The Functionality of Domestic Architecture

Architectural design and architectural engineering go hand in hand to create a house that is attractive, functional and suits the needs and safety of the occupant(s) with consideration of the surrounding environment.

Here are some examples of how architectural design and engineering has been thought through and implemented to improve the functionality of domestic properties in the UK.



Keeping the Heat In

Double Glazing

The UK is not associated with having warm sunny weather all year-round, for one simple reason - because we don’t. Due to the cold, wet weather we are prone to experiencing, UK houses are often built to retain as much warmth as possible.

One way this is achieved is through the use of double glazing, which has become a standard in most of our houses. Double glazed windows are two panes of glass with argon gas filling the space between them. This stops the transfer of heat from either side of the window, since argon is a poor heat conductor, thereby minimising the amount of heat escaping out our windows and keeping warmth inside the house.

This does also work the other way around. With the recent rise of temperatures the UK has been experiencing in the summer months, double glazing is also effective in stopping the hot air from outside coming into our houses, aiding in keeping them cooler in hotter weather.

Bricks

The most common material used in the construction of UK houses is bricks. This isn’t just an aesthetic decision, but often a practical one. Being somewhere that experiences all four seasons, the difference in temperature between our summers and winters varies greatly. Bricks can withstand this change in temperature, as well as being highly durable and able to withstand the accompanying weather conditions.

Bricks also have a high thermal mass, meaning they are able to absorb, store and release heat, which makes them an ideal building material in keeping our houses warm.

Utilising Space

Building Up Instead of Out

Most UK houses are built with two stories rather than as bungalows (of course, there are some exceptions). Even when people extend their living space, loft conversions are becoming increasingly popular compared to building outwards.

Here are some reasons why architects design our houses to be built up instead of out:

●     Building up takes less space - we do not have the same luxury as other countries in having a vast amount of land readily available for housing in relation to the growing population, so building up allows for more houses to be built in a certain area. This also offers more spatial opportunities for gardens.

●     The cost per square foot is less for a two-story building than for a spread-out bungalow, allowing people’s budgets to be met and used in the most advantageous way to them.

●     Two-story buildings offer versatile design for other components to a house. For example, having the second story allows for loft space, appropriate foundations to attach a porch to, or opportunity for balconies.

If you’re looking for architectural firms in Birmingham or the surrounding area, contact Integrated Designs & Associates today. With over 27 years of architectural design experience, we offer our services for both residential and commercial builds.