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Questions tagged [architecture]

40 questions
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5 answers

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 concerned now? Given this age, everything has to be…
HP.
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Any problem to build a house that covers a same-sized hole in the ground?

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 rectangular hole in one of these flat spots, with about…
heltonbiker
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4 answers

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 "archway." Don't know if this question is more…
Michael
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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 considering for masonry construction. This would be a big…
Tyler Durden
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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 rises and collects at the top of the room, so a…
Tyler Durden
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4 answers

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
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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 the illustration below. The 2x4 is cut in half and…
brentonstrine
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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 what all should be included in a "complete" plan…
Nick
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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 the otherwise large expanse of side wall,…
user2152081
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4 answers

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. We need ideas on how to make this look…
RET
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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 between us, however a cursory Google suggests that…
BenLanc
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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 licensed architecture firm in California. And we…
Eric C
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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 where the roof comprises two "normal" sloped sections…
Carl Witthoft
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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 builder informed me that intumescent paint has an…
Joe U
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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 nearby wall on the floor below, and the diagram does not…
Shooky
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