http://www.mangonearchitects.com/
Friday, September 2, 2016
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Universal and Sustainable Design
Multi-family buildings are now required to meet code requirements for handicapped individuals and for energy conservation. Single family residences are not currently required by Code to meet the same standards but are increasingly designed with sustainability and universal accessibility by all people in mind (i.e., universal design), without compromising the aesthetics of the space.
Everyone will experience physical challenges at some point in life - through illness, physical injury or limitations of old age. Universal design takes a preventive, pro-active approach, accommodating an individual's changing wellness so they can remain functional and independent in their own home. It focuses on providing a living space where people of different capabilities can live in a household at the same time. A residence that incorporates universal design so it is flexible for all occupants of the space and maintains its usefulness as circumstances change for its occupants, reducing the need to relocate, is inherently more sustainable.
Energy efficiency and a healthy indoor environment are major components of good universal design: encompassing water conservation, non-toxic building materials, air quality, elimination of allergens and focusing on how the light, thermal comfort, acoustics and noise generation affect the quality of the space. In addition, using the best products and materials that can be afforded and will last the longest will have the least long-term impact on the environment.
For example, a kitchen that incorporates universal and sustainable design would be easily accessible from all adjacent areas, including wheelchair access. It would maximize the efficient use of space, light and fresh air. Appliances would be quiet and energy/water efficient. Upper wall cabinets could be located at a lower height and include open front shelves. Counter tops would be wheel chair accessible.
When a living space is energy efficient, healthy, and can be used equally by all occupants, good sustainable and universal design has been achieved.
Everyone will experience physical challenges at some point in life - through illness, physical injury or limitations of old age. Universal design takes a preventive, pro-active approach, accommodating an individual's changing wellness so they can remain functional and independent in their own home. It focuses on providing a living space where people of different capabilities can live in a household at the same time. A residence that incorporates universal design so it is flexible for all occupants of the space and maintains its usefulness as circumstances change for its occupants, reducing the need to relocate, is inherently more sustainable.
Energy efficiency and a healthy indoor environment are major components of good universal design: encompassing water conservation, non-toxic building materials, air quality, elimination of allergens and focusing on how the light, thermal comfort, acoustics and noise generation affect the quality of the space. In addition, using the best products and materials that can be afforded and will last the longest will have the least long-term impact on the environment.
For example, a kitchen that incorporates universal and sustainable design would be easily accessible from all adjacent areas, including wheelchair access. It would maximize the efficient use of space, light and fresh air. Appliances would be quiet and energy/water efficient. Upper wall cabinets could be located at a lower height and include open front shelves. Counter tops would be wheel chair accessible.
When a living space is energy efficient, healthy, and can be used equally by all occupants, good sustainable and universal design has been achieved.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Remodeling vs New House
I have been asked this question many times, and it is very hard to answer.
It depends on many factors. Past work experience can be used as a general guide line.
My builders and I came up with the 40% rule of thumb.
In general, the remodeling work should not exceed 40% of the house's total area.
There are different degrees of remodeling.
It makes sense to remodel an existing old house, when the work is primarily cosmetic (no structural work), even if the amount of work exceeds 40%.
It does not make sense, (unless the final cost will be less than the market value of surrounding homes)
when there is structural work involved, like a new addition greater than 40% of the existing house, or adding a second floor on top of the existing house, because the foundations are not strong enough to
support additional load.
Technically everything can be done. Keeping the project in the budget is a different matter, and there are too many variables to generalize. Each case needs to be evaluated in the proper context.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Home Remodeling, most for your buck
http://www.mangonearchitects.com/
How to maximize your remodeling project on a limited budget?
First, do not consider a new addition - it is the most expensive form of remodeling.
Work within the existing house perimeter.
Knock down non bearing walls between kitchen, dining and living room -
opening large areas gives the house a totally new look, more light and a different scale of space perception. All this will require only some new drywall (which is one of the cheapest construction materials) and some electrical wire relocation.
Replace old windows with new ones, preferably larger size to allow more light inside.
Kitchen and bathroom are the most expensive areas to remodel.
A good strategy to save money is to replace the counter top and the cabinet front panels only.
First, do not consider a new addition - it is the most expensive form of remodeling.
Work within the existing house perimeter.
Knock down non bearing walls between kitchen, dining and living room -
opening large areas gives the house a totally new look, more light and a different scale of space perception. All this will require only some new drywall (which is one of the cheapest construction materials) and some electrical wire relocation.
Replace old windows with new ones, preferably larger size to allow more light inside.
Kitchen and bathroom are the most expensive areas to remodel.
A good strategy to save money is to replace the counter top and the cabinet front panels only.
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