What Is Stilt Parking and Floor? :L&T Realty
Residential

What is stilt parking

March 4, 2024
No Tags Assigned to this Post

Table Of Contents

In the modern urban environment, when space is limited and parking needs are great, stilt parking appears to be a smart move. This blog explores the realm of stilt parking, including definitions, advantages, legal issues and contrasts with alternative parking options.

Stilt Parking Meaning

A special type of parking structure where the ground floor of a building is raised on stilt pillars or columns is called stilt parking, often referred to as stilt floor parking. As a result, a stilt area is created underneath the structure to provide partially covered parking for cars. The floors that follow, usually designated as “G+1,” “G+2” and so on, are constructed above this raised ground floor. Acting as the foundation of the structure, the stilt floor typically has a minimum ceiling height of eight feet, allowing for parking while supporting the top stories structurally.

What is Stilt Parking?

Some of you must be wondering exactly what is stilt parking. Stilt parking, sometimes referred to as elevated parking, is a type of parking arrangement in which cars are placed on an elevated platform that is held up by pillars or columns. More open space is made possible by the stilt floor that is created underneath the platform as a result.
The increased requirement for effective parking space utilisation in urban settings gave rise to the idea of stilt parking. Its capacity to maximise available space by building a multi-level parking structure without sacrificing ground floor usage accounts for its appeal.

Stilt Parking Design and Plans

A novel design technique called stilt parking raises a building’s living portion on pillars to create a covered parking area below. This creative idea provides a workable way to optimise the use of available space, especially in places with limited space or when more parking is required. A covered area is created underneath the residential or commercial space of the main building by raising it on several sturdy pillars or columns, as per stilt parking notions. After that, this area is made to fit cars, with specific parking spots and occasionally even extra storage areas.
Specifications and drawings for the raised platform, supporting structure, and assigned parking spots are included in stilt parking plans. The design of stilt parking is greatly influenced by architectural factors, which guarantee structural stability, effective use of available space and aesthetics that blend in with the building’s general architecture.

The Benefits of Stilt Parking

Optimises Usage of Space:

Stilt parking increases the amount of parking space available within a given footprint by using the space underneath the building for parking. This is particularly useful in locations where there is a shortage of available land.

Offers Some Protection:

For parked cars, the raised structure provides some shelter from inclement weather, such as strong sunlight, persistent rain and dust.

Economical:

In general, the cost of building and maintaining stilt parking is lower than that of underground parking.

Multipurpose Capabilities:

The area on stilts can be used for a variety of things, including commercial operations, storage facilities and leisure places.

Enhanced Aesthetics:

When properly planned, stilt parking can give a building a contemporary, eye-catching appeal that improves its overall appearance.

Defence Against the Elements:

Stilt parking offers partially covered parking, shielding cars from the sun, rain and dust, even though it’s not completely enclosed.

Enhanced Safety:

It may be possible to improve the security of parked cars relative to street parking by implementing secured entry to the stilt area.

Stilt Floor Meaning and Features

Meaning and Characteristics of Stilt Floors:

In simple terms, a stilt floor is an elevated platform held up by columns or pillars. Cars can be parked beneath this elevated level, which is normally between 2.4 and 2.7 metres high. stilt floors are generally used for parking, although they can also be used for information centres, switch rooms, generator rooms and society offices. It varies in multiple ways from conventional parking solutions:

Height

Normally, the stilt floor is at least 8 feet (2.4 metres) high to make room for cars and ventilation.

Clear Space:

Stilt floors, in contrast to covered parking garages, are frequently partially open, allowing for natural ventilation and light.

Multiple Uses:

Apart from parking, the stilt floor can be used for a lot of other things, like storage, gathering places or even stores (based on local rules).

Stilt Floor Benefits and Structural Design:

Structural integrity is prioritised in the design of stilt floors. Usually composed of steel or concrete, the pillars holding up the platform are strong enough to carry the weight of the building and the cars above them. Furthermore, the open layout of the stilt floor on all four sides encourages natural circulation and keeps moisture from building up, which is especially advantageous in areas with high humidity.

  • Optimises Usage of Space
  • Offers Some Protection
  • Economically Friendly
  • Multipurpose Capabilities
  • Enhanced Aesthetics
  • Defence Against the Elements
  • Enhanced Safety

Stilt Parking vs. Podium Parking vs. Covered Parking

Nowadays, parking is a valuable resource in today’s metropolitan environment. Developers and architects are always coming up with new ways to solve parking problems, as land prices continue to climb and automobile ownership persists. Stilt parking, podium parking and covered parking are three common choices. Each has unique benefits and drawbacks, therefore the decision depends on the situation.

Comparative Analysis:

Features Stilt Parking Podium Parking Covered Parking
Meaning The process of elevating parking spaces above ground level and supporting them with columns or stilts. A building’s first level, which is usually surrounded by walls and a roof. A building with a roof that shields cars from the sun, rain and other weather conditions.
Design Structure The open design promotes better airflow and can be visually appealing. This floor may have walls and a roof or it may be completely open. These structures can range from basic garage roofs to fully enclosed roofs.
Space Utilisation Effective use of available space, especially in crowded environments. Gives room for more facilities, but it could need more land. Provides efficient use of space, particularly when paired with multi-story buildings.
Cost-related factors Due to its basic form, it is typically more affordable. Involves more expensive construction, mostly because of the raised platform and extra features. The degree of enclosure and the building materials used can affect the initial expenses.
Weather Protection Limited shielding, exposing cars to weather conditions. Extends vehicle longevity by offering protection from weather conditions. Provides total protection from abrasive sunshine, rain and snow.
Visual Appeal Affecting the building’s architecture, open design can be visually beautiful. Permits the incorporation of green areas, improving overall beauty. Depending on the design, aesthetics might range from straightforward structures to more eye-catching layouts.
Construction Intricacy Less complicated building and less structural requirements. Raised platform makes it more complex and requires strong engineering. Depending on the structural design and enclosure level, complexity varies.

Situational Best Uses:

Stilt Parking: Suitable for places with limited space and an emphasis on economical solutions.
Podium Parking: Suitable for projects where budget allows and extra facilities and aesthetics are given priority.
Covered Parking: Suggested for areas with severe weather or critical need for increased security and safety.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

It is essential to comprehend the legislative and regulatory environment that surrounds stilt parking. The Supreme Court of India has rendered decisions concerning parking in apartments. These decisions made it clear that stilt parking is not allowed to count towards a building’s total allowable floor area because it is not included in the Floor Space Ratio (FSI).
Supreme Court judgement on car parking in flats states that developers are not allowed to offer stilt parking spots separately from other properties. In housing societies, they are regarded as common areas and, like other shared utilities like elevators or corridors, they have to be available to all residents. This ruling stopped developers from making money by selling these spots separately and defined the legal position of stilt parking.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that laws regarding stilt parking range greatly between states and nations. The design and use of these areas may be subject to laws that are specific to each state or even local towns. This implies that something that is allowed in one city might be prohibited by laws in another.

Below is an outline of some important topics that local laws may cover:

Minimum Height:

The minimum height needed for the stilt floor is frequently specified by regulations, guaranteeing sufficient room for cars and pedestrians.

Policies For Allocation:

The way that residents or tenants are assigned stilt parking places (for example, by lottery or first-come, first-served basis) may occasionally be governed by municipal legislation.

Dimensions of The Parking Space:

Local governments frequently set minimum sizes for each parking place inside the stilt area.

Requirements For Structure:

Detailed instructions for the stilt structure’s components, strength and safety measures.

Criteria For Accessibility:

Features that make it safe for everyone to enter the parking lot, such as ramps, elevators or other accessible amenities.

Criteria For Setbacks:

Making certain that the stilt structure stays a minimal distance away from adjacent structures and property lines.

Stilt Parking in Cooperative Housing Societies

Limited parking space is a common problem for cooperative housing groups. Stilt parking functions as follows in these kinds of communities:

Guidelines and Administration:

There should be explicit laws and guidelines governing the use of stilt parking places in every community. This covers the processes for assigning spaces, parking costs (if any) and recommendations for responsible parking. Members are not allowed to enclose their stilt parking spot permanently.

Allocation and Ownership:

Residents are usually assigned stilt parking places according to a predetermined system that takes into account several considerations such as apartment size, social standing or a mix of both. This indicates that it is the property of society as a whole, not of any one person. The governing committee has authority for the distribution of stilt parking places.

Parking Fees:

The society has the authority to establish and enforce parking fees, which may vary depending on the kind of vehicle (two-wheelers versus four-wheelers) or the location of the space.

Conflicts:

Common conflicts pertaining to stilt parking allocation involve differences in the criterion for allocation, questions of justice and problems with maintenance obligations. Resolving such conflicts throughout society requires open and honest communication as well as transparent administration.

Stilt Area Utilization

Considering uses other than parking, the space under the stilt floor offers creative possibilities. Here are a few instances:

Community Spaces:

Create a communal place for the occupants in the stilt area. This might consist of:

  • Establish a special space where kids can play that is furnished with age- and safety-appropriate toys.
  • Establish fitness centres where people may work out outside with basic exercise equipment.
  • Establish social meeting places by setting up a common area with chairs to encourage interaction and the development of relationships among residents.
  • Incorporate vertical gardens or grow trees in specific locations to add some greenery. This enhances appearance while also encouraging fresher air and a more pleasant atmosphere.

Sufficient Lighting:

To improve security and safety, make sure the stilt area has enough lighting.

Signage:

Install conspicuous signage to indicate parking restrictions, emergency exits and directions.

Accessibility:

Make sure people with impairments can easily explore the stilt area by installing ramps or accessible elevators.

Stilt Floor and Ground Floor Difference

Despite being on the lowest level of a building, ground floors and stilt levels have different purposes and designs:

Technical Differences:

  • Ground Level:
    This floor lies level with or slightly above, the surrounding topography and it sits directly on the ground. Building codes frequently stipulate a minimum floor height to guarantee appropriate drainage and avoid floods.
  • The Stilt Floor
    The stilt floor, on the other hand, is an elevated platform meant primarily for parking cars. It is not directly accessible from the ground level and is held up by pillars or columns.

Functional Differences:

  • Ground Level:
    provides easier access, which makes it perfect for people who regularly need to carry groceries or other items or for people with mobility impairments.
    offers a clear path to the outside, making it simple to enter and escape.
  • The Stilt Floor
    gives extra room underground for storage, parking, or recreational uses.
    provides some shelter for parked cars or the area below from weather conditions like rain and dust.

Impact on Property Value and Usability.

A ground floor or stilt has a complicated effect on property value that is dependent on a number of factors:

  • Location:
    Stilt floors make the most of available space in places where land is scarce, which could raise the property’s overall worth.
  • Facilities:
    The value of the property may be enhanced by a well-designed stilt level that provides extra features like storage or parking.
  • Personal Choices:
    The decision between a ground level and a stilt floor is ultimately personal. While some people might value a ground floor’s accessibility, others could place more value on a stilt floor’s imagined privacy or security.

Planning and Implementing Stilt Parking

Steps in Planning:

  • A Feasibility Analysis
    Make a detailed evaluation of the property, taking into account the local laws, the state of the soil and any existing structures. Determine whether the land is suitable for sustaining a stilt structure and make sure that all zoning and building requirements are followed.
  • Engineering and Design:
    Create a thorough design plan that includes accurate structural calculations made by licenced engineers. Establish the quantity of parking spots, the locations of the columns and ramps and make sure there is enough room for cars to manoeuvre.
  • Selection of Materials:
    When selecting building materials, take into account aspects like weather resistance, fire safety and upkeep expenses. Steel or reinforced concrete are typical options, depending on the design and financial constraints.

Considerations For Safety, Accessibility and Environmental Impact.

  • Approvals and Permits:
    Before beginning construction, get the required licences and permissions from the relevant local authorities. If necessary, this could entail submitting structural calculations, architectural designs and environmental impact evaluations.
  • Building and Security:
    During construction, make sure that strict safety procedures are followed. To reduce hazards for employees and pedestrians, put in place appropriate scaffolding, fall protection equipment and traffic control strategies.

FAQs

  1. Can stilt parking be converted into living space?
    There is no other use for the stilt floor space except parking. It is prohibited to utilise the space for commercial storage or any other similar purpose, nor can it be turned into servant quarters.
  2. How does stilt parking affect building stability?
    If stilt parking is planned and built correctly, it has no effect on the stability of the building. Columns designed to support the weight are used to support the weight of the vehicles and the building. However, stability can be compromised by poor construction or design, such as the use of insufficient columns.
  3. Maintenance and security tips for stilt parking areas.
    • Regular Inspections: Make routine checks of the building to look for rust, cracks or damage to the slabs, columns and beams.
    • Cleaning: Keep the parking lot clean regularly to keep it safe and aesthetically pleasing.
    • CCTV Cameras: To keep an eye on the area and discourage possible theft or damage, think about installing security cameras.
    • Lighting: To discourage illegal actions, install enough lights throughout the stilt parking area.

Conclusion

Due to its ability to effectively address the increasing need for parking spots in crowded places, stilt parking is an essential component of urban design. Increased capacity, multipurpose use and improved vehicle security are just a few of its benefits. It is becoming more and more crucial for cities to implement cutting-edge parking options like stilt parking as they work towards sustainable development. Stilt parking is a way to make urban design more ecologically friendly by making the most use of available space, utilising the least amount of land and possibly avoiding the need to build a large parking lot.

Disclaimer: Stock image used for representational purpose only.