Can "Refuge Area" Include Area Open to Outside?

3/27/2025

We're looking at "refuge areas" per 2024 IBC (not to be confused with "areas of refuge" in NFPA 101) within smoke compartments to satisfy the requirements for smoke barriers in Group I-1, Condition 2 in the IBC.

Can the "refuge area" be calculated to include portions of the floor/smoke compartment that are open to the exterior of the building?

For example, an occupant load of 80 persons receiving care on the fifth floor of a Group I-1, Condition 2 occupancy would require a minimum of two (2) smoke compartments to be provided (420.6).

Each smoke compartment must be provided with a refuge area sized to accommodate 15 sqft/care recipient plus 6 sqft/other occupant and "areas or spaces permitted to be included in the calculation of the refuge area are corridors, lounge or dining areas and other low-hazard areas" (420.6.1).

If each side of the smoke compartment is provided with an exterior lounge/amenity area, may this be used as the "refuge area" to meet the minimum required square footage?

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3 Comments

Todd E Wyatt

3/27/2025 09:42:24 am

Yes, these (2) exterior areas can be included in the calculation of the REFUGE AREA's (RA) minimum required area since it is a "low-hazard area" but the AHJ may not permit this since occupants could be subject to the elements while they are sheltering in place.

3/27/2025 09:46:03 am

Technically, the Dwelling/Sleeping Units as well as the top landing of the Stairs could also be used as Refuge Areas since they are "low-hazard areas."

Jack G

3/27/2025 10:19:02 am

“Refuge area”, “rescue area”, and “ area of refuge “ all require the same or similar compliances.
Yes— the outdoor areas qualify as refuge areas.
It’s obviously at least 5 stories or more — so a high rise!
The above categories ( RA,ra, AOR) are not required if the building is fully protected with sprinklers and are compliant with ADA requirements.
Those areas are required to be pressurized and have smoke control systems . ( not seen in above sketch—also no elevator which I would think this building has )
Pressurizations say in a stair and or elevator shaft are usually done with fans at the top and would pressurize the stair, elevator shaft and attached “ refuge lobbies, “ if built that way. ( to keep smoke out of those areas)
Another way would be to run ductwork from top to bottom inside the areas or attached) with a fan and exterior supply for it. In this case it looks like 2 would be required.
So a way out exists if fully protected with sprinklers and ADA.
If not there are other expenses to be built into this equation.

Can "Refuge Area" Include Area Open to Outside?

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