Insulating spec warehouse buildings

[Nicole Brooks]

I work for a developer that builds industrial flex buildings. My question is if the shell building meets all the requirements of the IECC, when a new tenant leases a first generation space that does not require a conditioned warehouse, but the office portion of their space is conditioned, is there a requirement for a full height insulated wall between the office portion and the warehouse? Orr, because the shell meets the requirements of the code, no additional insulation is required?

 

[steveray]

, because the shell meets the requirements of the code, no additional insulation is required?

It would be nice if that were the case but the details called out in the shell building really matter because the IECC sucks:

C505.1 General​

Spaces undergoing a change in occupancy that would result in an increase in demand for either fossil fuel or electrical energy shall comply with this code (meaning "as new").

[A] CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. Any of the following shall be considered as a change of occupancy where the current International Building Code requires a greater degree of safety, accessibility, structural strength, fire protection, means of egress, ventilation or sanitation than is existing in the current building or structure:

1. Any change in the occupancy classification of a building or structure.
2. Any change in the purpose of, or a change in the level of activity within, a building or structure.

 

[Penguin87]

I work for a developer that builds industrial flex buildings. My question is if the shell building meets all the requirements of the IECC, when a new tenant leases a first generation space that does not require a conditioned warehouse, but the office portion of their space is conditioned, is there a requirement for a full height insulated wall between the office portion and the warehouse? Orr, because the shell meets the requirements of the code, no additional insulation is required?

Yes, IF the partition wall is between a newly conditioned and unconditioned space needs to meet the requirements for an exterior wall per whatever energy code requirements that jurisdiction has adopted. Including a vapor barrier.

OTOH, if the entire building is conditioned, then there is no need for an insulated wall. However, general industry standard is to provide a full-height partition wall with acoustic insulation, at a minimum. If you have noisy operations than you may want to look at going with an STC-rated wall.