Room Heights

Part F3 of the BCA details the requirements for rooms or spaces within a building that must provide a height suitable for the intended use. ‘Intended use’ recognises that the height required in rooms and spaces is directly related to the room’s function.

For example, if the intended use of a room is a gymnasium, then gymnastic activities are likely to be undertaken in the room. These activities often involve jumps and flips which require significant space in order to be undertaken safely. In terms of the occupants, their features and needs are also relevant when determining a suitable height. For example, occupant features and needs would differ between rooms or spaces intended as a child’s play area, and rooms or spaces intended for adult’s indoor cricket.

The D-t-S provisions specify difference heights for different rooms or building types.

To achieve the required room height, it is necessary, when measuring the height of a ceiling, to make the measurement:

• From the floor to the underside of the ceiling lining; or

• If there is no ceiling lining, to the underside of the floor or roof above.

Exposed beams are permitted to encroach below the minimum ceiling height, but care should be taken to make sure that adequate height is still available.

In the case of stairs and ramps, the measurement is taken vertically from the nosing line of the stairway treads or the floor surface of the ramp, landing or the like, with no overhead projection encroachments permitted.

Where room heights are not achieved, performance solutions can be prepared to address the performance requirements of the BCA. It is not that performance solutions are nominated at a case by case basis.