low-rise building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low-rise building" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a building that has a relatively low number of stories, often in contrast to high-rise buildings. Example: "The city is known for its charming low-rise buildings that give it a unique character."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Millett's apartment was on the fifth floor of a low-rise building near Cooper Union.

The New Yorker

The developed methodology is illustrated by considering pressure on the roof of a low-rise building.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The configuration consists of a high-rise building screened by a low-rise building.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

A cubic low-rise building is used as a case study.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

This study performs seismic fragility analysis of a URM low-rise building.

Engineering Structures

A consistent analysis is presented on the example of a low-rise building.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Moreover, low-rise building LST is highly related to the composition of neighboring vegetation and pavement.

Building and Environment

Full-scale highly non-Gaussian data acquired on a low-rise building is used for analysis.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The present study considers low-rise building frames resting on shallow foundations, viz.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

His Taj was a plain low-rise building, partly owned by the famous hotel company, on the airport grounds.

The New Yorker

The retail base is likely to be constructed first and may remain as a low-rise building for several years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing urban planning or zoning regulations, use "low-rise building" to clearly distinguish it from mid-rise or high-rise developments.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what constitutes a "low-rise building" in your specific context, as definitions can vary by region or industry. For example, specify the maximum number of stories.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low-rise building" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as an adjective-noun combination, where "low-rise" modifies the noun "building". Ludwig confirms that it is a common and grammatically correct descriptor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low-rise building" is a common and grammatically sound descriptor, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, primarily used to classify buildings by height, distinguishing them from mid-rise and high-rise structures. While the precise height definition can vary, it generally refers to buildings with fewer than four stories. Ludwig's analysis reveals that its usage is prevalent in both scientific (engineering, wind studies) and general media contexts, indicating a neutral formality level. When using the term, it's advisable to define the height range to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "short building" or "low-height structure" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short building

Focuses on the height attribute, being a more general term for buildings that are not tall.

low-height structure

Similar to "low-rise building", but uses 'height' instead of 'rise', focusing on the vertical dimension.

low-level construction

Emphasizes the type of construction rather than just the height, applicable in a broader context.

single-story building

Specifically indicates a building with only one floor, a subset of low-rise buildings.

two-story building

Specifically indicates a building with two floors, a subset of low-rise buildings.

low-lying building

Suggests the building is situated close to the ground and not elevated or tall.

bungalow

Refers to a specific architectural style of low-rise building, typically a single-story house.

small building

Indicates the overall size of the building, which often correlates with being low-rise.

ground-level building

Highlights that the building is primarily at ground level, which implies it is low-rise.

cottage

Specifically refers to a small, often rural, dwelling, which is typically low-rise.

FAQs

What is the typical height range for a "low-rise building"?

While there's no universally agreed-upon definition, a "low-rise building" generally has fewer than four stories. The exact definition can vary depending on local building codes and urban planning regulations.

What are some architectural styles commonly found in "low-rise buildings"?

Common styles include bungalows, cottages, ranch-style homes, and simple multi-story apartment buildings. The design emphasizes horizontal lines and integration with the surrounding landscape.

How does a "low-rise building" differ from a mid-rise or high-rise?

The primary difference is height. A "mid-rise building" typically has 4 to 12 stories, while a "high-rise building" has more than 12 stories. "Low-rise buildings" are the shortest, often with fewer than four stories.

What are the advantages of constructing a "low-rise building"?

"Low-rise buildings" often have lower construction costs, require less complex engineering, and can be more easily integrated into existing neighborhoods. They also tend to have a smaller environmental footprint.