Questions tagged [architecture]

The tag has no usage guidance.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
22 votes
5 answers
9k views

Architect drawing home addition by hand

I am planning to expand master bedroom and hired an architect to draw the plan. What I learnt is that he drew diagram by hand and not using CAD. He is an old guy. But I am wondering if I should be ...
HP.'s user avatar
  • 1,832
16 votes
3 answers
4k views

Any problem to build a house that covers a same-sized hole in the ground? [closed]

I have recently bought a piece of land to build a country cottage and perhaps eventually move there permanently. The terrain is sloped with only a few flat spots. The former owners dug a large ...
heltonbiker's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
62k views

What's a doorway that doesn't have a door called?

A doorway? passageway? archway? lintel? soffit? I have to label one on an architectural drawing, and it occurred to me that there may be a more technically accurate term for it than "passageway" or "...
Michael's user avatar
  • 3,776
6 votes
8 answers
24k views

Is a hexagonal house feasible?

Recently I have been considering the economics and feasability of building a house versus buying a used one. In my design I settled on a hexagon as the logical shape for the frame, which I am ...
Tyler Durden's user avatar
  • 6,787
5 votes
2 answers
593 views

Reconciling high ceilings with New England cold weather

One particular problem with typical New England architecture is that the ceilings are ordinarily low because of cold temperatures and cost of heating. If a ceiling is high, the hot air from radiators ...
Tyler Durden's user avatar
  • 6,787
4 votes
4 answers
1k views

How can I make a lightweight structure (sukkah) stronger and more windproof?

I have almost no DIY experience (unless you count computers). I bought this https://www.sukkahdepot.com/product/classic-sukkah-6x8-with-schach/. You can get a better sense of its construction from ...
nafg's user avatar
  • 143
4 votes
3 answers
1k views

How do you calculate the horizontal force created by a load hanging from hinges with a hinged bend (as in a hangar door)?

I am trying to calculate the horizontal force created by a raised hangar door, but for the purpose of this question, we can consider the horizontal force of a 2x4 stud that is connected as shown in ...
brentonstrine's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

What pages should be included in a complete set of plans for residential construction?

I'm designing the plans for my new house and plan to act as my own general contractor (hiring professional labor for most trades). I feel like I'm close to being done with the plans, but need to know ...
Nick's user avatar
  • 1,562
3 votes
5 answers
8k views

What is the name of the architectural feature of a thin strip of roof on side wall connecting gabel end points?

Is there a specific name for this feature: I think this is purely for aesthetics, generally a horizontal mini-roof that connects the lowest points of a gable end. I believe it's to visually break up ...
user2152081's user avatar
2 votes
4 answers
5k views

Is there a way to improve the appearance of a covered front porch roof that uses corrugated plastic roof panels?

We are planning to retrofit a 5'x7' corner porch cover to fit under the eaves/gutter. We will be using corrugated plastic roof panels because they are light weight and we can made a 1/4"/12" pitch. ...
RET's user avatar
  • 1,798
2 votes
4 answers
227 views

Can I hire non-licensed architecture firm for residential project?

I recently considering on a major renovation/remolding of our house in Los Angeles, and we do contacted a few candidates from online, the talented one we like told us that their small firm is not a ...
Eric C's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
0 answers
91 views

What's the difference between SFA99 and RIBA Agreements 2010 in the UK?

I am starting the process of having an extension on my house, and getting close to signing an agreement with an architect to have drawings done. The architect would like to use SFA99 as the contract ...
BenLanc's user avatar
  • 173
1 vote
1 answer
227 views

What architectural roofing feature is this?

First off, let me say that this question will stray from the residential side of home improvement, but I'm wondering if there's anyone who may be familiar with the following architectural feature at ...
Will's user avatar
  • 361
1 vote
1 answer
88 views

How to fit two full baths in this space?

I’m looking for any layout ideas about how to fit two full bathrooms in the space in this picture. One entering from the bedroom and one from the hallway. A few design things. We want the hallway ...
Jerry's user avatar
  • 11
1 vote
1 answer
2k views

Building a house in sections over time

Say I someday want to have a large estate, but for right now I just want to build the living room, kitchen, one bathroom, etc. and next year add another bedroom, library, etc. either adjoining or ...
Lola Tesla's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
174 views

Are there any decorative fire-retardant finishes for a structural steel column?

I'm having a wall removed in my kitchen and replacing it with a round column. My Structural Engineer has detailed that we paint it with intumescent paint to give it 1.5 hours fire protection. My ...
Joe's user avatar
  • 287
1 vote
1 answer
77 views

Is there a comparative study of self-sustained and ecological housing?

I am interested in building a self-sustained and ecologically integrated house. The Earthship model is an excellent example of what I am looking at building. However, before I proceed, I want to be ...
neydroydrec's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
91 views

Loading bearing wall?

I'm looking to determine whether the indicated wall is load bearing. I am looking to move the indicated wall several feet "upwards" based on the photo, shrinking the bathroom. There is no ...
Shooky's user avatar
  • 113
1 vote
2 answers
95 views

Professional advice during self-build [closed]

I am planning to self-manage a construction project (single-story extension), with the work being done by independent tradespeople who I will contract individually on a job-by-job basis, completing ...
Jamie Vicary's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
95 views

Design up (2 story) or out

I am not a builder. I am looking at properties with garage/shop + apartment. The two designs pictured are equivalent. From what I have seen most properties take the build out (left) approach. To ...
paparazzo's user avatar
  • 121
1 vote
1 answer
868 views

Name for Clerestory roof with windows at ridgeline?

I know the term "clerestory" can be applied to a variety of rooflines which permit windows above the normal top of the interior walls, but was wondering if there's a specific name for the version ...
Carl Witthoft's user avatar
0 votes
4 answers
220 views

Standard measures for buildings in the US?

I've been looking for a reference guide on standard measures for common building elements in the US. That includes: Standard ceiling height Standard wall thickness Standard door dimensions Standard ...
vinnylinux's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
147 views

Is this a load bearing beam?

Is the big steel beam running perpendicular to the joists a load bearing beam?
DMR's user avatar
  • 129
0 votes
1 answer
77 views

How would you use this space? [closed]

I recently purchased a condo and there is a loft area above a room that you can see in the picture. please don't tell me to use it as a storage! aha i wonder if anyone has a creative idea of how to ...
Cent's user avatar
  • 149
0 votes
1 answer
66 views

Specific name for this style of gable roofs?

How are the following sloping rooves described in architectural terminology? Notice some are bent, with a crook in the middle of the roof. Bonus points if you can tell the type of tiling on the roof.
user610620's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
102 views

Planning a new roof for future roof mounted equmpment

I am in the planning phase of a major remodel. Two of the biggest changes will be to completely removing fireplace/chimney and replace a flat roof with a pitched roof. The new roof will mostly use hip ...
Greg's user avatar
  • 103
0 votes
1 answer
1k views

How many concrete piers do I need to support a tiny house (12x28 and 20feet high) [closed]

I need help, I am building a tiny house, I am not sure how many concrete piers do I need for a 12x28 tiny house and that will be max of 20 ft high thank you!
Shawn Harrington's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
93 views

What is the style of this arched window?

What is the style of this arched window: Is this just a modern design, or is it a specific historic style?
Tyler Durden's user avatar
  • 6,787
0 votes
1 answer
149 views

Adhering something to a porous surface [closed]

I have been thinking about adhesion recently and, more specifically, have been thinking about adhesion to porous surfaces. I am a big fan of being able to adhere things together, on flat surfaces, ...
konnor's user avatar
  • 1
0 votes
2 answers
346 views

Can I add bathroom/closet in place of 2nd entry door?

I have 1.5 bath ranch style house shown in picture below. The closet space is very limited and I really want to add one more full bath. I am contemplating closing the 2nd front door (as seen in sort ...
zar's user avatar
  • 303
0 votes
3 answers
2k views

laying a brick patio in extreme temperature setting

The small town where I live gets below freezing in winter and above 100º F in summer. I need to know which mortar joint width and ratio is best for laying a brick patio myself. As far as I know, ...
Enzo Trew's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
80 views

What is this symbol that looks like a double T on an HVAC ductwork diagram?

What is this symbol that looks like a double T on an HVAC ductwork diagram? I've circled the symbol in yellow. Does the bent L represent some sort of valve? If it goes through the wall like that, ...
MonkeyBonkey's user avatar
  • 1,145
0 votes
0 answers
70 views

Gutters in front of corner pilasters, how to put gutters on a Georgian house?

I am looking at buying a Georgian style colonial and the house has very handsome corner pilasters, however, over each one is a gutter downspout, so it kind of spoils the effect of the pilasters. I ...
Tyler Durden's user avatar
  • 6,787
0 votes
0 answers
44 views

Large 16'×24' "He-Shed" Foundation Needs Fixing

I have a one year old 16×24 shed, 2×8×16 treated floor joists, 2×6 trusses, 2×4 stud walls, box soffits with vents, barn side panels, trim boards, shingled roof, gutters and downspouts, insulation, 3/...
Bobby1770's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
28 views

Load bearing or structural [duplicate]

We want to knock the kitchen and dining room into 1 room and I am hoping someone can help tell me if the highlighted wall is non load bearing The house is a bungalow
Robert Krendler's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
133 views

What Type of Roof is This?

I'm trying to figure out what the name is for the roof structure my home has - it's a single level late 70s ranch, side-gabled, but the roof is broken up into multiple segments. Is there a name for a ...
Marcatectura's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
39 views

Inset shelf construction for a network rack

I want to construct a hole in the wall type shelf. On the other side of the wall is an attic space for the side of the house, it has plenty of room to do what I need. I will be making the frame, ...
billsecond's user avatar
-1 votes
1 answer
250 views

How much will removing a bedroom affect my home's value? [closed]

I recently purchased a 4br 2ba split level house, brand new construction. The trouble I am having is that there is no "master suite" in the house. If I remove one bedroom and modify the ...
Jpirok's user avatar
  • 11
-1 votes
3 answers
123 views

How to design large library? [closed]

I have the problem of housing a large library. Typical residential architecture uses built-in bookcases that line the walls and leave an open floor for the library with tables and couches. For me the ...
Tyler Durden's user avatar
  • 6,787
-2 votes
1 answer
90 views

Software to capture current home structure and content?

Twenty+ years ago while planning a home renovation, a designer provided software that allowed me to take interior and exterior photos, import them, dimension them, then assign/map them to walls/floors/...
BobC's user avatar
  • 97