INTERIORS (ASSISTED LIVING)
Future-proofed design
John Alimi of Stiltz Homelifts explains why it’s imperative self-builders think ahead when designing their home in order to create a ‘home for life’
I
t is now far easier to be presented with options for a self-build project or major house renovation than ever before. A range of media, including a plethora of TV programmes, has revealed homes-for- life that are eco-friendly, technologically advanced and above all, created for bespoke requirements. Whether you are looking to remodel a
current home or self-build from scratch, a project’s appeal is usually intrinsically linked with creating a home that suits the individual needs of the family within. Huge personal rewards can be garnered from a home renovation that closely delivers on desired attributes. Creative design and a considered, realistic approach should enable you to continue living with comfort, safety and enjoyment well into older years. Indeed, a growing number of self- builders are considering future living when creating their ideal home. So, while you may desire more natural light via floor to ceiling windows currently, it is equally important not to overlook the ensuing years and plan for when getting up and down the stairs and accessible open-plan living, for example, may be of key importance. Get it right and you can relax in the knowledge that your home is future proofed for the next 20 to 30 years and further alterations will be minimal. To ensure optimum build success and
to create a home that adapts to the ever-changing necessities of everyday life, it is of course imperative to complete preparations firmly in advance. The self- builder who is best prepared pre-project will normally have a better estimate of expected costs so that all planned requirements are delivered on time and on budget. If you’re looking for a plot of land, the Right to Build scheme launched in 2016 requires local councils in England to keep a register of land suitable for self-builders, and to approve planning permissions. For a project to run smoothly, work with
a reputable builder and seek an architect with experience in future-proofing homes. They can help navigate planning and building applications and work with you to deliver innovative yet practical house plans and adaptable designs. Project-
january 2020
managing a build yourself can save 15-20 per cent on costs, but unless you have the time to deal with tradesmen and the know-how to choose suitable materials, you might be wise to delegate. Decide on your ideal layout in advance
and research interior and exterior fixtures and fittings. With due diligence applied, you can achieve a successful house design that enables long-term benefits and added reassurance for its occupants. Design considerations are not only aesthetic – they include surface solutions, energy-efficient technology and eco- friendly construction, as well as future-proofing solutions that foster greater health and wellbeing.
Overall, consider how you live now and how you wish to see yourself in your home in the future. Think carefully about the practical functionality of bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms, not just ‘wow- factors’ such as extensive glazing and sweeping staircases, so that your finished home offers an enjoyable place for you and your family to live now and in the years to come. Would you wish to move again if those stairs become difficult to use and upstairs rooms were not easily accessible? Including a few key elements
Design considerations are not only aesthetic – they include future- proofing
solutions that foster greater long-term health and wellbeing
in your design means you can negate the need for further major renovations if accessibility was to become an issue. In the long run it’s a win-win situation, as effective future-proofed homes are not only popular with buyers, they also bring
www.sbhonline.co.uk 57
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
