High-Rise Buildings (more commonly known as IGH in the construction and architecture sector) are emblematic of our modern urban areas. They offer an effective solution to the densification of city centers by allowing a large number of activities to be concentrated in a single location. Companies, for their part, find them a prime location to set up their offices. However, office fit-out in IGH requires special consideration due to multiple constraints. Navigating this technical and regulatory labyrinth without expert support proves to be too perilous an adventure. Here are the keys to help you see more clearly.

What is an IGH?

In France, an IGH is a building where the lowest floor of the top level is located more than:

• 50 meters for residential buildings
• 28 meters for office buildings (Type W IGH)

This classification leads to the application of strict regulations regarding fire safety, evacuation, firefighter access, material resistance, etc.

What are the specificities of IGH fit-out?

Fitting out offices in an IGH requires taking the following elements into account:

Technical elements:

• Often centralized technical networks: ventilation, smoke extraction, sprinklers, air conditioning.

• Vertical flow management (elevators, emergency stairs).

• Weight and bulk of partitions and furniture: limit overloads.

Safety elements:

• Compliance with IGH regulations (amended decree of December 30, 2011).

• Fire-rated partitioned spaces, compartmentalization.

• Mandatory signage, safety lighting, standardized emergency exits.

Organizational elements:

• Coordination with the building owner (often real estate companies).

• Intervention in occupied or operational areas.

• Access authorizations, restricted intervention hours.

What IGH regulations apply to office fit-out?

Office fit-out in IGH must follow certain rules. The main ones are listed below:

• Decree of December 30, 2011, relating to the safety of IGH

• Specific obligations:

  • Fire-rated partitions (EI 60, EI 30 depending on the zones)

  • M1-rated false ceilings (non-flammable)

  • Regulated and protected escape routes

  • Coordination with the Fire Safety System (SSI)

• Need to have the layouts validated by the building’s safety manager and sometimes by the safety commission.

Do you have a project and wish to benefit from CLUE ME’s expertise in fitting out your IGH offices?

Our added value:

• Mastery of IGH-specific standards

• Partnerships with control offices and SSI coordinators

• Design of modular, ergonomic, and compliant spaces

• Project management within short deadlines with strong constraints

Our IGH-adapted services:

• Technical and regulatory feasibility studies

• Custom design and space planning

• All-trades work (TCE) integrating IGH requirements

• Compliance file, DOE, safety plan

We have supported many clients in their projects:

Our company is often contacted to assist businesses looking to set up or refit their offices in IGH.

Our mastery of all technical and architectural aspects allows us to be a reference company in this field.

Some recent IGH projects: