Residential Architecture in Florida

Chief among these considerations are:

• Climate
• Soils conditions
• Flood potential
• Potential for hurricanes and wind damage

All of the these issues are addressed in the building codes, but the residential architect in Tampa is responsible to inform the client of all of the options available above and beyond code minimums. The structural engineer is a primary partner in the effort to keep the structure as safe and sturdy as possible.

Climate
Cooling and heating systems, insulation types, window types, and orientation of the building are important factors to consider. Heating and cooling systems are becoming much more energy efficient and have the capacity to 'zone'. Refer to the section in this web site for 'green architecture' for more information on heating and cooling systems and on building orientation. Insulation in masonry construction most often consists of fiber board on the interior walls and 'batt' insulation in the attics. Masonry cells can be filled with foam insulation, increasing the home's energy efficiency factor. There are numerous options to this typical insulation system. Contact Jim Finch Architecture for more options for your home. Codes require 'impact resistant' windows in some high wind zones. The owner, with the architect's input, may choose to select 'impact windows' where not specifically required in the code to increase the safety factor. Window can be tinted, can be double or triple paned, and offer other ways to maximize your savings on energy bills. Jim Finch Architecture is informed about the choices you will encounter. We're ready to help.

Soils conditions
New homes are often constructed on compacted fill. That is, dirt that has a fairly uniform character is brought to the site. Once there, it is spread and compacted to give the foundation a uniform ability to handle the loads from the structure. Homes near the beach are often constructed on drilled piers. Jim Finch Architecture, as your Florida residential architect can help you to make the best choices regarding soils and foundation types.

Flood potential
Flood zones in Florida (as well as other flood prone areas of the country) have been designated by FEMA. Building departments enforce the FEMA restrictions. For example, note that most new homes near the major waterways are elevated above the adjacent grade, sometimes as much as 15'. FEMA requires that living spaces not be built above 'base flood elevation', so many beach houses have garages and storage (non living spaces) below (in the 'floodway') with living spaces elevated. The Tampa Architect can help you with how the FEMA and building department flood policies will affect your design.

Potential for hurricanes and wind damage
Hurricane resistant design is, again, specifically addressed in the current building code. Some areas in Florida have more stringent construction requirements than others due to local ordinances and the exposure factor. It is incumbent on the architect and structural engineer to design a structure with features that help maximize the safety factor in the event of a hurricane.

Before advanced technology in building materials 'took hold', architectural designs directly responded to the local climate and availability of materials. Steeply pitched roofs were, for example, designed to shed snow loads in northern regions. Adobe (mud based) materials are plentiful and responded well as an insulator in the dry, hot southwest desert areas. Although all sorts of building materials are now available to most locations in the United States, there are still a few key practical factors that enter into the formula of competent design. Once these factors are addressed, almost any 'style' can be created. A few of the most critical practical considerations (in no particular order of importance) in Tampa are:

• Mold Mitigation

• Termite Protection

• Proper Insulation

• Drainage and Flooding

  
  Jim Finch Architecture, as your Florida architect, has the experience and communication skills to provide your ideal design.

  • New home design
  • Design home additions
  • Design home remodels
  • Floor plan design
  • Exterior design
  • Site design
  • Construction documents
  • Building department plans
  • 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.