Chongqing – At a recent press conference on people's livelihood during the third session of the 14th National People's Congress, Ni Hong, Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, answered domestic and international journalists' questions on stabilizing the property market and urban renewal.

A key point that has garnered significant attention is the new requirement that residential buildings be at least 3 meters high, which will play a crucial role in shaping the industry's future development.

Chongqing introduced a local residential design standard earlier, setting specific floor height requirements for newly built, renovated, and expanded residential buildings in urban areas. According to this regulation, the floor height must be between 3 and 3.6 meters, with the rule officially taking effect in February this year.

Why is 3 meters the standard for a "good house"? What are the scientific reasons and practical factors behind this choice?

The renovated buildings in Chongqing. (Photo/Wang Jiaxi)

Floor height refers to the distance from the current floor to the ceiling of the floor above. The actual usable height, commonly called the clear height, is calculated by subtracting the floor thickness from the total floor height.

What effect does increasing the height of residential buildings have? Experts explain that it greatly boosts living comfort. The new minimum floor height of 3 meters improves ventilation, lighting, and overall air quality, creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for residents.

In the past, floor heights could be as low as 2.8 meters. Raising the minimum to 3 meters improves living conditions, better suits modern lifestyles, and meets psychological comfort needs. This change aims to enhance housing quality, encourage product upgrades, and support stable growth in the real estate sector.

Furthermore, implementing these new regulations is set to promote the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry, driving it towards higher quality and better housing standards. 

Developers will be required to focus more on the quality and details of their products, aligning these standards with local land regulations and promoting technological advancements.

In addition to floor height, Chongqing's residential design standards also regulate various aspects, including interior design, public area layout, exterior wall and decoration design, interior environment, building facilities and components, and structural design.

For instance, in green building design, residential buildings should be tailored to the project location's economic development level, environmental and resource conditions, and cultural heritage. 

They must also consider safety, durability, health, comfort, convenience, resource conservation, and environmental performance throughout the building's life cycle while ensuring that the structure meets the planning requirements and intended functions.