Single Exit Stair Building Code Reform
Toronto,
ON
Award Category:
RAIC Research & Innovation in Architecture Award
LGA Architectural Partners
Prescriptive building codes across Canada require two means of egress for all multi-unit residential buildings exceeding two storeys. However, a review of codes across other jurisdictions shows that multiplexes and small apartment buildings can be safely constructed with a single exit stair. This approach supports gentle density, maximizing land use on smaller properties while improving sustainability, accessibility and design flexibility.
This solution adds enough floor area for at least another bedroom on each storey of a building and improves the feasibility of infill housing on smaller properties. It also allows for more natural light, fresh air and more family-friendly apartment layouts and makes it easier to include an elevator to make three-storey buildings barrier-free accessible.
LGA is collaborating with other architects, fire protection engineers and building code experts across Canada to demonstrate that small multi-unit residential buildings can be constructed with a single exit stair without compromising the safety standard of our codes.
This research received support and funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Supply Challenge (Round 4: Building for the Future), which supports innovative solutions that remove barriers to increasing housing supply in Canada. www.singlestair.ca
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