GATE Architecture/ Planning 2016

As per National Building Code 2005, the minimum size of a habitable room in m² is

(A) 9.5                         (B) 10.5                       (C) 11.5                       (D) 12.5

Answer: (A) 9.5 m²

·         Habitable Room (definition): A room occupied or designed for occupancy by one or more persons for study, living, sleeping, eating;  kitchen if it is used as a living room, but not including bathrooms, water-closet, compartments, laundries, serving and store pantries, corridors, cellars, attics, and places that are not used frequently or during extended periods.

·         Area and width of habitable rooms: The area of habitable room shall not be less than 9.5 m², where there is only one room with a minimum width of 2.4 m. Where there are two rooms, one of these shall not be less than 9.5 m² and the other not less than 7.5 m², with a minimum width of 2.1 m.

Height of  habitable rooms : The height of all rooms for human habitation shall not be less than 2.75 m measured from the surface of the floor to the lowest point of the ceiling (bottom of slab). In the case of pitched roof, the average height of rooms shall not be less than 2.75 m. The minimum clear head room under a beam, folded plates or eaves shall be 2.4 m. In the case of air-conditioned rooms, a height of not less than 2.4 m measured from the surface of the floor to the lowest point of air-conditioning duct or the false ceiling shall be provided.