 |
|
|
Home | Your Dreams| Don's Philosophy| Getting Started | Design Styles| Our Firm |
|
|
The Design Process |
|
| Site location and topography determines the type of foundation, location on the lot, driveway and garage placement, landscape features to be incorporated and potential views for the design of a new home. Following the creation of a building envelope (subtracting set-backs from the lot lines) the general shape of the residence is determined. |
 |
 |
First, a
bubble design (rough sketch) of the location of the first floor rooms is
created, taking into consideration the desired flow of rooms, potential
views, solar ramifications and any other restrictions which may apply.
After completion, the real design process begins by creating a
structural grid (roughly the shape of the preferred design style) and
placing all the rooms, hallways, plumbing fixtures etc. correctly to
precise scale. Simultaneously, the designer establishes the structural system which must conform to the span limits of materials and considers the potential weight loads to be applied from above. It is important to note that the second floor is not typically designed until the first floor is completed as any change to the lower floor affecting the structural design alters the wall locations and beams above. When the floor plan is approved, the same steps will be taken to design the second floor and finally the basement or foundation. Designing the structure is much like a multi-tiered chess game with each move affecting components above and below the plane
|
|
Next, the style of the home must be
established and embellishments selected accordingly. A wire frame
(outline) of the elevation is developed and the roof shape determined by
style and numerous geometric rules and considerations. When the outline
is complete, windows, doors & other details are added. After the final
client revisions are made, section drawings (see-thru construction
plans) schedules and related construction details are prepared. Obviously, this represents a simple overview of the process. A complete guide would require volumes to thoroughly address the preparation of plans. The actual time necessary to design a sizeable home with multiple stories, roof heights and wall offsets, can be hundreds of hours
|
|
| Additions, Makeovers and Remodeling | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© 2007 Don Ruth FAIBD Don@DonRuthFAIBD.com |
Office 704-660-1588 Fax 704-660-1589 |
 |
|
