What two elements define a building's construction type?

A building's construction type is fundamentally defined by the construction materials used in its design and how those materials perform when exposed to fire. This is critical for assessing fire safety and determining how a building will react in a fire situation, influencing fire prevention measures, firefighting tactics, and overall building safety standards.

Different materials exhibit varying levels of combustibility and structural integrity under fire conditions, which directly impacts the fire rating of the building. For example, a structure made with non-combustible materials will often be classified differently from one constructed with wood or other flammable materials. Additionally, the performance characteristics of these materials can dictate the height and area limitations of a building, as well as its occupancy classification, all of which are essential for compliance with building codes and fire safety regulations.