OAA Webinar: Single Exit Stair Building Design: Alternative Solutions and Code Development

The session will focus on a building code change to allow for single exit stair conditions in multi-unit residential buildings of up to 18m in height and various alternative solutions for buildings of 3 to 6 storeys in height across Canada. The code change request was developed by LGA Architectural Partners and is a recommendation of the 2023 National Housing Accord, the 2022 Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force, as well as the 2019 OAA Housing Affordability Task Group summary report and the City of Toronto’s 2010 Midrise Performance Standards consultant report. The earliest documented example of advocacy on this topic and the regulatory path dependency of double-loaded corridor buildings is a 1984 research report to the CMHC, a 1993 Ontario Building Code Study and a 1996 essay by renowned Toronto architect Eb Zeidler titled ‘Main Streets Handicapped by Building Codes’. The proposed topic is fundamental to housing, climate and accessibility objectives. LGA Architectural Partners recently partnered with a number of other architects and code consultants across Canada to develop alternative solutions supported by the CMHC Housing Supply Challenge. For reference, the website www.singlestair.ca provides a brief overview of the research.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn the history of codes development in Canada with regard to the requirement for two exit stairs in residential occupancies
2. Learn about building codes in other jurisdictions and the resulting impact on built form
3. Learn how alternative solutions can be used to demonstrate performance-based code compliance with several site-specific case studies
4. Learn how the proposed change balances fire and life safety with affordability, sustainability and accessibility for missing middle housing types.

Presenters:

Conrad Speckert, Principal, Semibold Solutions
Conrad is a designer and building code expert based out of Toronto. He was awarded the Canada Council Prix de Rome in Architecture and the RAIC Medal for Research & Innovation (with LGA Architectural Partners) in recognition of recent efforts to improve the quality of multiplex and mid-rise housing across Canada through zoning by-law and building code reform.

Pricing:

Licensed OAA Members: $42 + HST
OAA Interns and Students: $32 + HST
Non-Members: $62 + HST

NOTE:

1. An automatically generated confirmation will be emailed to you (once your registration goes through)
2. Please mark the time and date in your calendar
3. The OAA will email the Zoom Access Link to you one-day prior
4. OAA webinars are delivered via Zoom: Please check this Zoom Test Link or speak with your IT Consultant ahead of time, to ensure your device is compatible with Zoom. For technical concerns, please see the Zoom links for Technical Requirements and also their Download Centre.

For more information on the OAA Webinar Series click here.