measured to the finish floor elevation of the uppermost occupied storey <img width="2154" height="1999" width_o="2154" height_o="1999" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fe73bf50d1a826d74994ba3417c5d4e10867186f2324b103067b100958c72547/Pages-from-Raumpilot-Grundlagen_300dpi_crop.jpg" data-mid="178392850" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fe73bf50d1a826d74994ba3417c5d4e10867186f2324b103067b100958c72547/Pages-from-Raumpilot-Grundlagen_300dpi_crop.jpg" /> https://www.wuestenrot-stiftung.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Raumpilot-Grundlagen.pdf A Brief History of Housing in Berlin The building code of Berlin today is the result of the history of housing in a city defined by dense urban apartment buildings. “Mietskasernen” (translates to rental barracks) were tenement housing blocks arranged around narrow courtyards, similar in density to Hausmann’s Paris or the Eixample Superblocks in Barcelona, which were critical to housing the growing labor force of the industrial revolutions in the 19th century. The typology was typically arranged as two dwelling units per storey, served by a common stair leading to the narrow courtyard and fire separated from the identical adjacent blocks by masonry fire walls. The dense living conditions were exacerbated by shameless developer speculation and a failure to provide basic sanitary infrastructure. Criticism of these unhygienic and antisocial conditions led to urban renewal efforts after World War II in which architects were invited to propose new designs for the war-ravaged city. At the Interbau 1957 international building exhibition, an entire district of damaged tenement blocks known as the ‘Hansaviertel’ was demolished to make way for new apartment buildings according to modernist designs. Unlike the popularized double-loaded corridor of Le Corbusier’s Unite d’Habitation in Marseille, France (1952) or Mies van der Rohe’s Lafayette Park housing in Downtown Detroit (1959), the designs by Alvar Aalto, Oscar Niemeyer and Walter Gropius for Interbau 1957 were predominantly single stair floor plans. This brief history of apartment buildings in Berlin is intended to demonstrate the influence of historic and cultural practices to help explain why the building code in Germany allows for single stair buildings up to such height. <img width="1000" height="800" width_o="1000" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/75c8b1d36bff4c0a82e4428291b9324b88e242073372b9b19cc4d5cf2221fb7e/interbau1957_aalto_orange.jpg" data-mid="166073526" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/75c8b1d36bff4c0a82e4428291b9324b88e242073372b9b19cc4d5cf2221fb7e/interbau1957_aalto_orange.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="800" width_o="1000" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d5ad880834ec604c879f2b4de350cf3f79c961f3c1d7cc7315bfdc0964f08c7a/interbau1957_niemeyer_orange.jpg" data-mid="166073528" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d5ad880834ec604c879f2b4de350cf3f79c961f3c1d7cc7315bfdc0964f08c7a/interbau1957_niemeyer_orange.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="800" width_o="1000" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c28da89cb4f6dbf23c3a65ee41427dd5055b1a097e28a57c87cde632da44b573/interbau1957_gropius_orange.jpg" data-mid="166073527" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c28da89cb4f6dbf23c3a65ee41427dd5055b1a097e28a57c87cde632da44b573/interbau1957_gropius_orange.jpg" /> <img width="750" height="538" width_o="750" height_o="538" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/42782e7e3955b0ff65d15b85d220448edafc5a52d0c11f280d515e87e7becb1b/mietkasernen.jpg" data-mid="123546370" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/750/i/42782e7e3955b0ff65d15b85d220448edafc5a52d0c11f280d515e87e7becb1b/mietkasernen.jpg" /> Berlin Mietskasernen. (1929). Examples of Recent Single Staircase Projects in Berlin Baugemeinschaft Walden 48 Scharabi Architekten + Anne Raupach (2020)Landsberger Allee 48, 10249 Friedrichshain Height: 6 storeys incl. mezzanine (18m)Use: 43 dwelling units Gross Floor Area: 4,800m2Construction: Mass Timber, Cast-in-place ConcreteSprinklered:&nbsp;NoEach of the exit stairs serves two to three dwelling units per storey for a total of twelve dwelling units served by each exit stair. <img width="1600" height="780" width_o="1600" height_o="780" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d71a813bfdd78a2d403cb0a6679902abff858454e9976772ca6060d14e30a3d4/WALDEN-48_159_160_156_web.jpg" data-mid="123532005" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d71a813bfdd78a2d403cb0a6679902abff858454e9976772ca6060d14e30a3d4/WALDEN-48_159_160_156_web.jpg" /> <img width="1200" height="600" width_o="1200" height_o="600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4123242b365c27eb016bf37754668d1cdde8d7105b668246719699db494ba902/Walden48_01_EG.jpg" data-mid="124047184" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4123242b365c27eb016bf37754668d1cdde8d7105b668246719699db494ba902/Walden48_01_EG.jpg" /> <img width="1200" height="600" width_o="1200" height_o="600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c78ba3c1cf8b69d1b096371d7728d31285b44cfe72deae21c6a82d4888f98f27/Walden48_02_OG.jpg" data-mid="124047185" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c78ba3c1cf8b69d1b096371d7728d31285b44cfe72deae21c6a82d4888f98f27/Walden48_02_OG.jpg" /> <img width="1200" height="600" width_o="1200" height_o="600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8a501d589fbc2ff3b230de3dd5677228edfbe0e140a49913943af2a4d6c5e1df/Walden48_03_DG.jpg" data-mid="124047199" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8a501d589fbc2ff3b230de3dd5677228edfbe0e140a49913943af2a4d6c5e1df/Walden48_03_DG.jpg" /> E3 Kaden Klingbeil Architekten (2008) Esmarchstrasse 3, 10407 Prenzlauerberg Height: 7 storeys (22m)Use: 6 dwelling units, 1 commercial at grade Gross Floor Area: 987m2Construction: Encapsulated Mass TimberSprinklered: No This early pilot project for mass timber pursued performance-based code compliance to exceed the maximum permitted building height for combustible construction. The design provides short travel distances to the exit and distinct fire separation of the exterior exit stair. Each floor is occupied by a single dwelling unit, accessed from concrete bridgewalks. <img width="799" height="1000" width_o="799" height_o="1000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/44ab108d21c80a8503b966cd50ef214bc50936fae047bdf9ee76c32e065f4811/e3_01.jpg" data-mid="123547044" border="0" data-scale="65" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/799/i/44ab108d21c80a8503b966cd50ef214bc50936fae047bdf9ee76c32e065f4811/e3_01.jpg" /> <img width="533" height="399" width_o="533" height_o="399" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/54ae0fed3ec0913ac136810c6fb64c6288bb92a1c923105d5c9daf0ec0ce0d15/e3_plan0_orange.jpg" data-mid="123445684" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/533/i/54ae0fed3ec0913ac136810c6fb64c6288bb92a1c923105d5c9daf0ec0ce0d15/e3_plan0_orange.jpg" /> <img width="533" height="399" width_o="533" height_o="399" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5de9fcaed4439b3cbdd000a022cfbde8da7dc814073a5256143aed6061a39ccb/e3_plan1_orange.jpg" data-mid="123445697" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/533/i/5de9fcaed4439b3cbdd000a022cfbde8da7dc814073a5256143aed6061a39ccb/e3_plan1_orange.jpg" /> <img width="533" height="399" width_o="533" height_o="399" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/65231b69d92e37050a8c83ad3a7cdc096641a5278566a2d07ad63404eb11a51b/e3_plan2_orange.jpg" data-mid="123445716" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/533/i/65231b69d92e37050a8c83ad3a7cdc096641a5278566a2d07ad63404eb11a51b/e3_plan2_orange.jpg" /> <img width="533" height="399" width_o="533" height_o="399" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e38bd7155787b6c5b6c583873ad4925f38fcd4b3cd8298cd9d35d942a2ea4658/e3_plan3_orange.jpg" data-mid="123445723" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/533/i/e38bd7155787b6c5b6c583873ad4925f38fcd4b3cd8298cd9d35d942a2ea4658/e3_plan3_orange.jpg" /> <img width="533" height="399" width_o="533" height_o="399" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/80a082e6891e69d5780f188adefa9ddc0d52fe69148b80a8a881c1d62d941533/e3_plan4_orange.jpg" data-mid="123445750" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/533/i/80a082e6891e69d5780f188adefa9ddc0d52fe69148b80a8a881c1d62d941533/e3_plan4_orange.jpg" /> <img width="533" height="399" width_o="533" height_o="399" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4ffb95c3bb48110bb6c379a985237d040fea783de4071f722482d4c5e96a0e36/e3_plan5_orange.jpg" data-mid="123445752" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/533/i/4ffb95c3bb48110bb6c379a985237d040fea783de4071f722482d4c5e96a0e36/e3_plan5_orange.jpg" /> <img width="533" height="399" width_o="533" height_o="399" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/125aa642729b1269ddbb4271a1766c8c85861e7a005c59ea8c81ddb09c8e6afa/e3_plan6_orange.jpg" data-mid="123445755" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/533/i/125aa642729b1269ddbb4271a1766c8c85861e7a005c59ea8c81ddb09c8e6afa/e3_plan6_orange.jpg" /> "Because the building is comprised of a wooden structure, the escape route had to be constructed in reinforced concrete and set apart from the main building. The open gap gives each apartment a third facade and allows for more flexible interior spaces, thanks to the separation of the stairwell. Moreover, the access via a footbridge is pushed into the urban space and thus emphasized. On three floors, the apartments are accessed via generous, recessed open spaces, which enhances the sense of possessing one’s own floor and home in the city." Heckmann, Oliver. (2017). "The Path towards Access and Circulation"in Floor Plan Manual of Housing. Birkhauser, Basel. pg, 45. Dennewitz EinsDMSW + roedig.shop +sieglundalbert (2013) Dennewitzstraße 1, 10785 Gleisdreieck/Berlin-Mitte <img width="2000" height="497" width_o="2000" height_o="497" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3f03556279d73dfdfefe9bc650ec1c6d39b0f419b515423fa3236c51acf059cf/7_DEN_OG3-e0269a5c43a48aa9_orange.jpg" data-mid="123437611" border="0" data-scale="88" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3f03556279d73dfdfefe9bc650ec1c6d39b0f419b515423fa3236c51acf059cf/7_DEN_OG3-e0269a5c43a48aa9_orange.jpg" /> <img width="2000" height="497" width_o="2000" height_o="497" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b03b5e9b1d31fbc302bcd2e3a31beeaa93e013b4fd59fc051ecda105d2c88540/7_DEN_OG3-e0269a5c43a48aa9.jpg" data-mid="121795330" border="0" data-scale="95" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b03b5e9b1d31fbc302bcd2e3a31beeaa93e013b4fd59fc051ecda105d2c88540/7_DEN_OG3-e0269a5c43a48aa9.jpg" /> <img width="719" height="969" width_o="719" height_o="969" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/31932bbd7e42c219552a588786fecfca214e0522ec0a5b0e6531cbddb8ac2732/dennewitzeins_stair3.jpg" data-mid="123547060" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/719/i/31932bbd7e42c219552a588786fecfca214e0522ec0a5b0e6531cbddb8ac2732/dennewitzeins_stair3.jpg" /> <img width="1000" height="1379" width_o="1000" height_o="1379" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2a166e325df9824daab781350b9258767f376f9c1481cbfeb4361169a71c81ad/e2fbf0d28d75ab041ee3148fe02b43b0_1.jpg" data-mid="123547049" border="0" data-scale="50" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2a166e325df9824daab781350b9258767f376f9c1481cbfeb4361169a71c81ad/e2fbf0d28d75ab041ee3148fe02b43b0_1.jpg" /> <img width="728" height="971" width_o="728" height_o="971" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/35c8e01ad378194869b00033c3108412af9ad5963cbfde9c22c6d0cf3222c7d4/dennewitzeins_stair2.jpg" data-mid="123547061" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/728/i/35c8e01ad378194869b00033c3108412af9ad5963cbfde9c22c6d0cf3222c7d4/dennewitzeins_stair2.jpg" /> Height: 6 storeys (20m)Use: 39 dwelling units, 1 commercial at grade Gross Floor Area: 4,420m2Construction: Cast-in-place ConcreteSprinklering: No This co-housing project on a narrow property was a collaboration between three architects with distinct floor plans arranged around three distinct exit stairs, within a consistent overall building envelope. The plan is a typical Berlin block of shallow, cross-ventilated unit layouts served by a single exit stair. Each stair serves two to three homes per floor and receives natural light from either the facade or skylights above. Corridor separation is not required and each unit opens directly to the exit stair landing at each floor. The building is of noncombustible construction and divided into three parts by firewalls. 3XGruenIfuH - Institut für urbanen Holzbau (2011)Görschstrasse 48, 13187 Berlin-Pankow Height: 5 storeys (17m)Use: 13 dwelling units Gross Floor Area: 2,877m2Construction: Partially Encapsulated Mass TimberSprinklered: No The single stair design allows each apartment to take up the full depth of the building, receiving cross-ventilation and daylight from both sides. The two-storey units in the middle of the plan are served by both exit stairs, allowing for collective living arrangements and potential future reconfiguration. The street-facing balconies also serve as second means of egress by fire apparatus. The building is a partially encapsulated mass timber structure, with the elevator and exit stair of noncombustible construction. Sprinklering is not required or provided. Note: The exit stair configuration includes winders, which are not permitted in Canada (except within or serving a single dwelling unit). <img width="800" height="584" width_o="800" height_o="584" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ff5798383580c68229ead5e3f298ecdcd20720a3da5baecd1406049570382419/3xgruen_0415-bb-3.jpg" data-mid="123547290" border="0" data-scale="75" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/ff5798383580c68229ead5e3f298ecdcd20720a3da5baecd1406049570382419/3xgruen_0415-bb-3.jpg" /> <img width="1300" height="700" width_o="1300" height_o="700" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c39ed1cb8feb626669b4adbff5ffb1cba9b600115c6f43afd33edc1852d2cf10/3xgruen_plan01_erdgeschoss_orange.jpg" data-mid="123434738" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c39ed1cb8feb626669b4adbff5ffb1cba9b600115c6f43afd33edc1852d2cf10/3xgruen_plan01_erdgeschoss_orange.jpg" /> <img width="1300" height="700" width_o="1300" height_o="700" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9f208c9810729e95f3545c14c3aa2cd1e2265fcd75e459f28bd686dccd63bda4/3xgruen_plan02_erstesobergeschoss_orange.jpg" data-mid="123434751" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9f208c9810729e95f3545c14c3aa2cd1e2265fcd75e459f28bd686dccd63bda4/3xgruen_plan02_erstesobergeschoss_orange.jpg" /> <img width="1300" height="700" width_o="1300" height_o="700" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/996dc88d6373f4a6f10bc86fa1b2d209c645659a6655203ea86a8722388304de/3xgruen_plan03_zweitesobergeschoss_orange.jpg" data-mid="123434770" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/996dc88d6373f4a6f10bc86fa1b2d209c645659a6655203ea86a8722388304de/3xgruen_plan03_zweitesobergeschoss_orange.jpg" /> <img width="1300" height="700" width_o="1300" height_o="700" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8da7376a865472f245c80e24ffb96169f3365487c5f175a1d84c90430aa5f649/3xgruen_plan04_drittesobergeschoss_orange.jpg" data-mid="123434784" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8da7376a865472f245c80e24ffb96169f3365487c5f175a1d84c90430aa5f649/3xgruen_plan04_drittesobergeschoss_orange.jpg" /> <img width="1300" height="700" width_o="1300" height_o="700" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2cc38849c2f87b8ba7a9584d2d3cb3662bdc72a050e295494a6814d11f90bdff/3xgruen_plan05_viertesobergeschoss_orange.jpg" data-mid="123434801" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2cc38849c2f87b8ba7a9584d2d3cb3662bdc72a050e295494a6814d11f90bdff/3xgruen_plan05_viertesobergeschoss_orange.jpg" /> R50 ifau + Jesko Fezer + Heide &amp; von Beckerath (2013)Ritterstrasse 50, 10969 Kreuzberg Height: 6 storeys (22m)Use: 19 dwelling units and shared amenitiesGross Floor Area: 2,780m2Construction: Cast-in-place ConcreteSprinklered: No This co-housing project is the result of an intensive consultation with each of the future residents and resulted in highly flexible floor plans. The building contains two to three homes per floor arranged around the single exit stair and elevator. The wrap-around balconies serve as the second means of egress by fire department ladder and define the architectural expression of the building. The depth and uninterrupted continuity of the balconies ensure that each dwelling unit has access to the street-facing elevation for ladder rescue. <img width="1862" height="2800" width_o="1862" height_o="2800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bfba48e335c795f80aea5dc6d8f08e86b1c2f739e43da4433dc0f3319f14ee18/b10eb9f1dd93ca8f300bf3cd523ad820.jpg" data-mid="124047812" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bfba48e335c795f80aea5dc6d8f08e86b1c2f739e43da4433dc0f3319f14ee18/b10eb9f1dd93ca8f300bf3cd523ad820.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="2251" width_o="1500" height_o="2251" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b20cca1e34ecb31765fc39ac4016ca269934c89d7378e6b6cd95be50e3fab0f4/hvb_r50_-_cohousing_49.1500x0.jpg" data-mid="124047830" border="0" data-scale="67" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b20cca1e34ecb31765fc39ac4016ca269934c89d7378e6b6cd95be50e3fab0f4/hvb_r50_-_cohousing_49.1500x0.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="800" width_o="800" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/18a957601f303ffffd762f0a64f7605c350098af31686e3f1245b3fa629b2baa/hvb_r50_plan_01_orange.jpg" data-mid="123450975" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/18a957601f303ffffd762f0a64f7605c350098af31686e3f1245b3fa629b2baa/hvb_r50_plan_01_orange.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="800" width_o="800" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/25b3467abfc565bb9a7133ac31fe356f5efc2ae4b16db469214a715003340bc2/hvb_r50_plan_02_orange.jpg" data-mid="123450981" border="0" data-scale="60" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/25b3467abfc565bb9a7133ac31fe356f5efc2ae4b16db469214a715003340bc2/hvb_r50_plan_02_orange.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="800" width_o="800" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6cb85c86fc1bcbe78b6ad97b516a6abde0ec55de0190d5e4e324812dd344ebee/hvb_r50_plan_03_orange.jpg" data-mid="123450983" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/6cb85c86fc1bcbe78b6ad97b516a6abde0ec55de0190d5e4e324812dd344ebee/hvb_r50_plan_03_orange.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="800" width_o="800" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b8a224fa8e1610dd6cb6a1439377861ec2ebf93512c5883fb2a4b49ff5e92704/hvb_r50_plan_04_orange.jpg" data-mid="123450986" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/b8a224fa8e1610dd6cb6a1439377861ec2ebf93512c5883fb2a4b49ff5e92704/hvb_r50_plan_04_orange.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="800" width_o="800" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2da45db08cd25aea2e61a7a6a1705e024cb71adf2cdedd17443134ac6922cf04/hvb_r50_plan_05_orange.jpg" data-mid="123450991" border="0" data-scale="70" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/2da45db08cd25aea2e61a7a6a1705e024cb71adf2cdedd17443134ac6922cf04/hvb_r50_plan_05_orange.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="800" width_o="800" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/356aa7e8b8db15587211186f710aaf6c897c54ec93a2edae7700a71a8dab036e/hvb_r50_plan_06_orange.jpg" data-mid="123450993" border="0" data-scale="92" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/356aa7e8b8db15587211186f710aaf6c897c54ec93a2edae7700a71a8dab036e/hvb_r50_plan_06_orange.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="800" width_o="800" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2b270e8c8ed6e5b73f41eb03174bba80029c85c1ada496da9c81e53c83e107e7/hvb_r50_plan_07_orange.jpg" data-mid="123450996" border="0" data-scale="95" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/2b270e8c8ed6e5b73f41eb03174bba80029c85c1ada496da9c81e53c83e107e7/hvb_r50_plan_07_orange.jpg" /> <img width="800" height="800" width_o="800" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8052b79321eb513623452ac8698af4560782958d9444ccf8ec2893da4d14abf3/hvb_r50_plan_08_orange.jpg" data-mid="123451006" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/800/i/8052b79321eb513623452ac8698af4560782958d9444ccf8ec2893da4d14abf3/hvb_r50_plan_08_orange.jpg" /> IBeB Baugruppe ifau + Heide &amp; von Beckerath (2018)Lindenstrasse 90, 10969 Kreuzberg Height: 6 storeys incl. mezzanine (18m)Use: 66 dwelling units, 21 commercial Gross Floor Area: 12,275m2Construction: Cast-in-place Sprinklered: No This long linear block building has two exit stairs and three double-loaded corridors, however dwelling units on every other floor are served by a single exit from that floor. The stacking of maisonette apartments from the communal “rue intérieure‘ and the apartments at the ends of the building on every other level represent single exit stair conditions. The project is very similar to the stacked corridors and cross-ventilated units in Le Corbusier’s “Unite d’Habitation”. The building hence achieves a considerable variation in unit layouts because of the flexibility of the building code. “The underlying principle is that units in the centre of the building are arranged in modules over a depth of 23 metres while units at the ends of the building are designed around the cores and establish differentiated interconnections with their surroundings.” <img width="1500" height="1000" width_o="1500" height_o="1000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/38e5cf89cf0495e765c5130c8a39d00f7aaf49f93d80ee0596acf46e0a971886/hvb_ibeb_35.1500x0.jpg" data-mid="124047782" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/38e5cf89cf0495e765c5130c8a39d00f7aaf49f93d80ee0596acf46e0a971886/hvb_ibeb_35.1500x0.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="997" width_o="1500" height_o="997" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/12ed43721385fc6951aa0340bb216ed5d4b1e6c0914b0f13d0f3b525b9911325/hvb_ibeb_59.1500x0.jpg" data-mid="124047786" border="0" data-scale="80" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/12ed43721385fc6951aa0340bb216ed5d4b1e6c0914b0f13d0f3b525b9911325/hvb_ibeb_59.1500x0.jpg" /> <img width="975" height="808" width_o="975" height_o="808" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ec5a421f2c88f62adcf4dc0fc51b4471a1d8f6a3af19649710a503d709c72a66/00_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Building_Structure.jpg" data-mid="123525155" border="0" data-scale="90" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/975/i/ec5a421f2c88f62adcf4dc0fc51b4471a1d8f6a3af19649710a503d709c72a66/00_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Building_Structure.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="500" width_o="1500" height_o="500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ec6b3aaf37c52fbc721075f50bb5aef86badda12cbb1830980d90c0a8c1cc205/01_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Ground_Floor_Plan_orange.jpg" data-mid="123522279" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ec6b3aaf37c52fbc721075f50bb5aef86badda12cbb1830980d90c0a8c1cc205/01_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Ground_Floor_Plan_orange.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="500" width_o="1500" height_o="500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/49b7a85c0659fd58aa8112fbfaaee12959983ffc2f2a27400126931faedfa78f/02_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Split_Level.jpg" data-mid="123522288" border="0" data-scale="86" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/49b7a85c0659fd58aa8112fbfaaee12959983ffc2f2a27400126931faedfa78f/02_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Split_Level.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="500" width_o="1500" height_o="500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6412ce91d20c60a210bc6d18dd77f071ac6f0dc514184c84c639c3f9b47a1e32/03_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Plan_Level_01.jpg" data-mid="123522389" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6412ce91d20c60a210bc6d18dd77f071ac6f0dc514184c84c639c3f9b47a1e32/03_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Plan_Level_01.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="500" width_o="1500" height_o="500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/53c29605a56485ca7238aa028819c559b1926a8195675f890eed07fd6a9b5d4f/04_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Plan_Level_03.jpg" data-mid="123522390" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/53c29605a56485ca7238aa028819c559b1926a8195675f890eed07fd6a9b5d4f/04_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Plan_Level_03.jpg" /> <img width="1500" height="500" width_o="1500" height_o="500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/02da6687b1c486c323c94cb8cd8c100fc001d58ccc7f5e008d0bb785af6ad59b/05_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Plan_Level_04.jpg" data-mid="123522404" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/02da6687b1c486c323c94cb8cd8c100fc001d58ccc7f5e008d0bb785af6ad59b/05_ifau_Heide___von_Beckerath_IBeB_Plan_Level_04.jpg" /> Sources: ArchDaily. (2018).&nbsp;Residential and Studio Building at the Former Berlin Flower Market (IBeB) / ifau + Heide &amp; von Beckerath. https://www.archdaily.com/941785/residential-and-studio-building-at-the-former-berlin-flower-market-ibeb-ifau-plus-heide-and-von-beckerath Baunetz_Architekten. Dennewitz Eins, Berlin-Tiergarten.https://www.baunetz-architekten.de/dmsw/1587811/projekt/3466231 Baunetz_Wissen.&nbsp;Wohngebäude Walden 48 in Berlin. https://www.baunetzwissen.de/schiefer/objekte/wohnen-mfh/wohngebaeude-walden-48-in-berlin-7519043 Baunetz_Wissen. Mehrfamilienhaus E3 in Berlin https://www.baunetzwissen.de/brandschutz/objekte/wohnbauten/mehrfamilienhaus-e3-in-berlin-3187771 Baunetz_Wissen. Wohnhaus der Baugruppe 3XGrün in Berlin. https://www.baunetzwissen.de/brandschutz/objekte/wohnbauten/wohnhaus-der-baugruppe-3xgruen-in-berlin-3167099 Berufsfeuerwehr Muenchen. (2020). “Kompendium: Richttlinien Flächen für die Feuerwehr.” Branddirektion, Landeshauptstadt Muenchen.&nbsp; Heide &amp; von Beckerath. R50 - co-housing. https://heidevonbeckerath.com/single/r50-cohousing Torklep, J. R. and Meschiari, M. (2011). Bonjour Tristesse Study. Web Content hosted on Cargo Collective. http://cargocollective.com/johanrustadtorklep/filter/architectural-study-%257C-berlin/bonjour-tristesse-study https://gesetze.berlin.de/bsbe/document/jlr-BauOBE2005rahmen Deutsche BauZeitschrift. (2015). Von Spielregeln beim Bauen, Baugruppenprojekt DennewitzEins, Berlin.&nbsp; https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5bbf5c467a04d67e3b458444/5cf8b08c99b2c4afe3af149e_DBZ_10-2015.pdf Borsi, Katharina and Shapiro, Anna. (2019). Type, New Urban Domesticities and Urban Areas. Cloud-Cuckoo-Land, International Journal of Architectural Theory, Issue 38, 151.https://cloud-cuckoo.net/fileadmin/issues_en/issue_38/article_borsi_shapiro.pdf Pitre, Eric. (2019). Group Built Housing, From Berlin to Toronto. Supervised Research Project Report, McGill University School of Urban Planning. https://secondegress.ca/Seattle Tue, 05 Oct 2021 21:43:01 +0000 The Second Egress: Building a Code Change https://secondegress.ca/Seattle Seattle The Seattle Building Code permits apartment buildings of up to six storeys to be served by a single exit stair. Seattle is one of the jurisdictions in the United States (along with New York City and the Island of Oahu within the State of Hawaii) to permit single staircase buildings exceeding three storeys and many such projects have been realized in recent years - especially as zoning updates allow more density near public transit. This is not a recent change given Seattle first introduced such conditions in 1977. Seattle’s building officials have described the rationale for the change as “there were many small lots being developed and two exits took up a significant portion of the floor plate.” The International Building Code (model U.S. building code) allows apartment buildings of up to three storeys to be served by a single exit, while the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code allows up to four storeys to be served by a single exit. Chapter 10 of the 2018 Seattle Building Code outlines the current requirements and additional life safety measures for single exit buildings up to six storeys, including a maximum of four dwelling units per storey (written as ‘story’ in the US) and a requirement for positive pressurization of the exit stair to prevent smoke infiltration. A read-only version of the document is accessible here. Seattle Building Code 2018, Chapter 10: Means of Egress 1006.3.3 Single Exits 7. Not more than 5 stories of Group R-2 occupancy are permitted to be served by a single exit under the following conditions: 7.1. The building has not more than six stories above grade plane.7.2. The building does not contain a boarding house.7.3. There shall be no more than four dwelling units on any floor.7.4. The building shall be of not less than one hour fire-resistive construction and shall also be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with subsection 903.3.1.1. Residential-type sprinklers shall be used in all habitable spaces in each dwelling unit. (Required anyways)7.5. There shall be no more than two single exit stairway conditions on the same property.7.6. An exterior stairway or interior exit stairway shall be provided. The interior exit stairway, including any related exit passageway, shall be pressurized in accordance with subsection 909.20. Doors in the stairway shall swing into the interior exit stairway regardless of the occupant load served, provided that doors from the interior exit stairway to the building exterior are permitted to swing in the direction of exit travel.7.7. A corridor shall separate each dwelling unit entry/exit door from the door to an interior exit stairway, including any related exit passageway, on each floor. Dwelling unit doors shall not open directly into an interior exit stairway. Dwelling unit doors are permitted to open directly into an exterior stairway,7.8. There shall be no more than 20 feet (6096 mm) of travel to the exit stairway from the entry/exit door of any dwelling unit.7.9. Travel distance measured in accordance with section 1017 shall not exceed 125 feet (38100 mm).7.10. The exit shall not terminate in an egress court where the court depth exceeds the court width unless it is possible to exit in either direction to the public way.7.11. Elevators shall be pressurized in accordance with section 909.21 or shall open into elevator lobbies that comply with section 713.14. Where approved by the building official, natural ventilation is permitted to be substituted for pressurization where the ventilation would prevent the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases.7.12. Other occupancies are permitted in the same building provided they comply with all the requirements of this code. Other occupancies shall not communicate with the Group R occupancy portion of the building or with the single-exit stairway. Exception: parking garages and occupied roofs accessory to the Group R occupancy are permitted to communicate with the exit stairway.7.13. The exit serving the Group R occupancy shall not discharge through any other occupancy, including an accessory parking garage.7.14. There shall be no openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) of unprotected openings into the stairway other than required exit doors having a one-hour fire-resistance rating. Examples of Recent Single Staircase Projects in Seattle Capitol Hill Urban Cohousing Schemata Workshop (2016)1720 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, USA Height: 5 storeys (58 ft / 17m)Use: 9 dwelling units, 1 commercial at gradeFloor Area: 17,600 ft2&nbsp; / 1,635 m2Construction: Type V-A (upper floors) and Type I-A (ground)&nbsp;Stair: Galvanized SteelSprinklered: Yes (required throughout) CHUC is a five-storey co-housing project on a narrow lot (40’ wide by 113’ deep). The architect claims that a second staircase would have changed the design from nine to six family-sized units, and made the project financially unviable as affordable housing. The exterior passageway on each level serves as smoke control measure and also promotes casual interaction between residents across the courtyard. The method of construction is four storeys of protected wood-frame above a ground floor podium of reinforced concrete. The architects wanted to build to the maximum height limit for single exit conditions at six storeys, but were limited by the zoning by-law to a maximum height of five storeys. Click here for an interview with the architect and co-housing developer,&nbsp; Mike Mariano. <img width="750" height="500" width_o="750" height_o="500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2b6d05e5a8f04464a3194f69018d0dae5afdc4f66ebde43ead161f2ee83b922b/CapitolHillUrbanCohousing_SchemataWorkshop_Courtyard_WEB.jpg" data-mid="123338078" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/750/i/2b6d05e5a8f04464a3194f69018d0dae5afdc4f66ebde43ead161f2ee83b922b/CapitolHillUrbanCohousing_SchemataWorkshop_Courtyard_WEB.jpg" /> <img width="1024" height="683" width_o="1024" height_o="683" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4979b28613a43b7836187358dc6cd1473850735efee0e6ed218ba53291e88dab/CapitolHillUrbanCohousing_SchemataWorkshop_20190922_aerial_5997.jpg" data-mid="123338020" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4979b28613a43b7836187358dc6cd1473850735efee0e6ed218ba53291e88dab/CapitolHillUrbanCohousing_SchemataWorkshop_20190922_aerial_5997.jpg" /> <img width="1020" height="675" width_o="1020" height_o="675" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5b7d68066289408025f538797693bf1bcb8a612c2c81e614cd4a7d959254a930/CapitolHillUrbanCohousing_SchemataWorkshop_1020x675.jpg" data-mid="123338350" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5b7d68066289408025f538797693bf1bcb8a612c2c81e614cd4a7d959254a930/CapitolHillUrbanCohousing_SchemataWorkshop_1020x675.jpg" /> <img width="1671" height="788" width_o="1671" height_o="788" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b6f3d3a6815831ce67a8f9507874e439ffcc8e955e9c13876243dafdf65ed0e5/seattle_chuc_level4_orange_01.jpg" data-mid="237392332" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b6f3d3a6815831ce67a8f9507874e439ffcc8e955e9c13876243dafdf65ed0e5/seattle_chuc_level4_orange_01.jpg" /> <img width="1988" height="1200" width_o="1988" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3332815dbb98212e3c2b74183244162933221d82e0e2875bff8d4ba9f74e267f/211109_CHUC_Construction02.jpg" data-mid="124046161" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3332815dbb98212e3c2b74183244162933221d82e0e2875bff8d4ba9f74e267f/211109_CHUC_Construction02.jpg" /> <img width="1988" height="1200" width_o="1988" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b1cbd044521626fa4cb4fecef8151721d83ef4fe2bf44788295b0fd034e567e2/211109_CHUC_Stair02.jpg" data-mid="124046164" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b1cbd044521626fa4cb4fecef8151721d83ef4fe2bf44788295b0fd034e567e2/211109_CHUC_Stair02.jpg" /> Sources: CHUC Further Description: https://www.schemataworkshop.com/chuc CHUC Architectural Drawings: https://capitolhillurbancohousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CHUC_MUP-Drawings-abridged.pdfCHUC Seattle Design Review Proposal: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/AppDocs/GroupMeetings/DRProposal3013374AgendaID4783.pdfCHUC Detailed Project Timeline: https://www.ic.org/a-high-performance-building-for-cohousing-from-vision-to-move-in/