A few storeys tall, but not too tall; what am I? A low-rise building.
A low-rise building in Canada must comprise a minimum of two floors above ground level and mustn't extend beyond 35 metres despite being divided into regular floor levels. If the low-rise building is a multi-unit residential building, it may contain a maximum of 4 dwelling house units stacked vertically. Anything beyond four storeys is categorized as a mid-rise building, whereas anything beyond 12 storeys is considered a high-rise building — both of these need to be integrated with lifts to encourage movement. Regardless, low-rise building constructions are gaining popularity as they address the need for affordable housing.
The Controlled Charm of Low Rise Buildings
Sure, we like to break our neck trying to make our way to the top of a high-rise building, but no one likes the thought of climbing 20 storeys in case the elevator malfunctioned. For this reason, middle and old-aged couples seek accommodation in low-rise buildings as to not limit their movement to the elevator control. This also encourages residents to take the stairs more often, improving their fitness levels. A low-rise building also experiences lower congestion levels, which accounts for reduced noise pollution.
Alternatively, a mid or high-rise building accommodates a denser capacity of residents, which becomes a rowdy state of affairs in case of an emergency. In comparison, evacuation is much smoother in a low-rise structure. The low-lying structure also makes these buildings more resistant to natural hazards — for example, a low-rise building is more earthquake resistant, and you remain closer to the street if you have to evacuate the building. In addition, the height remains in reach of available firefighting equipment.
Rumour has it, low-rise buildings offer adequate privacy but also enhances the opportunity to socialize. As for businesses, the more stretched out usable space of a low rise building to accommodate all employees on a single floor encourages higher productivity levels and improved employee health. With an office following an open floor plan, there are more relationship-building interactions for less construction cost. This also makes it more flexible and economical to integrate additional features into the office.
The Finances for a Low Rise Building Construction
Typically, investors manage higher profit margins with low-rise structures because the price appreciation is much higher for low-rise buildings than mid or high-rise buildings, making it an ideal investment to add-on to the portfolio. For builders, a low-rise building construction is also more cost-effective as it accounts for fewer construction materials for both residential and commercial blocks.
These structures incur low maintenance costs for developers as well as residents due to the greater area. In addition, residing in a low-rise building complex accounts for reduced energy consumption than taller buildings that remain exposed to hours of sunlight and strong winds, as a result of which they need heating and cooling systems more often. Residents also find that the rents are lowered for low-rise buildings due to fewer amenities available.
The Systems Involved in Low Rise Construction
The foundation of a building transfers the load of the building structure onto the soil. For this reason, the stability of the foundation becomes a critical factor that is dependent on the soil being able to bear the imposed load without more than an inch of settlement and the settlement remaining uniform under the structure.
The floor rests on the foundation wall. The rest of the exterior is built using a range of different materials to offer load-bearing capacity. A majority prefer brick and concrete blocks due to their durability and appearance. For states that experience their fair share of cold winter air, the cavity walls offer rigid insulation to turn down the notch on energy consumption. The roof is typically equipped with gutter systems that lead the way to storm sewers underground. However, the number of openings stays limited to maintain interior privacy.
Low Rise Building Construction in Alberta, Canada
The commercial construction and renovation team at NOVESTA specializes in low-rise building construction. Apart from reaping the benefits of being incredibly resistant to natural disasters, the potential price appreciation and resale value for a low-rise building from NOVESTA remain high and mighty through the years. We also offer renovation services to ensure that the investment retains its profitability. From installing new roofs, repairing windows, redesigning the exteriors to rebuilding damaged interiors, we don't leave the site with any job unfinished.
NOVESTA is a construction company offering services for residential and commercial building development projects to achieve favourable outcomes in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, and Vancouver, British Colombia. We've already hit the eight-year benchmark in real estate development, construction, and renovations, with a list of past clients that are highly satisfied with NOVESTA commercial and NOVESTA residential services.
Services under the commercial flag include commercial renovations and restaurant remodelling, while residential projects include condo construction, multi-family residential builder, and residential renovations. Build smarter low-rise buildings with NOVESTA in Alberta, British Columbia, and surrounding areas. Discuss your project with the design-build unit and construction team to understand what drives the capital investment market for your low-rise building in Canada today.