Low-rise

A low-rise is a building that is only a few stories tall.

There is no universally accepted height requirement for a building to be considered a low-rise. Some define the term as any building that is shorter than a high-rise,[1] though others include the classification of mid-rise.[2][3]

Emporis defines a low-rise as "an enclosed structure below 35 meters [115 feet] which is divided into regular floor levels."[4]

Toronto defines a mid-rise as a building between 4 and 12 storeys.[5]

Characteristics

Low-rise apartments sometimes offer more privacy and negotiability of rent and utilities than high-rise apartments, although they may have fewer amenities and less flexibility with leases.[6] It is also easier to put out fires in low-rise buildings.[7]

While less luxurious than high-rises, some businesses prefer low-rise buildings due to lower costs and more usable space. Having all employees on a single floor may also increase work productivity.[8]

References

  1. ^ "Data Standards: Structures". Emporis Standards. http://standards.emporis.com/?nav=realestate&lng=3&esn=51477. Retrieved June 10, 2009. 
  2. ^ Finder, Alan (November 23, 1990). "Mid-Rise Apartment Houses Making New York Comeback". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/23/nyregion/mid-rise-apartment-houses-making-new-york-comeback.html. Retrieved June 10, 2009. 
  3. ^ Humbles, Andy (March 8, 2006). "Condo design will include 'mid-rise' building". The Tennessean (via SmartSpace). http://www.smart-space.com/newspdfs/Tennessean03_08_06.pdf. Retrieved June 10, 2009. 
  4. ^ "Data Standards: Structures - low-rise building". Emporis Standards. http://standards.emporis.com/?nav=realestate&lng=3&esn=49213. Retrieved June 10, 2009. 
  5. ^ http://faculty.geog.utoronto.ca/Hess/Courses/studio/presentation%20on%20avenues%20and%20mid-rise%20study.pdf
  6. ^ "High Rise vs. Low Rise". Apartment Living. http://living.apartments.com/apartment-basics/high-rise-vs-low-rise/. Retrieved June 10, 2009. 
  7. ^ "August-Newsletter - High Rise Fires". Vincentdunn.com. http://vincentdunn.com/dunn/newsletters/august/August.pdf. Retrieved June 10, 2009. 
  8. ^ Watkins-Miller, Elaine (September 1, 1997). "Skyscrapers vs. suburbs". AllBusiness. http://www.allbusiness.com/operations/facilities-space-planning/637472-1.html. Retrieved June 10, 2009.