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Architectural Site Design and Site Planning
Site planning is an important component of a successful design. Jim Finch Architecture has the design sense and experience to provide the best possible solution to architectural site design. As the architect, I will design and locate the home based on your wishes and your input. The architectural site plan will locate and orient the structure on the site. The larger and more varied (slope, landscaping, views, etc.) the building site is, the more important intelligent site design becomes. A few of the important factors in architectural site planning are:
- passive solar gain
- views
- natural site features
- access to the structure
- drainage
Passive solar gain
Ideally, the building will be oriented to take full advantage of the path of the sun. In Florida, too much sun entering large windows can, of course, play havoc on cooling bills. Larger windows (usually at the main living areas and master bedroom), in the ideal situation, will face north to avoid direct solar gain. Roof overhangs, shading devices, and trees, are other features that can help mitigate direct solar gain. The house should be designed to have openings that take full advantage of prevailing breezes.
Views
Perhaps the most important factor in successful architectural site planning, taking advantage of views can 'make or break' the design. Whether the site has lake views, views of natural landscaping, or beach fronting, the major living spaces should have direct visual access. More times than not, views will 'trump' other considerations in locating your home.
Natural site features
Proximity of lakes, streams, mature trees, and other natural site features are considered in efficient architectural site design. These features often follow under the category of 'views' and, to some extent, drainage. Prescribed 'setbacks' from wetland areas, along with other ordinances may also play a part in the site design.
Access to the structure
Creating a sense of arrival can be an important part of efficient site design. Where the site allows, it is often effective to create a curved access with strategically placed landscaping to maximize the experience of arrival.
Drainage
A more practical (than aesthetic) feature of intelligent site design, proper drainage should always be accomplished. Use of artificial methods to properly drain a site (landscape swales, catch basins, etc.) can effectively make drainage a minor consideration in locating and orienting the building on the site.
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Design home additions
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Design home remodels
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Construction documents
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Building department plans
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Construction plans
Give me a call at (813) 838-0425 with any questions or comments about your Florida residential project. Residential Architect Florida: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Bradenton, Lutz, Tarpon Springs, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Springhill.
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