Adonias Tadele

Ugr/23187/13
Group 3
Section 2

Introduction
What is residence ?

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
A residential area is a land use in which housing predominates, as opposed to industrial and
commercial areas. Housing may vary significantly between, and through, residential areas.
These include single-family housing, multi-family residential, or mobile homes.Zoning for
residential use may permit some services or work opportunities or may totally exclude business
and industry. It may permit high density land use or only permit low density uses. Residential
zoning usually includes a smaller FAR (floor area ratio) than business, commercial or
industrial/manufacturing zoning. The area may be large or small. OR In certain residential
areas, largely rural, large tracts of land may have no services whatever, thus residents seeking
services must use a motor vehicle or other transport, so the need for transport has resulted in
land development following existing or planned transport infrastructure such as rail and road.
Development patterns may be regulated by restrictive covenants contained in the deeds to the
properties in the development, and may also result from or be reinforced by zoning. Restrictive
covenants are not easily changed when the agreement of all property owners (many of whom
may not live in the area) is required. The area so restricted may be large or small.

HISTORY OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

Ancient Codes Building Codes have a long history going back 4000 years. The “Code of
Hammurabi”, circa 1780 BC, contains what are generally considered the first written laws
concerning building construction. The “Code of Hammurabi” consisted of 282 laws. Laws 228
thru 233 dealt with building construction:233. If a builder builds a house for someone, even
though he has not yet completed it; if then the walls seem toppling, the builder must make the
walls solid from his own means. Unlike today’s building codes, the laws in “The Code of
Hammurabi” and most other ancient codes detail what the consequences of a building failure
should be instead of specifying how a build 232. If it ruins goods, he shall make compensation
for all that has been ruined, and inasmuch as he did not construct properly this house which he
built and it fell, he shall re-erect the house from his own means.  231. If it kills a slave of the
owner, then he shall pay slave for slave to the owner of the house.  230. If it kills the son of the
owner the son of that builder shall be put to death.  229. If a builder builds a house for
someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its
owner, then that builder shall be put to death.  228. If a builder builds a house for someone and
completes it, he shall give him a fee of two shekels in money for each sar of surface. ing is to
be built. One ancient code that specifies how a building should be built can be found in the Bible
book of Deuteronomy, chapter 22 verse 8 which states: “In case you build a new house, you
must also make a parapet for your roof, that you may not place bloodguilt upon your house
because someone falling might fall from it.” Archeological fragments of Greek and Roman laws
have been found to contain evidence of buildings being required to be inspected during
construction.

Modern Codes
Modern building codes have shifted from specifying punishments for building failures and poor
construction to mandating requirements that make a building structurally safe, energy efficient,
and sanitary to occupy. 1189 - Mayor of London, Henry Fitz- Elwyne issued an ordinance known
as the“Assize of Buildings.” The ordinance was generally referred to as a “planning act”
although it contained parts concerning the construction of structures. 1631 - City of Boston fire
prevention ordinance bans wood chimneys and thatch roof coverings. 1666 - The Great London
Fire resulted in the London Building Act of 1667. This act set forth requirements for the
construction of party walls and required the outside of all buildings to be made of brick and/or
stone. 1678 - City of Boston building laws require slate or tile roofs and brick walls. 1788 - Old
Salem (now Winston-Salem, NC) writes first known formal US Building Code 1844 - The
London Building Act of 1844 required drainage improvements, sufficient street widths to ensure
adequate ventilation, regulation of explosives, and required Inspectors be appointed to
supervise the act. The Metropolitan Building Office was established in 1845. 1859 - Baltimore
passes its first building code. 1865 - New Orleans enacts a law requiring inspections of public
places. 1867 - Due to the large influx of immigrants over the years and barely tolerable living
conditions in tenement buildings, the City of New York enacts a “Tenement Housing Act”. This
act requires fire escapes and a window for every room. 1875 - As a result of the Chicago fire of
1871 the City of Chicago enacts ordinances regulating building construction and fire prevention.
An apartment (in American English) or a flat (in British English) is a selfcontained housing unit
(a type of residential real estate) that occupies only part of a building. Such a building may be
called an apartment building, apartment house (in American English), block of flats, tower block,
high-rise or, occasionally mansion block (in British English), especially if it consists of many
apartments for rent. In Scotland it is often called a tenement, which has a pejorative
connotation elsewhere. Apartments may be owned by an owner/occupier by leasehold tenure or
rented The term apartment is favored in North America (although flat is used in the case of a
unit which is part of a house containing two or threeunits, typically one to a floor) and also is the
preferred term in Ireland. The term flat is commonly, but not exclusively,
used in the United most Commonwealth nations.
Kingdom, Singapore, HongKong andIn Malaysian English, flat often denotes a housing block of
lesser quality meant for lower-income groups, while apartment is more generic and may also
include luxury condominiums. This usage has also been appearing in British English where
apartment is used to denote expensive 'flats' in exclusive and expensive residential areas in, for
example, parts of London such as Belgravia and Hampstead. In Australian English, the term flat
was traditionally used, but term apartment is also frequently used, as is "unit," short for "home
unit".
theTenement law refers to the feudal basis of permanent property such as land or rents. It may
be found combined as in "Messuage or Tenement" to encompass all the land, buildings and
other assets of a property. In the United States, some apartment-dwellers own their own
apartments, either as co-ops, in which the residents own shares of a corporation that owns the
building or development; or in condominiums, whose residents own their apartments and share
ownership of the public spaces. Most apartments are in buildings designed for the purpose, but
large older houses are sometimes divided into apartments. The word apartment denotes a
residential unit or section in a building. In some locations, particularly the United States, the
word connotes a rental unit owned by the building owner, and is not typically used
condominium.
In the England and Wales, some flat owners own shares in the company that owns the freehold
of the building as well as holding the flat under a lease. This is commonly known as a "share of
freehold" flat. The freehold company has the right to collect annual ground rents from each of
the flat owners in the building. The freeholder can also develop or sell the building, subject to
the usual planning and restrictions that might apply. This does not happen in Scotland, where
long leasehold of residential property was formerly unusual, and is now not possible.[1]
In some countries the word unit is a more general term referring to both apartments and rental
business suites. The word is generally used only in the context of a specific building; e.g., "This
building has three units" or "I'm going To rent a unit in this building", but not "I'm going to rent a
unit somewhere." In Australia, a unit refers to flats, apartments or even semi-detached houses.
Some buildings can be characterized as mixed use buildings, meaning part of the building is for
commercial, business, or office use, usually on the first floor or first couple of floors, and there
are one or more apartments in the rest of the building, usually on the upper floors.

TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL OF BUILDING

Before buying any home, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, and what your needs will be in
the next five to ten years. That’s especially the case when it comes to choosing what type of
home to purchase. Redfin.com allows you to narrow your search based on the types of home
you are interested in, but for those who aren’t clear on the differences, here’s a handy guide to
the benefits and drawbacks of each type of residential building.

Single Family Homes

 Definition: Single family homes (often abbreviated as SFH) are homes built on a single
lot, with no shared walls. Sometimes there’s a garage, attached or detached. 2.1.2. Plus Sides:
This type of home tends to offer more privacy than condos and townhomes, which often share
walls. They also tend to belarger, and possibly come with front and back yards. Since you don’t
share the property with anyone else, you are free to express yourself with any type of home
design you choose. They also tend to have a more reliable resell value than condos and
townhomes.

Downsides: The downside is that they generally require a lot more maintenance, and all
of the cost for that falls on the shoulders of the homeowner. With condos and townhomes, you
share the costs involved with yard maintenance, plumbing, roofing, etc.

CONDOMINIUMS
Definition:
Condominiums (or condos for short) are single units within a larger building or community.unit
often shares a wall or two with other units. They generally come with homeowners’ associations
(HOAs), which require the residents to pay monthly or yearly dues. Condos are popular in
urban, high-density areas, where there are many restaurants and shops.

Plus Sides: The benefits of living in a condo include low responsibility on the
homeowner’s part to contribute tomaintenance and upkeep. For example, if the roof goes out,
you share the costs with other residents, instead of paying for the whole thing yourself. In
addition, some condos offer gyms, lounge areas, pools and other amenities that you might not
be able to afford or have space for in a single family home.

Downsides: Condo homeowners’ associations often limit the types of remodeling you can
do, and there can be pet and rental restrictions as well. HOAs want uniformity and safety; you
don’t want one homeowner replacing doors and windows if they’re not to a high standard, or
safely installed! In addition, because you share a space with others, there’s not as much
privacy, and you need to be extra cautious of disturbing your neighbors because they are so
close.

CO-OPS

Definition: Co-ops are very similar to

condos, but they’re a different way to hold a title of a shared building. With a condo, you own the
space within your unit, but with a coop, everyone owns the building together. Because of the
shared responsibility, there’s often an interview process to become part of the community.
Plus Sides: Co-ops tend to take on the maintenance as a community, so they tend to
have lower HOA dues. They also tend to be less expensive than comparable condos.
Downsides: You share financial responsibility of the whole building with your neighbors,
which means if someone stops paying their mortgage on a co-op, the bank can foreclose on the
whole building. It can be more difficult to get a loan for a co-op than a condo; most require more
money down, and some banks won’t support it.

TOWNHOUSES

Definition:
Townhouses are a hybrid between a condo and a single family home. They are often multiple
floors, with one or two shared walls, and some have a small yard space or rooftop deck. They’re
generally larger than a condo, but smaller than a single family home.

Plus sides: Townhomes often have more privacy than a condo might afford. Some have
HOAs or joint maintenance agreements to share upkeep costs. They tend to be more affordable
than a single family home.
Downsides: Townhomes don’t usually have shared amenities like a gym or a pool.
They’re not as private as a single family home.
MULTI-FAMILY UNITS
 Definition: Multi-family homes are the least common of the residential types. They can be
anything from a duplex to a four-plex; anything more becomes commercial. They could be row
house style or multiple floors. Multi-family units could also be apartment style flats, but usually
each unit has its own separate entrance. The distinction between multi-family units and condos
is that the units can’t be purchased individually; there’s one owner for the whole building.
Plus sides: People who look for these are usually people looking for an investment
property. They can live in one unit, and rent out the others for income, or rent all units.
Compared to a condo, there are fewer people you’re sharing your building with and it tends to
be more private and quiet. You may also have some yard space.

Down sides: Like a townhome, they’re a hybrid between a single family home and a
condo. They tend to be smaller than single family homes, and less private. If you’re renting one,
the maintenance costs go to the landlord, but if you own one, as the landlord, you’re bearing all
the costs for maintenance, plus the time commitment of finding renters.

LAND

Definition: Just land, no home of any type.

Plus sides: The sky is the limit; you can do whatever you want to improve the property.
Build whatever home you’d like, or grow/raise crops or animals (within local restrictions).
Down sides: Land can be difficult to purchase in terms of financing. It tends to require a
much larger down payment, and fewer lenders are available for someone looking to finance a
land purchase. Banks like to know that there’s going to be someone living on it, and that it will
be improved. It’s easier to know what a property is going to be used for when you see a
structure sitting on it. Also, it may not come with utility hookups, so you’re responsible for
bringing gas, water, sewer, electricity to the land to build a structure. For more information on
residential building types and buying or selling a home, check out my video series in the SFGate
Home Guide section:
PARTS OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

Throughout the Home Building process you will need to be familiar with the various parts of the
home. As a broad overview, we have broken the elements into eight categories as follows:
1. Lot 2. Flat work 3. Structure 4. Systems 5. ENCLOSURE 6.
TRIM AND FINISHES 7. FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT 8.
OUTDOOR ELEMENTS
Let's take a look at each one of these categories and see what specific elements may be
included in each.
1.LOT
This is pretty self-evident. It’s the land your home will sit upon. More

2.FLAT WORK

This part includes all the flat concrete work in your home including slab, basement floor, walks,
driveway, patio, etc.

3.STRUCTURE
 The structure of your home is an extremely important "part" of the home. It's what makes the
home stand up! The structure carries the weight of the home to its supporting element the
ground. It is convenient to think of these structural "parts" in the order in which they support the
load of the house. This is also the order in which they are constructed - from the bottom up. So
learning them in this order helps you start to think in terms of the construction sequence
Footings Foundation Floor Walls Ceiling Roof The following is a brief description of what is
included in each of these parts of the structure of your home. Footings The Footings are where
the house ground. Everything is supported by meets the the footings.
Footings (or footer) may be poured concrete, caisson piers, gravel, or even a turned-down
portion of a slab. Which one you would use is determined by the area you live in, the soils
conditions, local building code requirements, and by the recommendations of your architect to r
structural engineer.
Foundation The Foundation consists of the foundation walls(sometimes called “stem” walls) and
other vertical elements needed to support the floor (piers and steel columns). Foundation walls
may be formed concrete, treated wood, masonry (brick or concrete block) or nonexistent - in the
case of slab construction, where the walls go up directly on top of thickened portions of the slab.
4.SYSTEMS
The Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical - heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) - are
the three major systems of the home. Included within the electrical system would be the
security, communication, and entertainment systems for your home.
5.ENCLOSURE

The Enclosure is a category we have included to hold those elements which form the surfaces
or as we sometimes say, the “skin” of the home. These would include the drywall; windows and
doors; exterior sheathing, siding, and veneer; and roofing shingles.
You could even include the flooring in this category. There is a gray area here, because some of
these items also impart structural integrity to their underlying structural system, i.e. the OSB
(oriented strand board) sheathing applied to the exterior walls stiffens them.

6.TRIM AND FINISHES

This part contains all of the interior trim(base mould, casing, crown mould, chair rail, etc.),
exterior trim (shingle mould, skirt board, corner stiles, shutters, etc.), ceiling treatment, carpet
and tile, paint and wallpaper, and so forth.

7.FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT

Here are yourappliances, cabinets, hardware (door, window, and bath), mirrors, fireplace,
garage door opener, etc.
 8.OUTDOOR ELEMENTS

This category includes all the outdoor elements not included elsewhere. This may include the
sprinkler system, landscaping, decks, and so forth. Please note that the placement of some
items is somewhat arbitrary. For example, “patios” could be placed in “Flat Work” or "Outdoor
Elements!" The idea is not to legalistically categorize very item in your home, but to understand
the broad categories of elements and how they all work together to form the whole!

Areas of a Residence
 A residential structure can be divided into three basic areas: the sleeping area, living area, and

service area, Figure 7-1. The sleeping area is where the family sleeps, rests, and bathes. The

living area is where the family relaxes, entertains guests, dines, and meets together. The living

area is discussed in detail in Chapter 8. The service area is the part of the house where food is

prepared, clothes are laundered, goods are stored, the car is parked, and equipment for upkeep

of the house is stored. The service area is discussed in Chapter 9. These three basic areas are

generally divided into rooms. Rooms provide privacy and help to separate and contain various

activ- ities. A house designer must understand the purpose for each room if a functional plan is
 to be developed. In addition to the purpose of the room, the designer must know how the room

will be used and by whom. According to the report Americans with Disabilities, 1997 P70-73

issued in February 2001 by the US Census Bureau, 2.2 million people age 15 and older use a

wheelchair and another 6.4 million use a cane, walker, crutches, or other aid. AARP, formerly

called The American Association of Retired Persons, reports that there were 76 million

Americans over the age of 50 in 2000; 35 million over the age of 65 according to the US

Census. These numbers are projected to double in the next few years. Therefore, it is important

to consider how all areas of the home can be made accessible to people with special needs,

including the disabled and elderly.

 Sleeping area requirements.




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Every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least seventy
(70) square feet of floor space, and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than
one person shall contain at least fifty (50) square feet of floor space for each occupant
thereof.(Ord. 595-96.)

Overcrowding.

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A dwelling unit shall not be occupied by any more occupants than are permitted by the
Minimum Occupancy Area Requirements Table as follows:

MINIMUM OCCUPANCY AREA REQUIREMENTS EXPAND

 Minimum occupancy
area in square feet

Space 1-2
occupants

Living Area:

Living room* No requirements

Dining room* No requirements

Kitchen 50

Sleeping Area Shall comply with C.C. 4541.01

For purposes of this section, a child under one year of age shall not be counted as an
additional occupant.

*See C.C. 4541.02 for combined living room/dining room spaces.

(Ord. 595-96.)

Combined spaces.

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Combined living room and dining room spaces shall comply with the requirements of the
Minimum Occupancy Area Requirements Table in C.C. 4541.015 if the total area is equal to
that required for separate rooms and if the space is located so as to function as a combination
living room/dining room.

(Ord. 595-96.)

Prohibited occupancy.

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A nonhabitable space, kitchen, or other interior public area shall not be occupied for sleeping
purposes.

(Ord. 595-96.)

Height of rooms.
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At least one-half (½) of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of at
least seven feet. The floor area of that part of any habitable room where the ceiling height is
less than five feet shall not be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total floor
area of the room or the total floor area of the dwelling unit for the purpose of determining the
maximum permissible occupancy thereof.

(Ord. 356-75.)

Basement or cellar occupancy.

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Except as modified herein, no basement or cellar space shall be used as a sleeping room,
dwelling unit or rooming unit unless it meets all standards as set forth in this Housing Code
and meets the following additional requirements:

(a)The floor and walls shall be impervious to leakage or seepage of underground or surface
water and shall be well drained and protected against dampness;

(b)The total window area and openable window area of each room so used shall meet the
requirements of Section respectively.
 (c)Access can be gained to each room so used without passage through a furnace room.

(dEach room so used shall have no pipes, ducts or other obstructions less than six feet and
six inches above the floor level which interfere with normal use of the room or area.

(e)Each room so used shall be separated from the heating equipment, incinerators, or other
equally hazardous equipment by a standard partition when required by, and as specified in,
the Columbus Building Code.

(Ord. 356-75.)

Location of rooms.
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(a)

A bathroom or water closet compartment shall not be used as the only passageway to any
habitable room, hall, basement or cellar or to the exterior of the dwelling unit.

(b)

In dwelling units or rooming houses where the bath is shared by more than one family the
room arrangement shall be such that the bath and toilet are accessible without going through
any habitable room of another dwelling unit or rooming unit or going outside the dwelling unit.

(c)

Access to or egress from each rooming unit shall be provided without passing through any
other rooming unit or dwelling unit.

(Ord. 356-75.)

Closets.
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Each dwelling unit shall be provided with approximately thirty-six (36) cubic feet of clothes
closet space or suitable alternative for the first bedroom plus eighteen (18) cubic feet for each
additional bedroom. At least one-half (½) of the total required clothes closet space shall be
located within the dwelling unit.

(Ord. 356-75.)
Current design and trends
In 2021, we saw the modern home become increasingly more
versatile and multifaceted. Features that enhance the ability to live,
work, and play within the same space have made homes more
functional and enjoyable.
Read on to learn about the top 12 trends in residential architecture
design for 2022.
1. A Private Home Office
Privacy allows those who work or study at home to maintain focus,
making it a central focus of today’s residential design. Having a
separate workspace also improves work/life balance rather than
allowing work and home life to merge completely. Ideally, the space
has good natural lighting to brighten it up.
2. Spaces for Entertainment and Play
A cozy entertainment center and a cheerful playroom will be highly
sought-after spaces in 2022. If possible, they should be separated
from spaces used for reading and studying. In a home theater, cozy
furnishings like a sectional sofa, ottoman, and soft lighting elements
are essential.
3 . A Luxurious Bathroom
A deep soaking tub does wonders to promote relaxation, creating a
spa-like experience. So does a luxurious shower. Materials like
porcelain, marble, natural wood, and colorful mosaic tiles are all
popular options for walls and other surfaces.
4. Natural Elements
Residential spaces that bring nature indoors promote a sense of
well-being. This can go beyond merely adding a houseplant or two.
Incorporating vertical features like a trellis for vines, potted trees,
hanging plants, or even a living wall can make nature a central part
of residential design.
5. Creative Room Dividers
Ways of separating various living and working spaces are growing
increasingly popular due to the prevalence of open floor plans.
Adding dividers like sliding doors and bookshelves can create a
variety of cozy nooks, creating spaces for reading, chatting, and
relaxing.
6. Noise Reduction Elements
Nowadays, smart residential architecture design uses elements that
decrease noise, which greatly benefits multitasking families. Options
like soft flooring choices, sound-absorbing wall coverings, solid-core
doors, and acoustic plaster will reduce distracting noises.
7. Bold Two-Tone Color Schemes
Combinations of dark and light colors add visual interest. Natural
tones like blues, greens, and earth tones are becoming especially
popular, adding a calming element to any decor. Such colors can
make a space feel welcoming while improving focus.
8. Rounded Forms
Curved shapes are gaining popularity for both furniture and
structural elements like counters and walls. We expect to see more
curved sofas, oblong coffee tables, and other statement pieces like
curved kitchen islands. They add a touch of playfulness and soften a
space, increasing the sense of comfort it provides.
9. Lighting That Makes a Statement
Whimsical lighting elements have become a prominent feature of
residential design. Rather than a backdrop, lighting fixtures are
becoming a centerpiece of design, from artistic chandeliers to
artfully placed tube lighting features.
10. Sustainable Design
Sustainability has become a key trend in residential architecture
design. From designing for passive heating and cooling to choosing
sustainable fabrics, this trend is here to stay. Sustainability benefits
one’s budget while adding beauty to a space.
11. Outdoor Living Spaces
Many people are opting for backyard spaces that can essentially
serve as a second living room, dining room, or kitchen. Whether
used for entertaining or family meals, these spaces enhance
connection with nature and boost wellbeing, complementing the
focus on sustainability. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits surrounded
by weather-resistant seating are more in vogue than ever.
12. Home Fitness Spaces
With many people avoiding public gyms, home fitness centers have
exploded in popularity. Some homeowners are turning an attic,
garage, or even a hallway nook into an attractive home gym or yoga
retreat. Cubbies for equipment like weights will keep the space well
organized.
In the coming year, many people will continue to work or attend
school from home. Thus, trends that enhance the functionality of
living spaces (and boost family harmony!) will remain highly
relevant. And since many people may limit their time in public
places, living spaces that allow them to carry out favorite activities
will remain essential.

Residence design
considerations
1. Ensure you have the right location

Of course, you have to get a site before you start planning on the type of structure to put on it. But have you ever

taken a closer look at the location? Have you confirmed if it's the right place for your dream home? Inspect the site,

make sure it's flat enough and won't cost you much.

Soil conditions are significant to the foundation of the house. If the soil condition is not favorable, you may have to

spend more on grading and developing the land. This is costly and energy-consuming. So, inspect the land properly

and don't jump into purchasing because of the low price.

2. Consider your budget

How much do you have in place for the full construction? If you are not used to taking a budget before doing things,

you might just want to take that into practice when planning for a house.

Building a home is very costly. You are likely to overspend if you don't prepare a budget. To avoid that, prepare a

budget and stick to it. Keep your floor plan simple and less costly unless you have a high budget.

Prepare for certain expenses like building materials, labor, architect, furnishing, and so on. When you budget, try to

include some additional amount to cover unforeseen expenses.

3. The direction of the house

The direction your house faces matters a lot. You must not overlook this aspect when designing. Living spaces such

as bedrooms, dining rooms, or living rooms should face the right direction to ensure comfort.
Natural light has to flow freely into the room. This will help to reduce the number of light bulbs you will need to buy.

Also, the natural cool breeze will enter the house and there will be no need for ventilators. Give your windows a

beautiful view, not a brick wall.

4. Design with your family

Don't leave them out of your plan. Consider your family's opinion about the home structure and design. Since you will

be living together, it is vital to make sure that they are also comfortable with the design. Put them in the plan when

designing. There should be provision for everyone.

Room sizes and how they will be used is critical. If you have kids, make sure the house is danger free and has space

to play around, maybe a garden or backyard.

Building structure, appliances, furnishing, and all other areas of home designing should be in line with what best fits

your family.

5. Size

Small plan or big plan? This decision, as discussed earlier, depends on your budget. You will need an architect for

this and you also need to have some answers ready. How many floors do you want in your house? Would you like

some double-height spaces? Some localities have specifications on how big a house will be. Your architect will find

out if there are local regulations that can limit what you can build.
6. The house program

This is where you decide on everything that goes into the house. Architects love to call it the program. The list of all

the rooms you want in the house is what makes up the program. So, take your time to deliberate on this.

Start with the basic rooms needed first. After that, write additional rooms on a separate list, but remember that your

budget still makes the final decision. Make this list according to your family size.

How many bedrooms will you need? Is there going to be a master bedroom? Will bedrooms have closets and

bathrooms? Small or big living room? Open or closed kitchen?

Storage rooms, garage, workspace, and exterior places like patios, balcony, or roof deck should also be listed if

needed. When you have it all listed down, drawing the floor plan will be more comfortable whether you want to do it

yourself or invite an architect.

7. Be realistic and flexible

You can have a two in one plan. For example, you can use one space for a guest room and also a workplace. You

simply need to install a built-in Murphy bed that can easily be pulled down to make a guest room and pulled up for a

workspace. Maximizing the room's functionality is advisable. Guests don't come all the time, so it can be a waste of

space for you, especially when you are building on a low budget.

You should consider transformable furniture. Have a flex room. It makes you avoid constant renovations as your

family is growing. If you are still expecting more kids, you should consider a flex room.

8. Extra Storage

A house without an efficient storage space will be cluttered most of the time. Growing families always need more

storage space from time to time as new members are been added.
Consider adding additional storage space when designing your house so that it doesn't start to get cluttered. Think

wider; try to picture out the extra things that you will need when a new baby is added to the family. And consider

including built-in storage in your plan.

Books, toys, and games can be well arranged and organized in built-in storages.

9. Furniture

Getting the appropriate furniture size for your living area is necessary. It's essential to consider this early to create

enough space for your furniture. You can use the dimensions of the furniture you currently have. If you intend to

move into your dream home with the same old furniture, it has to fit into your new home.

Furniture should be well arranged to fit into your floor plan. They should not obstruct traffic flow—no excess furniture.

Just the right number needed.

Arrange them with at least 90 centimeters of space between them to allow smooth movement.

10. Open floor plan

Instead of choosing a well-defined floor plan, you can go for open living spaces. It is the idea of having one ample

space as a house. The furniture is arranged to reflect the intended purpose.

Open living spaces make supervision easier and allow a good connection between kids and their parents. All the

rooms are connected with an open floor plan. It allows more light in the house, which can make a small house look

bigger.

Although there will be a lack of privacy and increased noise effects, it will help you to save costs as you will need

fewer materials.

11. Future costs and durability

Designing a house with architectural features that will bring you more cost in the future is not advisable, no matter

how attractive they may be. It will look perfect on the paper but the maintenance cost will emanate.

Make sure your building is durable. Use low maintenance materials that are strong and reliable. Don't let the cost of

materials push you into purchasing something that is not going to last and might cost you frequent renovations.

Consider the climate of your location and choose materials that are suitable for the weather. Build a structure that is

long-lasting and not just something accommodating.

12. Involve experts and be ready for mistakes

Don't assume you know it all. It is good that you make a move to design your future home yourself. Planning it

yourself will be helpful to the architect because you have made it easier to see what you want. But be ready for

corrections and don't assume that you know all already.

There will be a need to change a few things and make them standard. So, when your architects make suggestions

and corrections, consider them.

Expect mistakes and errors even after the construction is completed, and be prepared to fix them. It might just be

where the additional costs you added to your budget become functional.
 Budget analysis
Budget for building design and construction projects

A budget is a statement of the amount of money that is available to spend over a period of time, or on a
specific thing, such as a building. It may include an outline plan for how that money will be spent, and a
breakdown of the items it will be spent on.

The CIOB Code of practice for project management 4th edition, defines a budget as:

'Quantification of resources needed to achieve a task by a set time, within which the task owners are
required to work... a budget consists of a financial and/or quantitative statement, prepared
and approved prior to a defined period, for the purpose of attaining a given objective for that period.'

Budgets for construction projects help determine what is affordable and should be set as early as
possible. It is important that they are based on evidence and are realistic.

The RIBA Plan of Work 2013 defines the project budget as; 'The client’s budget for the project, which may
include the construction cost as well as the cost of certain items required post -completion and during
the project’s operational use.'

A project budget can be established by:

 Assessment of projected income and expenses through the life of the project.
 Comparison with similar projects.
 Assessment of the funds available.
 Pre-design analysis of requirements.
 Analysis of preliminary design options.

The project budget is set by the client and is distinct from cost plans prepared by a cost consultant which
are likely to focus on the construction cost.

The client's total project budget may include:

 The construction cost.

 Land or property acquisition.
 Approvals fees.
 Planning costs (Section 106 Agreement or Community Infrastructure Levy).
 Financing costs.
 Site investigations.
 Fixtures, fittings and equipment.
 The cost of decanting and relocating, including costs associated with moving staff.
 Contracts outside of the main works.
 Insurance.
 Consultant fees.
 Inflation.
 Contingency.
 VAT.

It is common on projects that the project budget and the project brief diverge over time and it is for this
reason that careful cost control is important.

It is important that the client makes clear what costs should be monitored by the cost consultant and what
will remain within the control of the client organisation.

NB: NRM 1 defines the authorised budget (sometimes referred to as the approved estimate or cost limit)
as; 'the maximum expenditure that the employer is prepared to make in relation to
the completed building.'

NB: In the case of Riva Properties Ltd & Ors v Foster + Partners Ltd [2017], the Technology and
Construction Court (TCC) found that Foster + Partners had been negligent in failing to design a hotel that
could be constructed within Riva Properties budget, and then suggesting that it could
be value engineered down to the budget after planning permission had been granted. Foster + Partners
were held liable for client's costs of £3.6 million in developing the scheme which was almost £100 million
over the budget.

Stephen Homer, a partner at Ashfords LLP, the lawyers that acted for Riva Properties said; "This case
serves as a warning to designers that they cannot design in a vacuum. Cost and budget is a
key constraint and should always be identified and considered when designing any project, even when
the provision of cost advice is expressly excluded from the designer’s obligations."

Or we can revise the WIPO

E A/37/2 ORIGINAL: English DATE: September 19, 2002 WORLD I
NTE LLECTUAL P ROPERT Y O R GANI ZATI ON GENEVA ASSEMBLIES OF THE
MEMBER STATES OF WIPO Thirty-Seventh Series of Meetings Geneva, September 23 to
October 1, 2002 REVISED PROJECT BUDGET FOR THE NEW CONSTRUCTION AND
REVISED PROGRAM AND BUDGET FOR 2002-2003 Memorandum by the Director General.

design schedule (Project Management)

A design schedule is an estimate of the schedule for a particular action. Design schedule estimates for
individual actions are rolled up into design schedule estimates for a project.
The design schedule estimate is based on information that has been provided by architects, designers,
and contractors who have analyzed a project's requirements. A design schedule is defined after a project
has been approved, during the project's planning phase.
Design schedule estimates are more detailed than baseline schedule estimates, which are defined before
a project is approved

HOUSE PLANNING
CONSIDERATIONS
A plan of a house or any structure is also the designer’s prescription based on the requirements
of the client. A conceptual plan is a visual presentation of conceptual ideas supported by
mathematical calculations aimed at giving convenience and comfort to the users or occupants.
A good plan is judged based on its functionality and economy adhering to the principles of
“Form Follow Functions”.

Distribution
Refers to the placement, location and arrangement of each room in relation with each other like
between kitchen and dining which primarily requires accessibility on food servicing. These areas
are interrelated and should not be far from each other.

Circulation
Like roads and highways, traffic is also present inside the building that must be considered in
planning. Circulation and movements of the occupants inside the building should not be
hampered by any obstacles nor be detoured as a result of poor planning.

Light and ventilation

There is no substitute for a good daylight and fresh natural air entering and circulating inside the
building. Artificial lighting and ventilation is very costly.

Sizes, areas and shapes

All design are intended for human use and therefore should be planned according to human
scale. Good design always provide ample areas to accommodate furniture, appliances, and
other related facilities including the most critical and important lanes or pathways for routinary
movements inside the house. The shape as to plan and elevations should be strictly functional,
not fancy in character.

Orientation
Refers to the position and direction of the sunrise and sunset including the prevailing wind
directions in the area. A brief nap or rest at mid day or in the afternoon is normally done in the
bedroom. Thus, bedroom should not be oriented facing the afternoon sun. The kitchen, laundry
and bathroom is better oriented west for sunlight kills many types of bacteria.

Zoning Laws
The soning ordinance should be consulted first before deciding on the final site of the house or
building. You might be constructing your residential house on an industrial or commercial zone.

Height
A moderate high ceiling allows fresh air circulations, comfortable atmosphere, ad preserved
aesthetic value of the room. Room with low ceiling has warm atmosphere that requires artificial
ventilation.

Electrical layout
The location of convenience outlet should be planned simultaneously with the appliances to be
placed on. The extension wire for appliances is the most unsightly obstacle in the room due to
improper location of convenience outlet. A satisfactory electrical layout and installation is when
you avail of its services without the need of an extension cord. The location and accessibility of
light switches is another thing of important consideration. It should be installed near the door of
every room for convenience in switching-in and switching-off when entering and leaving the
room respectively.

Location of doors
When a door becomes an obstacle creating inconveniences to the occupant that is the time we
realized the mistake of not analyzing its proper position from early stage of planning.

Superstition
Although superstition has no page in the book of contemporary architecture, if your client
believes and insist that his life success depends o luck brought about by his superstitious belief,
then the planner have no choice but to do what his client say.
Architectural design standards
Visual Design Elements

Six integral components used in the creation of a design:

Line

Color

Form and Shape

Space

Texture

Value

Line
Types

Vertical – Represents dignity, formality, stability, and strength

Horizontal – Represents calm, peace, and relaxation

Diagonal – Represents action, activity, excitement, and movement

Curved – Represents freedom, the natural, having the appearance of softness, and creates a
soothing feeling or mood

Vertical Lines
The Empire State Building Brandenburg Gate Berlin

Architect: Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon

Skyscraper
Madrid, Spain

Horizontal Lines
Community Christian Church
Kansas City, MO
Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright, 1940
Diagonal Lines
 Curved Lines

Sydney Opera HouseJorn Utzon

Color
Color has an immediate and profound effect on a
design.
 Saint Basil’s Cathedral
Moscow
Form and Shape
Form: (3D)The shape and structure of something as distinguished from its substance or
material.
Shape: (2D)The two-dimensional contour that characterizes an object or area.

COLOUR PHSYCOLOGY
The color is light, beauty and harmony, but also mental
balance, comfort and excitement.
Colors in Architecture are
necessary to embellish, highlight, illuminate and separate
spaces … and also to transmit sensations and comfort.

An example: The color of a building is like the presentation of a

product and acts as a stimulus care to create a first
impression, favorable or negative. The interior colors
influences our body, character, behavior and mood.

The choice of color is therefore based on static factors and

also psychological, cultural and social factors.
INTRODUCTION TO THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOR

Colors cause perceptions that we must understand:

The white sunlight decomposes in colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue
and purple. These colors are divided into primary or
fundamental colors (yellow, red and blue ) and secondary colors(orange,
green and purple ) arising as a mixture of the above colors.
The colors are also classified in warm colors (red, orange , yellow) and cold
colors (blue, green , purple )

Each color has on the person a triple action:

– Impress, draws attention .
– Causes a reaction or emotion, as each color is capable of expression.
– Builds, because each color has its own meaning and acquires a symbolic
value.

Warm colors are considered STIMULANTS, CHEERFUL ands EXCITING

and cold colors are considered CALM, SEDATIVES and in some cases even
DEPRESSING.

Light warm colors suggest FINESSE, FEMININITY, KIDNESS, HOSPITALITY and

JOY. Dark warm colors suggest:VITALITY, POWER, WEALTH and STABILITY.

Light cold colors express FRESH, DELICACY, REST, SOLITUDE, HOPE and
PEACE. Dark cold colors express MELANCHOLY, DEPRESSION, HEAVINESS and
MYSTERY.

>YELLOW/AMARILLO: is SUN, LIGHT, JOY, GOOD MOOD. It stimulates the

nerve centers. It is the most INTELLECTUAL color. It means ENVY and RAGE.
It symbolizes ARROGANCE, POWER and STRENGHT.

>RED/ROJO: is FIRE, BLOOD, REVOLUTION, PASSION, VIOLENCE and

ACTION. Suggests HEAT, EXCITEMENT, MOVEMENT, VITALITY, also CRUELTY
and RAGE. It increases muscle tension, breathing activates and stimulates
blood pressure. Best suited for people retracted.

>BLUE/AZUL: color of SKY and WATER. It is SERENITY, PEACE, CALM,

INFINITE and COLDNESS. It is INTELLIGENCE, WISDOM and TRUTH. It acts as
a painkiller.

>ORANGE/NARANJA: is ENTHUSIASM, BURNING, EUPHORIA. It acts to

facilitate digestion.
>GREEN/VERDE: is FRESH, NATURE, QUIET, COMFORTING. It is HOPE,
SPRING, YOUTH. Color that frees the spirit and balances sensations.

>PURPLE/VIOLETA: is DEPTH, MYSTERY, MYSTICISM, MELANCHOLY.

SEDATIVE action.

>PINK/ROSA: is LOVE, ROMANCE, SOFTNESS, DELICACY.

>WHITE/BLANCO: is PURITY, CANDOR, INNOCENCE. It means PEACE.

>BLACK/NEGRO: is the absence of color. It is SADNESS AND GRIEF. Symbol

of evil. It slims.

>BROWN/MARRÓN: is EARTH, SIMPLICITY, UTILITY.

>GREY/GRIS: (mixture of black and white) is NEUTRALITY, FUSION OF

SADNESS and JOY,OF THE GOOD AND BAD.

>GOLD/ORO: WEALTH and OPULENCE

>SILVER/PLATA: NOBILITY and DISTINCTION

CONTRAST

The color intervenes in the object properties, in the figure-ground

relationship and in the perception of the object geometry.
The tone and contrast affect to the apparent dimensions and shapes of the
objects:
-A Light color on a dark background seems lighter than it really is. A dark
color on a light background looks even darker.
-If the color is more intense it seems to occupy less space. If the color is less
intense it appears that its area is bigger.

-Warm colors seem more extensive and cold colors look smaller than they
really are.

FINISHING MATERIAL FOR FLOOR,WALL

AND CEILLING
A Guide To Different Types Of Wall
Finishes
Off lately, walls have become the hallmark of modern homes. Interior design
today is all about making a statement with walls. Therefore, the choice of a
wall finish plays a vital role as you design the interiors for your home. This
guide will help you learn about various types of wall finishes available in the
market today so you can make a wise decision.

What Are Wall Finishes And Why Does Your Wall Need
One?
As the name implies, they are the finish on a wall that enhances the look and
feel. As the minimalist style of interior design has gained popularity in recent
times the demand for wall finishes has grown alongside. Today’s homeowners
don’t want their homes to look like a home from the 80’s. It is vital to pick the
right finish for your walls, as it adds to the overall aesthetics of your home,
and makes plain walls look stunning.

Different Types Of Wall Finishes

You must know that there is more than one type of wall finish available, for
you to choose from to pick a wall finish that matches your style and
complements the interior design and decor of your space.

Let’s learn about the different types of wall finishes:

Textured Wall Finish

Textured walls add depth and bring in character to any space. They can be
centrepieces in their own right and are often an artistic expression that
engages both senses of sight and touch. They capture light and shadows, that
makes them visually attractive.

Wallpaper

If you are looking for a budget-friendly yet stylish wall finish, wallpapers are an
excellent choice. They come in various prints, patterns and styles that can
blend into any style of home interiors and complement the overall aesthetics
of your space.

Also, Explore more about Different Types Of Wallpapers

3D Wall Painting

3D wall paintings offer an artistic touch to dull walls. 3D paintings not only use
up the wall but also stylise it, with visually captivating designs. Besides you
get to enjoy the freedom of choosing a design that tells your story, a family
portrait or a special moment painted on your walls.

Cladding

Cladding is one of the most common and popular types of wall finishes. There
are various kinds of stones available for you to choose from if you opt for this
type of wall finish. For example, granite, marble, glazed tiles or vitrified tiles.
The choice of stone or tile you use for your home depends on the room where
it will be used. They are readily available in a myriad of patterns and colours.
Mirror Wall Finish

If you are a little tight on space, designing one wall with mirrors is a smart
idea. Mirrors make a room appear larger than it is from its actual size. It also
makes spaces look bright and luxurious at the same time. There are several
variants to choose from – frosted, translucent, patterned glass, tinted glass,
reflective glass, satin glass (also known as privacy glass) among others etc.

A perfect wall finish can uplift the aesthetics of your home and give it a million-
dollar look. All you need to do is, pick the type of wall finish that matches your
taste, budget and requirements.
Also Read:

 Wall Texture Designs For Living Room

 Wall Showcase Design For Your Home
 A Guide To Living Room Walls

How To Choose The Best Material For Your

Kitchen Countertop
If you are remodelling or planning on a new kitchen, there are numerous
factors that need to be kept in mind. From cabinets, drawers, functionality,
storage space, but how often do we give focus on the kitchen countertops. We
all want a hardworking kitchen that will sustain our vigorous Indian cooking, so
a steady, durable and cost-effective kitchen countertop is a must. It will be an
investment you would want to last for years, but the lifestyle is essential to the
decorating style when it comes to picking the correct countertop. This guide
will help you on how you can choose the perfect countertop for your kitchen.

Which Countertop Do You Need To Choose?

Choosing the best material for your kitchen countertop is not easy for most
homeowners as the market has a plethora of choices. You will find different
types of materials, price points and colours. To make the right decision, you’ll
have to choose a material that will last long and look good for years to come.

And to come to a wise choice for your kitchen, one that is based on your
lifestyle and budget, you need to familiarise yourself with the pros and cons of
each type of material, the amount of care needed and its durability.

So which kitchen countertop material is right for you? Do you want something
elegant that suits your sense of style and persona? Is maintenance a top
priority for you? Do you have kids at home? As you see there are many things
to consider when designing a kitchen countertop.

Our guide here will make your life easier, so let us take a look at the world of
possibilities when it comes to choosing the best material for your kitchen
countertop.

In this guide, we will be talking about the three most popular materials used
for kitchen countertops.

Granite Kitchen Countertops

Granite is a natural stone and one that is naturally quite rough. However its
surface can be smoothed with polishing giving it a lovely lustre. It is a sturdy
material quite durable. So if you place a heavy utensil or a hot pot on top it will
not result in damage. Each slab of granite comes with its own unique pattern
of veins apart from several colour options that make this stone a preferred
choice among homeowners.

Let us take a look at the pros and cons of granite now shall we?
Tips To Polish Granite
Want to restore that factor shine? Here’s how to go about it:

 Granite can be polished with wet or dry materials.

 The dry polishing powder is the go-to-option for light repairs and
cheaper too.
 Wet polishing is a professional polishing technique used to treat severe
countertop damages.
 It is called wet polishing because water is poured on top of the stone to
reduce the heat friction between the countertop and polishing pads.

Granite Countertop Prices

Several factors determine the price band of granite available in the market.
These range from moderately priced to high variants depending on the origin
of the stone, finish and availability. There are also several grades available:
discount, builder, premium and designer. Another factor that might determine
the price is the complexity of the job – the more complex the design, the more
the seams, and labor required to build it into your interiors.

Marble Kitchen Countertops

If you are looking for a classic yet luxurious look for your kitchen interiors then
marble is your choice of material for a countertop. Marble, a richly veined
natural stone, has the power to turn an ordinary kitchen into an extraordinary
one. A white marble finished countertop can elevate the interior’s of a kitchen
giving a clean, lustrous look. This material is also available in many colours
including shades of grey, taupe, brown and even green. Marble is softer than
other stones so you might want to evaluate its pros and cons before investing
in it.

Let us take a look at the pros and cons of marble now.

Marble Countertop Prices

Marble is of the pricier options in your choice of materials for a kitchen
countertop. There are grades – discount, builder, premium and designer with
each variant costing more. The complexity of the job and the estimates will be
based on the variables you select.

Tips To Clean Marble Countertops

Mable is expensive so the care required here is more. It comes sealed from
the factory and needs to be resealed often.

 Cleaning marble is a daily process.

 You need to frequently clean all the spills immediately with a clean,
damp cloth.
 If the countertop looks faded you need to polish it before resealing.

Explore more about Marble Kitchen Countertops

Quartz Countertops
If you are looking for a kitchen countertop that is classy in its appeal without
being high-maintenance then quartz is your choice of material without a
shadow of doubt. It is one of the most robust materials available and lasts for
decades without losing its natural beauty. Quartz comes in many colours and
has rich veins in between. You can select from a range of browns, cream and
greys. What makes quartz different from marble and granite? Quartz is an
engineered product while the other two are solid naturally occurring stones.
As an engineered product, the variants produced are endless. Quartz can
replicate the textured finish of granite for gloss or that of a highly polished
stone. If you have a kitchen that is busy through the day with high traffic (such
as kids running in and out) you will want a countertop that can withstand
stains and spills. No reason why you won’t choose quartz then!

Let us take a look at the pros and cons of quartz.

Quartz Countertop Prices

Quartz is one of the most durable and sturdy materials you can choose for
countertops. They are used for commercial kitchens and in health care
facilities too. However, it might cost a bit more than other stones. But the good
news is that they last much longer and require minimum maintenance.
Tips To Clean Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are the easiest to clean compared to marble and granite.
Quartz is crafted using a polyester binder making it a non-porous material.
This means spills and dirt can’t seep into the material.

 Spills can be wiped away with a damp cloth or a mild cleaner.

 Bacteria, mold or mildew does not grow on quartz which makes it easy
to clean without using harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing.

Explore more about Kitchen Quartz Countertops

Top Trends For Kitchen Countertops In 2020

Quartz Countertops Is The Champ
Quartz is the highly sought out material defeating marble and granite for
kitchen countertops Granite was the top choice for many years as
homeowners opted for something strong, durable and good looking. But
granite has a downside – it is porous. This means all the liquid, oil and
beverages you spill while cooking or eating can seep through the surface
causing long lasting stains. Also it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria
and other microorganisms. It continually requires sealing from time to time as
it tends to wear off. However, quartz is non-porous and does not require
resealing. It is stain resistant and the most hygienic countertop option for
homeowners. It is as strong as granite, super durable and needs less
maintenance.

Honed Versus Polish Finishes

Honed finishes is a treatment where a stone’s surface has been ground down
to give it a consistent texture and a matte look. Matte means little or no shine.
This kind of finish looks great with marble since it lacks a sheen. It
automatically conceals any scratches and flaws. Leathered or polish finishes
is a new style of treatment that has become popular in recent years. A
polished finish retains the stone’s natural colour thereby giving it a more
sophisticated look than a honed finish countertop. Another advantage of a
leathered finish is that it hides fingerprints and water spots which many find it
appealing.

Veined Patterns

Nowadays, homeowners are looking at a bit of character when it comes to

their kitchen countertops. Countertops these days come in a variety of
patterns unlike the plain style of yesteryears. Materials like quartz are
engineered to resemble slabs of natural stone like marble and granite. This
involves designing intricate patterns with thread like veins. This gives the
kitchen interior’s a delightful twist when blended into overall design and
aesthetics.

Countertops have always been an integral part of kitchen interior design.

Throughout generations, the style has been evolving as homeowners seek the
perfect look for their kitchen. Make sure you choose a material for your
countertop, based on your lifestyle. How often do you cook? Is it baking
friendly? Do you have a child who loves to scribble? Every countertop will
have its advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, price bands and
colours. So do your research well before making a final decision.

8 flooring finishes to use in your

home

The possibilities for flooring your home or office are

virtually endless. There are loads of creative ways
to use different materials to form styles and
patterns.
Here are 8 finishes to inspire your flooring choices:

1. Polished concrete
One of the latest innovative trends in flooring is polished concrete. It’s
basically a coloured cement-based floor screed that comes with a high shine
finish. It’s very easy to clean, extremely robust, and a winner when it comes
to design. With polished concrete you can create a truly stunning visual
effect and as it’s available in different colours, so there’s room to get
creative!

2. Hardwood
Hardwood continues to be a popular choice for flooring, with some of the
most common forms being oak, maple, birch or hickory. They’re one of the
oldest and also one of the most popular flooring types. High quality
hardwoods can create a luxurious feel and can bring elegance to any space.
They’re also extremely durable and easy to clean, and can be sanded and
refinished after a bit of wear and tear.

3. Laminate
Laminates are more sophisticated now than ever before. Most laminates
tend to mimic wood or stone, and today it’s almost impossible to tell the
difference visually, although they are a much more affordable option. They
require little maintenance, are highly resistant to scratches and are available
in many colours and designs.

4. Ceramic/Porcelain
Tiles have been a clear flooring favourite around the world for hundreds of
years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re durable, easy to clean, and are
suitable for a wide variety of situations. You could go for a simple, elegant
design in your hallway, a bright splash of colour in kitchen, or get creative
with your patterns in the bathroom.

5. Carpet
Carpets may not be the most eye catching floor type, but they certainly
create comfort and warmth all throughout your home. Especially in the
freezing winter months you’ll be thankful for having a soft carpet under your
feet. They also act as great noise insulation, and are available in an almost
unlimited amount of colours and designs.

6. Stone
Stone flooring will create a real “wow” factor in your house if you get it right.
Marble and granite are the most common choices, but limestone and slate
are getting more popular lately. Stone flooring doesn’t come cheap but can
be a great choice as it’s very durable.

7. Vinyl
Similar to laminate, vinyl is a cost-effective flooring solution. Vinyl is on the
up, and luxury varieties are now available. As it’s an extremely water
resistant material, it’s an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms. It’s
available in an endless array of patterns and designs, so let your creativity
run wild with this one!

8. Cork
Cork flooring is an eco-friendly flooring solution. It’s fire resistant, durable,
and won’t show scratches as easily as a hardwood floor. It is however an
expensive option, and cork floors require quite a bit of maintenance to keep
them waterproofed and stain free.
 How to choose a ceiling finish in a
decoration project

Choosing the right ceiling finish in a decoration project defines, not only the interior aesthetics of a
space, but also the degree of acoustic comfort to be enjoyed. And the truth is that, sometimes, a
lot of attention is paid to decorating walls while the appearance and composition of the ceiling above
is largely neglected or not suitably considered.
Below are some issues to be taken into account when choosing the right ceiling finish for your
project:

 Material: Concrete, brick, plaster, metal, plastic, glass… you can practically choose any material for
ceiling finish. Each offers certain advantages (aesthetics, acoustics, simplicity, economy…) but wood
offers them all. It is a warm, elegant material, recognised for its great aesthetic value, which
helps to improve the acoustics of a room and comes in a wide range of finishes, mounting systems
and prices.
 Removable ceilings or accessible ceilings: Wood removable ceilings are those that allow for quick
and easy placement but that, in some cases, do not allow for sockets everywhere. Let me explain:
Once the removable ceilings have been installed, they can removed but you have to start from the
outer edges which are the most accessible to start removing material. On the other hand, accessible
ceilings allow you to take any panel out and put it in again as many times as you want. This feature
is ideal when you want to add to complements to the false ceiling, such as air vents, fire or
safety detectors, downlights, speakers, or when you have to access the main ceiling.
 Acoustics: Once you have opted for a wood ceiling finish you can choose whether or not you want
that roof to have a particular sound absorption capability. If so, you can opt for the installation of
wood acoustic ceilings such as those offered by Spigotec, Spigoacustic and Spigoline
 Finishes: A wood ceiling finish can have different shades which you can choose and which,
normally, refer to natural wood hues, such as beech, oak, cherry, maple, pear or wenge among
others.
 3 BASIC TYPES OF LIGHTING
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By admin_stanpro

One room can serve multiple purposes. It can be a place where you can
relax, work on the computer, do arts and crafts, cook, share a meal with
friends, and much more… This is why lighting features need to correspond to
the setting or application of the room.

“The best advice I can offer is the following: no matter what you do, or what
you hope to accomplish, always install three types of lighting in a room,”
says Patricia Rizzo, of the Lighting Research Center . People often expect a
single source of light to meet all their needs. Yet, each of the three types of
lighting has a particular function to fulfill specific needs, which are:

 Ambient lighting
 Task lighting
 Accent lighting
Ambient Indoor Lighting
General or ambient lighting is intended to light up a room in its entirety. It
provides a uniform level of illumination throughout the space independently
of other lighting sources.

Moreover, its purpose is to ensure safe and easy traffic, as well as to create
an overview of the room. The ambient light ‘bounces’ off the walls to
illuminate as much space as possible.

Types of fixtures that can provide general ambient indoor lighting:

 Chandelier
 Ceiling mounted fixture
 Wall-mounted fixture
 Traditional recessed fixtures and / or LED downlights
 Track light
 Floor lamp
 Table lamp

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Ambient Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is usually installed in order to ensure visibility and increase
security around a building. It is also recommended to light up the exterior of
the building, entrances and stairs to reduce and perhaps eliminate the risk of
injury that can occur when entering and leaving the building.

To learn more about outdoor lighting, read our article Economical, Efficient,
and Safe Outdoor Lighting
Types of fixtures that provide ambient outdoor lighting:

 Spotlight
 Hanging fixture
 Garage and canopy lighting
 Post lantern
 Wall lighting
 Recessed fixture used in overhanging structures

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Task Lighting
Task lighting illuminates the tasks a person carries out in a given space such
as reading, cooking, computer work. A brighter light is required in a smaller
focal point of the room for these sorts of tasks.

For a more pleasant illumination, it is often best to avoid harsh lights or

lighting that casts troublesome shadows. It is also practical to install a single
switch for focal lighting, independent from the room’s overall lighting switch.

Types of Fixtures that Provide Task Lighting:

 Directional gimbal recessed fixture or downlight

 Pendant lighting
 Slim line bar and undercabinet
 Tape and extrusion
 Portable or desk lamp

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 Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is used mainly to focus on a specific point of interest or to
achieve a desired effect. This type of lighting gives the impression of a larger
room. It is more frequently used to highlight an architectural feature, a plant
(in outdoor layout), a sculpture, or a collection of objects.

As a general rule, effective accent lighting requires the installation of three

times more light on the focal point than ambient lighting generally provides.

Types of Fixtures that Provide Accent Lighting:

 Track light
 Slim line bar and undercabinet
 Tape and extrusion
 Directional recessed fixture or downlight
 Wall-mounted fixtures

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In short…
We often start designing our lighting plan with ambient lighting and then go
on to identifying the areas where there will be a need for accent lighting.
When selecting the different types of lighting you will use in your situation, it
is generally better to go from generic to specific.

However, when multiple specific tasks are performed in a room (a jewelry

store, for example) or when there are several points to highlight (such as
a museum or an art gallery), it is best to start a lighting plan with accent
lighting. Therefore, it is essential to know the purpose of a room before
starting the development! For more information on lighting requirements,
see article 7 Spatial Categories and Their Lighting Requirements.

TYPES OF FURNITURE AND ARRANGMENTS

Ideas for Furniture

Arrangement
When it comes to styling rooms with furniture, you can see
endless options available. You can make use of the following
ideas when arranging furniture in a room:

01. Measure the Space

One of the first things you should do is get the exact dimension of
the room. Take note of the length and width, and try to be
illustrative when getting the measurements.

To do this, you must draw a box and indicate the measurement

for each side. This is going to be your floor plan. Securing a scale
floor plan will help you manage the spaces in the room.

The simplest way of quantifying is to convert feet to inches at a

ratio of 1 is to 1. Thus, if your living room measures 16′ x 10′, it
will be converted to a 16″x 10″.

By knowing the measurement of the room, you can buy the right
piece of furniture. You’ll also know whether to buy an l shape
sofa or a rounded one.
02. Choose Small Furniture

After measuring the room, you’ll know which furniture to use. But
whatever the size of the room, you must get small or medium-
sized furniture. Even grandiose living rooms don’t have to feature
large-scale furniture.

If you want to maximize the space in your room, you must get
small-scale furniture. You can check around on stores as they
often sell small but elegant furniture. Find small loveseats,
settees, and chairs that are suitable to the size of your living
room.

You can place the love seat in the middle fronting the bay
window. Then, complete the setup by putting dainty tables on the
sides.

Or you can also put a pair of armchair sits on the front of the sofa.
Most importantly, accessorize the wall with an old recamier and
place it diagonally across from your sofa.

If you are thinking to buy furniture according to your room

measurements, you need not worry because we have some tips
for you:

03. Prioritize Functionality

One of the reasons of why choosing small furniture is to maximize
your space’s functionality. When you arrange your furniture, you
must always consider the functionality of the room.

Although you might find it attractive to place the furniture far

from the walls, you must also consider that your kids also need
space for their playtime.

04. Follow the Flow

Yes, you might say that interior designing is an easy task,

especially if you’ll be working on a clean slate. It could mean that
you’re just about to move into a new house with empty rooms.

However, once you get all the furniture inside and you begin to
figure out the arrangement, you’ll realize that what you thought
was easy is not.

That’s because you should design a room considering your traffic

trails. It’s helpful to know that when arranging furniture, less is
sometimes more.
Thus, it’s best to maintain at least three feet of walking space
between every piece of furniture. That’s why small furniture is a
better choice, especially if you have a smaller space.

05. Position the Large

Furniture First

Although small furniture is often preferred, you don’t have to

neglect big furniture.

Ideally, the biggest item should face the main area directly as it
develops visual balance. Once you’re done arranging the large
pieces, you can then proceed on random items and arrange them
accordingly. However, make sure that you don’t lose the
functionality of the room.

You may also want to avoid driving the furniture against your
walls. Thus, you may want to find a way to arrange the furniture
with some gap from the wall as it can make your room vast and
airy.
06. Follow a Symmetrical
Living Room Furniture
Arrangement

Aside from functionality, you must also determine the entry-drop

spot of your room. You’ll need to secure a space for it when you
begin with your furniture arrangement.

With an asymmetrical layout, you should consider placing the key

seating furniture close to the fireplace area, or arranging the
seats fronting each other.

You can also use the end tables to serve as the landing spaces as
you put them on each side of the sofa. Lastly, neutralize the
visual weight by adding chairs.

07. Find a Large Coffee

Table
When choosing a table, you may want a coffee table in bigger
sizes. You can maximize the use of a large coffee table when you
put it in the center of the seating area.

That way, it can also serve as your foothold for the entire area as
it also offers guests more space for their drinks.

08. Distribute the Lighting

For any room, lighting is essential. You may want to install more
sources of light if you currently have one source only. This can be
done by layering the overhead light fixture with certain task
lightings such as a side table lamp or floor lamp.
By doing so, you’ll feel the difference when you accentuate your
room with good lighting . Thus, it makes the area appear bigger
and feel more vibrant.

09. Place The Area Rug In

The Center

You can put a rug in a room as it’s the last element in your layout
and the easiest among all elements. The rug is usually to be set in
the center of the main seating area and should stretch a little bit
more beyond your chairs and sofa. Doing so should tie the whole
space together.

If there’s already carpet in your room, you may want to put a

thicker rug on top to accessorize it. This may add more comfort
and relaxation to your visitors.

Conclusion
Furniture arrangement is an important task. As a homeowner, you
want to see your room well organized. Arrange your furniture in
such a way that it improves your setting. However, it would be
best if you also remember that functionality is an important
consideration.
By taking time to understand the ideas on how to arrange your
furniture effectively, you can be assured that you’ll maximize
every single space in the area. Thus, you may want to consider
the following tips above. Start now, and see how it can change
the beauty and comfort of your room.