Chapter 34 review Henshaw B & C Archimetrics Design Studio
53 South Union Street, Plainfield, MA 01070
Peter Lapointe, Architect 413-634-0091
archimetricsdesign@verizon.net
September 15, 2016
Louis Hasbrouck, Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Enabling Neilson – 5 Building Renovations
CHAPTER 34 REVIEW
Henshaw B – 10 Henshaw Avenue 1st Floor 2640sf 2nd floor 3024 sf
Henshaw C – 10 Henshaw Avenue 1st floor 1320sf 2nd floor 1512 sf
Existing Use R-2 Proposed Use B
Construction Type 5B – Fully sprinklered
Overview: Henshaw B & C are existing multifamily town house units constructed in the
1970’s being converted to faculty offices. Four units will be converted to separate six
faculty office clusters with accessible entrances, accessible toilet facilities and accessible
student conference space. Of the six offices, the two new offices created on the first
floor will be accessible. Limited construction involves modifications on the first floor.
Second floor layouts remain largely unchanged. In Henshaw B, the accessible six
bedroom dwelling unit, common laundry and second floor head resident dwelling unit
are being combined to create a single 12 office cluster.
The change in occupancy classification requires compliance with IEBC Chapter 9 as
follows:
903 through 906 require compliance with Section 912.
907: The existing floor framing (2x12 joists) is adequate for office loading (50 psf) as
defined in IBC Table 1607.1. Snow and wind loads are unchanged and no seismic
upgrades are required.
908: Electrical service upgrades, rewiring and new devices and LED lighting upgrades
are proposed throughout both buildings.
Archimetrics Design Studio
53 South Union Street, Plainfield, MA 01070
Peter Lapointe, Architect 413-634-0091
archimetricsdesign@verizon.net
909: Heating, ventilating and A/C upgrades are proposed throughout both buildings.
910: Plumbing facilities for both sexes, drinking fountains and service sinks are being
provide for each unit within each building consistent with plumbing code requirements
for the new occupancy.
911: Light and ventilation requirements for new construction are met by proposed
exterior changes to doors and windows.
912.1.1: Compliance with Chapter 8 will be discussed by Section following the Chapter
9 review.
912.4: The Change in Occupancy reduces the Means of Egress Hazard Index from 3 to 4
requiring compliance with 912.4.2. The egress capacity meets requirements for new
construction and modifications to the existing open risers, handrails and guards are
proposed. Open riser will be eliminated and new closure panels will be added to the
open railing system.
912.5 & 6: The change of use to a lower hazard index deems the existing building
height and area and exterior wall construction to be acceptable.
912.7.2: Stairways: Changes to the existing open stairways are not required since there
is no increase in Egress Hazard Index. IBC Section 1022.1 exception 1 allows unenclosed
stairways when the occupant load for the stair is less than 10. The existing stairways
meet this requirement. Number of Exits: IBC 1021.1 Table 1021.2 allows one exit from
the second floor in Use B from the first and second floor.
912.8: Accessibility requirements are met by proposed improvements to entrances and
the addition of an accessible restroom. Proposed first floor changes include dimensional
compliance for all doors.
Chapter 8: The limited scope of alterations, no structural changes other than new
headers at new openings and proposed exit and emergency lighting is consistent with
the requirements of Chapter 8. The proposed fire alarm system and existing fire
protection system exceed the requirements for new construction.
Archimetrics Design Studio
53 South Union Street, Plainfield, MA 01070
Peter Lapointe, Architect 413-634-0091
archimetricsdesign@verizon.net
Chapters 6 & 7: Existing construction and proposed construction without exception
meet or exceed the requirements of these chapters for Repairs and Alterations.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Lapointe