Boligetasjer

Boligetasjer are floors in multi-storey buildings that are designated for residential units. The term combines bolig (residence) and etasje (storey) and is used in Norwegian architectural and planning language to distinguish floors intended for housing from other uses such as commercial or technical spaces. In practice, boligetasjer typically contain apartments, townhouses, or other dwelling arrangements, and are usually separated from non-residential floors by fire-rated partitions and stairways or elevators.

In a typical building, boligetasjer are located throughout the structure, from lower to upper levels, and may include variations such as mid-rise and high-rise housing. They are planned with considerations for daylight, ventilation, acoustics, and privacy, as well as shared circulation areas, stairwells, and lifts. The layout often emphasizes flexible apartment configurations, efficient use of floor area, and safe egress in case of emergency. Fire safety, accessibility, and energy performance are regulated by national building codes and local planning requirements, which set standards for fire compartments, smoke control, structural integrity, and barrier-free access within boligetasjer.

Regulatory and planning contexts typically require careful integration of boligetasjer with other building functions, such as common areas, amenities, and, where applicable, mechanical or service floors. The term helps planners and builders distinguish residential storeys from non-residential levels in documentation, design guidelines, and zoning discussions. Variants and terminology may differ by country or region, but the core idea remains the allocation of storeys specifically for living spaces within a building.