NCC 2019 Volume Two
Part 3.8.2 Room heights

Part 3.8.2 Room heights

Appropriate Performance Requirements

Appropriate Performance Requirements

Where an alternative room height is proposed as a Performance Solution to that described in Part 3.8.2, that proposal must comply with—

  1. Performance RequirementP2.4.2; and
  2. the relevant Performance Requirements determined in accordance with A2.2(3) and A2.4(3) as applicable.

3.8.2.1 Application

Compliance with this acceptable construction practice satisfies Performance Requirement P2.4.2 for room heights.

3.8.2.2 Height of rooms and other spaces

Heights of rooms and other spaces (see Figure 3.8.2.1) must be not less than—

(a)

in a habitable room excluding a kitchen — 2.4 m; and

(b)

in a kitchen — 2.1 m; and

(c)

in a corridor, passageway or the like — 2.1 m; and

(d)

in a bathroom, shower room, laundry, sanitary compartment, airlock, pantry, storeroom, garage, car parking area or the like — 2.1 m; and

(e)

in a room or space with a sloping ceiling or projections below the ceiling line within—

(i)

a habitable room

(A)

in an attic — a height of not less than 2.2 m for at least two-thirds of the floor area of the room or space; and

(B)

in other rooms — a height of not less than 2.4 m over two-thirds of the floor area of the room or space; and

(ii)

a non-habitable room — a height of not less than 2.1 m for at least two-thirds of the floor area of the room or space,

and when calculating the floor area of a room or space, any part that has a ceiling height of less than 1.5 m is not included; and

(f)

in a stairway, ramp, landing, or the like — 2.0 m measured vertically above the nosing line of stairway treads or the floor surface of a ramp, landing or the like.

Explanatory information:

Explanatory information:
  1. Where a room or space has no ceiling lining, the measurement is taken from the floor to the underside of the floor or roof above.
  2. In areas unlikely to be occupied for long periods, such as non-habitable rooms, a reduced height of 2.1 m is permitted.
  3. 3.8.2.2(f) permits a reduced height of 2.0 m above stairways, ramps and landings, as these are used for transient purposes and therefore a reduction from the required height in corridors and rooms (2.1 and 2.4 m generally) will not adversely affect occupant safety, health or amenity.
Figure 3.8.2.1
Measurement of heights of rooms and other spaces
v2_Fig3821_2012.svg

Note: The letters in the diagram represent the following minimum dimensions:

A =

2.4 m

In a habitable room (excluding a kitchen).

B =

2.4 m

In a habitable room with a sloping ceiling for at least two-thirds of the floor area of the room or space.

C =

2.1 m

In a non-habitable room with a sloping ceiling for at least two-thirds of the floor area of the room or space.

D =

2.2 m

In an attic with a sloping ceiling for at least two-thirds of the floor area of the room or space.

E =

1.5 m

For the purpose of calculating the floor area of a room or space, any ceiling height of less than 1.5 m is excluded.

F =

2.0 m

In a stairway (measured vertically above the nosing line).

The combined dimensions of G must not exceed one-third of the floor area (See E above) of the room or space.