Mezzanine systems are total game-changers for businesses that need to capitalise on existing space. As intermediary floors in buildings which are open to the floor below, they are typically used for additional space without the cost or inconvenience of constructing a full extension or relocating entirely. Offering an efficient solution for optimising and increasing usable floor area, a mezzanine can redefine how your space is used, especially in fast-paced warehouses or logistics operations.
However, a critical factor when considering a new mezzanine system is the height, which plays a pivotal role in determining both the layout and purpose of the space. But how do you determine the height of your mezzanine? Unsure where to even begin? Here’s your guide to understanding the nuts and bolts of mezzanine height so that you can make a well-informed decision for your facility. Read on to discover more.
Importance of Mezzanine Height
The height of your mezzanine isn’t just about adding an extra level. It’s about functionality, safety, and efficiency. It can influence daily operations, safety standards, and even the overall experience of individuals working in or navigating the space. An ideal height ensures that the space beneath the mezzanine remains usable while the mezzanine itself provides a practical area, whether for storage, offices, or other purposes. Here are some of the benefits of having a mezzanine with an optimal height:
- Maximised Space Use: Getting the height right ensures efficient use of both the space below and above the mezzanine, balancing comfort and available vertical space.
- Safety and Compliance: The ideal height ensures adherence to safety standards, reducing the risk of injuries and ensuring compliance with fire and Australian building codes.
- Enhanced Aesthetics and Lighting: A well-proportioned mezzanine improves the overall look and feel of a space and allows for effective natural light distribution.
- Temperature and Utility Management: Proper height facilitates better temperature regulation and eases the installation of utilities like lighting and HVAC systems.
- Versatility and Property Value: A perfectly-heighted mezzanine provides flexibility in usage, accommodating various purposes, and can boost the overall value of your property.
Australian Building Regulation Standards for Mezzanine Height
Understanding the Australian Building Regulation standards is critical when deciding on the height of your mezzanine. It ensures workplace compliance, safety, and often helps in avoiding unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles! Some regulation standards to consider include:
AS1657 (Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders):
- Tread heights must not exceed 190mm.
- Balustrade heights should be no lower than 1m.
- There should be a 460mm gap between the top rail and middle rail.
AS1428 (Design for access and mobility):
- This standard mentions that if any area has a clearance height of less than 2m, tactile indicators must warn of the low clearance. This indicates that there is a height consideration for certain areas of the mezzanine floor to ensure safety and accessibility.
Fire Compliance:
- While not directly specifying height, fire compliance standards can impact the design of a mezzanine in terms of access, exits, and clearances. For example, there needs to be minimum exit and entry distances from the mezzanine floor to the outside of the building. Height considerations may be involved to ensure compliance with these fire safety standards.\
Minimum Mezzanine Height
Your mezzanine will require a certain clearance to ensure safety and functionality. A typical minimum height might be set to provide adequate headroom for those using the space below the mezzanine. It’s essential to consider daily operations and activities when deciding on this.
Maximum Mezzanine Height
General standards dictate that mezzanines cannot exceed 1/3 of your total building area. For example, in a 30,000 square foot facility, the mezzanine should not surpass 10,000 square feet. If your vision challenges this, consider applying for an exemption from your local building code office, although approval isn’t guaranteed.
Load Bearing Capacity
Did you know that the height of your mezzanine system can influence its load-bearing capacity? The taller the structure, the more reinforcement it’ll likely require. The mezzanine structure needs to be designed to handle both static loads (like stored items) and dynamic loads (like machinery or people moving).
How Mezzanine Height Affects Operations
Determining the height of your mezzanine isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s a practical one. A mezzanine that’s too high or too low can hinder your operations, compromise safety, and detract from the efficiency gains the structure is supposed to provide. If your warehouse is spacious with few obstructions, you have greater flexibility in deciding the height. On the other hand, if your space has multiple rooms with varying ceiling heights, your choices may be more limited.
Clearance and Workflow
Additionally, it’s important to always consider the room both below and above the mezzanine. The structure should offer enough clearance underneath to facilitate seamless operations while ensuring there’s sufficient space above for storage, movement, and other functions. An appropriately sized mezzanine will maximise space utilisation, streamline workflow, and provide a safer environment for your workforce.
Unistor: Your Trusted Expert in Mezzanines
In the modern commercial environment – where real estate is at a premium and efficiency is the gold standard – mezzanines are the perfect solution. But like any tool, their effectiveness hinges on their design and implementation. The good news? Unistor, as Australia’s leading manufacturer and supplier of mezzanine flooring solutions and accessories is here to guide you every step of the way.
With over thirty years of industry experience, we understand better than anyone else the intricacies involved in determining the ideal mezzanine height. Our commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation is reflected in our bespoke mezzanine solutions – tailored to your specific needs. You can talk to our team of specialists for guidance in sizing and design, ensuring your mezzanine meets the unique demands of your operations. We offer end-to-end project services, from consultation and design to manufacturing and installation – a point of difference that will take your space to the next level.
Choose Unistor as the right mezzanine solution and increase your storage capacity by double.