As the U.S. population ages, demand for affordable senior housing continues to grow. Given the different levels of care provided at senior facilities, designers may wonder how they are classified under the International Building Code (IBC). This course provides an exploration of the unique features and goals of senior living communities, common occupancy groups, and where wood construction is permitted within the IBC. We will address special considerations, such as how to meet fire and acoustic performance requirements with wood assemblies. Additionally, we will delve into the benefits of off-site, modular wood construction to more rapidly meet the growing demand for high-quality senior living.
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Gain insights into current trends for senior living that prioritize the physical and emotional health of residents and caregivers through thoughtful design choices, including biophilic elements.
- Learn to identify and classify different types of senior housing facilities based on occupancy group under the International Building Code (IBC).
- Identify and mitigate challenges related to fire resistance ratings and fire separation requirements in wood wall and floor/ceiling assemblies in senior housing projects.
- Explore how off-site construction can support health, safety, and welfare through improved building quality, reduced construction timelines, and more consistent performance.