How does a parapet wall help with building height?

Trimega · Sep 27, 2019 6:37 pm

So our builder just informed me that due to depth of the sewer pipes or something, they need to raise our slab by 150mm - problem being that the house will now exceed the local height limit.

His suggestion was to a) lower the upper floor ceiling or b) "bring on upper RHS parapet wall in to be 250mm off wall to help with raising the slab level".

Now we want to retain our high ceiling so I guess option b) sounds good - except I have no idea what he is talking about! I've asked for an explanation of the implications of this, but in the meantime, hoping the good folk on here can assist!

Starting with the basics like What is a parapet wall? (I've Googled it but still not sure what it means in my context) How does having a parapet wall solve the height issue? Would it impact on the house design? Does it sound like a reasonable solution? Help!

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luxbuild · Sep 29, 2019 2:25 am

The building height envelope follows the existing ground level (in NSW at least), so if there is bit of natural slope, moving the parapet wall might make it fit in the envelope? Thought I've seen one house approved where a parapet wall just poked out of the envelope.

I'd imagine there is a cost as well to raise the slab, so perhaps reducing the ceiling heights might offset some of the cost?

What house are you building?

Trimega · Oct 01, 2019 11:09 am

Thanks for that! Yes, you were right. They drew us a diagram and helped clear things up!