Storey

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Countries numbering floors

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Storey (or Story in American English) refers to any level part of a building with a floor which could be occupied by people. The term covers levels from the ground or main floor upwards, including basements and levels in the roof or attic. Storeys within a building are either numbered or named, making it easier to identify them, which is particularly useful in tall skyscrapers where there can be many levels.

Definition and Usage

A storey is a vertical division of a building that is enclosed by the same set of walls and is above or below another storey. The floor at ground level is typically referred to as the "ground floor" in many countries, including the United Kingdom and the rest of the Commonwealth, whereas in the United States it is usually called the "first floor." Floors above the ground level are numbered sequentially and can go up to numbers as high as the building's design permits. Buildings with multiple levels are often referred to as multi-storey or high-rise buildings, especially when they exceed four to five levels.

Components and Design

Each storey typically consists of a floor, ceiling, and the supporting beams and columns that define the structure of the building. The design of a storey may vary greatly depending on its intended use, whether it be for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. Residential storeys might include living spaces, kitchens, and bathrooms, while commercial storeys could house offices, retail spaces, or other business activities. Industrial storeys might be designed to accommodate machinery, storage, or manufacturing processes.

Measurement and Height

The height of a storey is measured from the top surface of one floor to the top surface of the next upper floor. The standard height can vary depending on the building's purpose, architectural design, and local building codes. In residential buildings, the average floor-to-ceiling height is often about 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet), while commercial buildings might have taller storeys to accommodate different needs such as additional space for utilities or aesthetic reasons.

Special Types of Storeys

- Basement: A storey located below the ground floor. Basements are often used as utility spaces but can also be finished to provide living or working spaces. - Attic or Loft: A space found directly below the pitched roof of a house or other building, which can be used as a storage space or converted into living quarters. - Mezzanine: A partial floor inserted between two main floors of a building. Often open to the floor below, mezzanines are used to create extra space for a variety of uses. - Penthouse: Typically the top storey of a building, often luxuriously fitted out, and offering expansive views. It is not uncommon for penthouses to occupy a smaller footprint than the storeys below.

Cultural and Legal Aspects

The numbering of floors in a building can be influenced by cultural, historical, and legal factors. For example, in many East Asian cultures, the number four is considered unlucky because it is phonetically similar to the word for "death" in several Chinese dialects and other languages of the region. As a result, some buildings in East Asia skip the fourth floor, similar to how some Western buildings may omit the thirteenth floor due to superstition.

Building codes and zoning laws also play a significant role in determining the maximum number of storeys a building can have, which can affect the overall design and function of a building. These regulations are in place to ensure safety, accessibility, and the well-being of the occupants.