EPC Associates Ltd’s Post

If Codes Were Different, What Would You Do with an Empty Office Building? The challenges of converting a commercial space to a residential one is a complex maze of obstacles made up of laws, codes, and eligibility requirements. From zoning laws, parking laws, and NY State multiple dwelling laws to codes that state living areas cannot extend more than 30’ from a window, and windows located on an interior lot line cannot be used for light and air without a light and air easement with the adjacent lot. There are also provisions, including one that limits residential floor area (FAR), to 12, for buildings constructed after the enactment of the 1968 NYC building code. Behold the bureaucratic ballet of the moment! The intricate pas de deux between codes and creativity. In the spirit of any good business model and a blue ocean thinking exercise, our architects and designers considered what we would do with an empty office building, if codes and cost were not an obstacle... Read the full post on our website here: https://lnkd.in/ebK_3XMz #architecture #officeconstruction #residentialconstruction #residentialdevelopment #retrofitting #urbandesign #coliving #colivingspace #mixeduse

A large increase in housebuilding could net £6.4 billion per year to fund infrastructure and community facilities – such as public transport, social housing and schools – if Government secures a share of “windfall” increases in land values for the public purse, Centre for Cities says. Source: Specification Online Read more: https://zurl.co/5Hi95 #UKconstruction #construction #architecture #design #building #interiordesign #renovation #contractor #engineering #home #realestate #concrete #constructionlife #builder #homedecor #interior #homeimprovement #civilengineering #architect #heavyequipment #homedesign #constructionsite #carpentry #tools

We've recently obtained planning approval for another exciting new build project, this time for clients in Nether Edge, Sheffield. Leila and Chris came to us after they bought a detached bungalow with a beautiful garden in the Nether Edge Conservation area. The existing property was cramped and had a poor relationship to the external space. HEM Architects were tasked with designing a new build home on the same plot. It would have a focus on creating a connection to the garden, providing lots of natural light and delivering fun and excitement. The brief called for a large focal kitchen/living/dining area, snug space, music room and play area. Also Leila and Chris wanted a basketball court, table tennis table and mezzanine, with climbing net and slide. Openings were to be considered to make the most of leafy views, promote access to the garden and welcome sunlight. Whilst also ensuring internal temperatures were controlled. Planning permission has been successfully gained and technical detailing is underway, for an extensive new three storey timber framed home. The property will be highly sustainable and energy efficient. It will be built to Passivhaus standards, and incorporate technologies including solar panels, air-source heat pump and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR). Distinctive interlocking gabled volumes, clad in timber, zinc and stonework, create a striking yet sensitive contemporary addition to the local area. #betterliving #notesfromasmallpractice #sheffieldarchitect #residentialarchitecture #homedesign #environmentalimpact #lowenergyhome #newbuild #sustainabledesign

✨Infill development projects involving heritage homes present a unique challenge: balancing modern functionality with the preservation of historic charm. Here’s how to determine what to keep—and what to update—when working with a heritage property. 1️⃣ Identify Architectural Features with Historical or Aesthetic Value 🔹 Look for distinctive elements like ornate woodwork, original fireplaces, decorative mouldings, or leaded glass windows. 🔹 Consult with heritage consultants or local preservation societies to assess which features carry historical significance. 🔹 Prioritize elements that tell the story of the property or neighbourhood, such as original facades or entryways. Pro Tip: Keeping standout features intact can boost resale value and enhance your project’s connection to the architectural history. 2️⃣ Evaluate Structural Integrity and Code Compliance 🔹 Determine whether key features like original beams, stairs, or flooring can be preserved safely. 🔹 If older components—like electrical systems or plumbing—are outdated, replace them while maintaining the visual essence (e.g., retrofitting lighting into original fixtures). 🔹 Structural elements may need reinforcement to meet today’s building codes, especially for seismic or fire safety compliance. 3️⃣ Balance Functionality with Preservation 🔹 Incorporate modern conveniences without compromising the home's character. For example: Open-concept layouts can retain original exposed brick walls or beams. Use modern energy-efficient windows that replicate the look of the originals. 🔹 Update outdated materials like old insulation to improve performance, ensuring the home is comfortable and sustainable. 4️⃣ Engage with Local Building Authorities Early 🔹 Check if the property has heritage status or falls under zoning restrictions that limit changes. 🔹 Work closely with authorities to navigate permits and ensure the design meets both heritage and infill development regulations. 🔹 In some cases, preserving certain architectural elements may qualify for grants or incentives. At Waters Development Management, we specialize in guiding clients through these complex decisions. Talk to us today about your project! #HeritageHomes #InfillDevelopment #DevelopmentManagement #SustainableDesign #InfillDevelopment #HeritageRetention #CommunityBuilding #InfillProjects #LegacyHomes #LegacyProject #ResidentialDevelopment #DevelopmentConsulting #InfillHousing #GenerationalLiving #HeritageHomes #Heritage #Preservation

If you think build-to-rent is boring, you clearly haven't been to Summerhill. Here's what you need to know about this Exton, PA project: ▪ Diverse product - Summerhill broadened its appeal with homes ranging from flats under 1,000 square feet to townhomes that can reach almost 2,500 square feet (with finished basements) ▪ Epic amenities - The high end amenities (pictured below) centralized in the site add to the lifestyle and sense of community. ▪ Less maintenance - "Away from Home Services", like watering plants and feeding cats, and 24-hour emergency maintenance alleviate the burdens of homeownership and give residents freedom. Developer: Cornerstone Tracy, LLC Architect: The Martin Architectural Group Interiors: Builders Design Landscape: Stuart and Associates, LLC Read the (temporarily ungated) feature here: https://lnkd.in/ga42HxWB #jbrec #nhti #buildtorent #rentalhome

We’re excited to announce that 8001 Woodmont Avenue has been recognized by Maryland Chapter ASLA with an Honor Award in the Residential Design – Multi-Family category! 8001 Woodmont, a mixed-use high-density residential development, is situated between two prominent commercial corridors in the heart of Bethesda, MD. As part of an existing “super block” lacking adequate pedestrian connections, the team’s design approach proposed to “break the block” by inserting a new human-scaled plaza through the building, improving connectivity between the adjacent Corridors, and providing much-needed open space for the public. The ground level is organized around a block-long public plaza, which extends through a 35’ tall portal in the building. Pyramidal landforms, interwoven with pathways, imbue the plaza with an unmistakable character while providing opportunities for recreation. A tessellated public art element adorns the portal’s ceiling. Running along one side, a large stormwater planter treats rainwater from the roof of the building. This planter contains an enriched biofiltration soil that supports diverse plantings, making 8001 Woodmont one of the first designed in the county to use this technology. Throughout the building, a series of distinctive terraces provide opportunities for residents to engage with the outdoors: a south-facing Pool Terrace, a lushly-planted Garden Terrace space with facilities for gathering, and the Entertainment Terrace with vistas across the city. Kebony and native plantings add visual warmth while contributing to a sustainably-focused material palette. Client: JBG SMITH Design & Construction Team: FXFOWLE VIKA Companies, LLC Plaza Construction Xibei Song Tim Bragan Joseph Chambers, ASLA, PLA, SITES AP #MKSK #ShapePlace #PlacesforPeople #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanDesign #Design #ASLA #MDASLA #Award #Bethesda #PublicSpace #PublicArt #Sustainability

Property value increase. Peace of mind increase. Showroom or Additional Home to live in. You decide. Everyone’s needs are different. A space to create or host clients, a space for your team to come to your home without coming “in” your home. Dedicated space or special space for family, to rent to professionals, students or the rental market. Built in 6 weeks, delivered to your door (well, yard); you choose the architectural design. Ps. They can be stacked up to 5 high (based on your lot/zoning) Let’s talk. 909-741-0008 #housing #realestate #realproperty #adu #multifamily #grannyflat #motherinlawsuite #propertymanagement

Planning Application Approved in Hedge End, Southampton: Development of a rear garden plot for a single bungalow. Studio Homer is pleased to announce the approval of one of our more challenging application proposals. Despite a history of refused applications on the site, Studio Homer was instructed to propose a new development in the rear garden of a confined plot. Previous applications were refused for a lack of consideration of the surrounding context, the character of the area, or providing adequate amenity space. In response, we took a design-led approach to propose a dwelling that aligned with the existing character of the street. Our proposal reconfigured the layout of the site to mimic the street pattern of the area with a building form that responded to the adjacent buildings. A light study was provided along with an amenity calculation to demonstrate that the proposal was in line with local policy guidance. A detailed design and access statement was submitted alongside the plans to outline to the local planning authority the considerations taken for the proposed development. The proposed plans were submitted with a design and access statement to outline to the local planning authority the considerations taken for the proposed development. The planning officers’ report outlines that they considered the proposal to fit in with the character and appearance of the locality and moved to approve the scheme. Further details can be seen on Eastleigh Borough Council’s public register at F/23/96493. If you are looking to gain planning permission on your site, contact Studio Homer for a free non-obligatory initial appraisal. #approvedplanningapplication #infilldevelopment #newbuildhome #architecture #planningconsultant #hampshire

We're in the final stages of construction turning a council-owned disused garage plot in Bristol into affordable housing, using the innovative Gap House concept. Our Bristol Director Matt Cooper said: "The Gap House design is a thoughtful way to bring back to life disused urban spaces, & could contribute to addressing the housing crisis & improving local communities. Over Beard's 135-year history, we've been involved in many residential projects, but none quite like this. Working with factory-made panels & within the limits of a small site has presented challenges that the team has embraced. It's been exciting to apply the innovative new methods to create sustainable, contemporary & affordable homes in the city." Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eHE6MbNg #beardconstruction #buildwithambition 📷 Image credit: BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd)

How are plans reviewed? - #21 Cost-saving opportunities exist for all types of projects, whether they involve new construction or renovations. For example, I recently achieved a 64% cost reduction on commonly used materials for an interior renovation of a daycare facility. Additionally, I was able to reduce costs by eliminating one layer of ⅝” Type X drywall from the ceiling to the wall in a garage this morning. All cost savings are achieved while ensuring compliance with the Building Code.