Using height you already pay for
Many commercial buildings have high ceilings and large open floor areas. A mezzanine creates a second level inside the existing building, which can provide storage, staff areas, offices, display space or workshop areas. It can be a practical alternative to relocating or extending, especially for businesses in industrial units and older warehouse or retail buildings around Newcastle and North Tyneside.
Key design questions
- Loading: what will be stored or used on the floor, and how heavy it is
- Headroom: enough clear height above and below the new floor
- Structure: whether the existing floor and walls can take the new loads
- Access: stairs, handrails and, where relevant, accessibility for all users
- Fire safety: escape routes, protection and detection
- Services: lighting, sprinklers, ventilation and power
Structure and approvals
A mezzanine is usually a steel frame on new footings or base plates, carrying a decking system. A structural engineer should design it, since the loads are significant and the existing floor slab may need strengthening, see warehouse concrete floor repairs. Building Regulations approval is normally required, and depending on the area created, Building Regulations rules on fire safety and means of escape may be affected. In some situations planning permission may also be required, especially if the use of the building changes.
Fire safety and compliance
Adding a floor changes escape distances and fire spread, so fire safety needs consideration from the start. Fire compartmentation may be needed, see commercial fire compartmentation works. Premises with employees or public access are subject to fire safety legislation, and a fire risk assessment should be reviewed after changes. Information is available at GOV.UK.
Other work that goes with it
Mezzanines are often installed with partitions, see industrial partition wall installation, and with alterations to openings, see shopfront structural alterations. For planning matters, start with the Planning Portal.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mezzanine floor need Building Regulations approval?
Generally yes, as it affects structure, fire safety and escape. Check early with building control, because the requirements depend on use, size and layout.
Can any building take a mezzanine?
Not necessarily. It needs sufficient height, a suitable floor and enough structural capacity. An engineer assesses the building before a design is fixed.
