Full floor - the most common type of floor
What is a full floor?
In Swiss construction, Full storeys and Non-full floors (e.g. roof and basement floors). This differentiation is based on Room heights of the respective floors. A Full floor Is characterized by a specific, prescribed by the respective municipality Minimum room height off. The number of full storeys is also often limited in municipal building regulations and influences the structural use intensity of a plot of land.
Calculation principles for a full floor
In Switzerland, only those count main floors as full floors, i.e. floors with full floor heights that exceed the minimum height. Basements, attics and attic floors are often classified as non-full floors unless they meet specific criteria. Full storeys flow into the calculation of Number of floor areas (GFZ) a, an indicator that determines how much floor area is allowed per square meter of land area. Die Number of floor areas is expressed in decimals and is an important key figure in Spatial planning and Calculation of building rights.
Exceptions when calculating full floors
Not all levels are treated the same way. Under certain conditions, certain sections of buildings such as basements, attics and attic floors can also be used as Full storeys apply:
- Basement/cellar: A cellar is counted as a full floor if more than 60% of its outdoor areas rise above the surrounding terrain. The measurement is carried out on the basis of the natural or approved terrain at the corners of the building façade.
- Top floor: An attic is recognized as a full floor if the usable area with a Clear height of at least 1.5 m greater than two thirds is the floor area of the main floor below.
- Attic floor: This rule also applies to attic floors, which only count as full floors if they meet the room height requirements and offer a sufficiently large floor area.
- Staggered floor: In construction projects with Staffelgeschosse, where the upper floor has a smaller floor area than the one below, each staggered floor is assessed individually. This architectural feature often allows the recessed roof to be used as a terrace or balcony.