Types of Buildings as per NBC (National Building Code of India)

Types of Buildings as per NBC (National Building Code of India)

Types of Buildings as per NBC

The National Building Code (NBC) of India serves as a comprehensive guideline for the construction and design of buildings to ensure safety, sustainability, and functional efficiency. According to NBC, a building is defined as any structure built for any purpose, whether or not it is intended for human occupancy. It includes essential structural and functional components such as foundation, plinth, walls, floors, roofs, chimneys, plumbing, verandahs, balconies, and other services.

To streamline regulations and safety measures, NBC classifies buildings primarily into two categories:

• Based on Occupancy

• Based on Type of Construction

In this post, we will focus on types of buildings based on occupancy as per the National Building Code of India.

A. Residential Buildings (Group A)

Residential buildings are structures where sleeping accommodation is provided for normal living purposes, either with or without cooking or dining facilities.

Subcategories:

• A1: Lodging or Rooming Houses – Provide separate sleeping areas without cooking facilities (e.g., inns, motels, guesthouses).

• A2: One or Two-Family Dwellings – Homes for one or two families, accommodating a maximum of 20 persons.

• A3: Dormitories – Group sleeping accommodations, such as school hostels, military barracks, and college dormitories.

• A4: Apartment Houses – Multi-family residential buildings with individual units.

• A5: Hotels (Up to 4-Star Category) – Accommodation facilities with additional services.

• A6: Hotels (5-Star and Above) – High-end hospitality buildings offering premium services.

B. Educational Buildings (Group B)

These include buildings used for schools, colleges, and training institutes, accommodating a defined minimum number of students.

Subcategories:

• Schools up to Senior Secondary Level – Must have a minimum of 20 students.

• Colleges/Training Institutions – Require a minimum of 100 students.

C. Institutional Buildings (Group C)

Institutional buildings cater to medical treatment, care, or housing for specific groups, including the physically or mentally ill, children, and the elderly.

Types:

• Hospitals and Sanatoria – Includes nursing homes, infirmaries, and healthcare facilities.

• Custodial Institutions – Facilities such as orphanages, old age homes, and shelters for vulnerable populations.

 D. Assembly Buildings (Group D)

Assembly buildings are designed for gatherings of 50 or more people for cultural, religious, recreational, or social purposes.

Classification:

• Type I – Auditoriums or theaters with a seating capacity of over 1000 people.

• Type II – Similar venues with up to 1000 fixed seats.

Other examples include:

• Exhibition halls

• Museums

• Restaurants

• Places of worship

• Community centers

E. Business Buildings (Group E)

These buildings are used for conducting business, professional services, or service facilities.

Subcategories:

• Offices, Banks, and Professional Establishments

• Clinics, Laboratories, and Research Institutes

• IT Parks, Call Centers

• Telecommunication Buildings – Telephone exchanges

• Media Facilities – TV stations, radio stations, air traffic control towers

F. Mercantile Buildings (Group F)

Mercantile buildings are designed for commercial transactions, including retail and wholesale activities.

Types:

• F1 – Shops or stores with a covered area up to 500 sq. m.

• F2 – Retail establishments exceeding 500 sq. m.

• F3 – Underground shopping areas and storage service facilities.

Examples:
Malls, supermarkets, department stores, wholesale markets.

G. Industrial Buildings (Group G)

These buildings involve manufacturing, processing, or assembling products or materials.

Fire Hazard Categories:

• Low Hazard – Manufacturing of low-combustibility products.

• Moderate Hazard – Materials that burn with moderate intensity.

• High Hazard – Items that burn rapidly and pose severe risks (e.g., chemical plants, fireworks factories).

Other examples:
Power plants, pump stations, fabrication workshops, etc.

H. Storage Buildings (Group H)

Storage buildings are used for keeping goods, materials, or animals.

Examples:

• Warehouses

• Cold storages

• Vehicle garages

• Stables

I. Hazardous Buildings (Group I)

Hazardous buildings deal with the storage, handling, or processing of flammable or explosive materials that pose a serious threat to life and property.

Examples:

• Explosives and fireworks manufacturing units

• LPG storage facilities

• Rocket fuel processing plants

• Petroleum product storage

Conclusion

Understanding the classification of buildings as per NBC is crucial for architects, engineers, contractors, and urban planners to ensure that every structure is built with the appropriate standards for safety, utility, and sustainability. Whether you're planning a residential apartment, an educational institution, or an industrial warehouse, adhering to NBC classification helps guide zoning, design, and construction effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is NBC in construction?
NBC stands for National Building Code of India, a standard set of regulations to govern building construction for safety and sustainability.

Q2: Why is building classification important?
It ensures that buildings are designed as per their usage, safety requirements, and occupancy levels, reducing risks and improving functionality.

Q3: Are these building types applicable across India?
Yes, the NBC guidelines are applicable nationwide and serve as a benchmark for all construction and urban development projects.