Category: Design
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
A mezzanine is an intermediate floor built within a tall space and partly open to the floor below, common in shops, warehouses and offices. Codes limit its area, usually to no more than one third of the room it sits in.
Why it matters on a project
It adds office or storage area without a full floor, but needs structural design, escape routes and approval, and steel mezzanines need fire protection.
Measurement and pricing
Steel frame in tonnes, decking in square metres, balustrade in linear metres, stair by number.
Worked example
A 240 m² shop: the largest mezzanine at one third is 240 ÷ 3 = 80 m², with the designer confirming the limit in the applicable code.
Common mistake
Fitting a steel mezzanine in a shop without load design or approval, so it fails inspection or is overloaded.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mezzanine need a permit?
Usually yes, as a structural addition needing design and municipal and Civil Defence approval by use.
What load is it designed for?
Set by use; storage is much higher than offices, taken from the loads code.
Related terms
- Steel structureA structural frame of steel sections connected by welding or bolts, protected from corrosion by coating.
- Civil Defence approvalCivil Defence approval of fire and life safety systems.
- Steel connectionsHow steel members are joined by bolts or welding.
- Floor planA drawing of a floor as if cut horizontally at about one metre.
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