The architect’s Cape Cod Gold one-and-a-half story design

architectural advances

Architecture has advanced over the years and the days of the drawing board are over and the computer with CAD software has taken its place. The one-and-a-half story house sometimes called Cape Cod is essentially one story with a more pitched roof that allows for attic expansion. Dormers are usually added to provide additional light and ventilation. This has two distinct advantages: economy in cost per unit of living space and built-in expandability.

Blueprints of the floor

Typically, bedrooms and a bathroom are located in the attic space. Since any space with less than five feet of headroom is considered unusable, the total square footage of attic space is approximately half that of the first floor space. Dormers, stairs, and a slightly steeper roof are the main additional costs needed to build the floor and a half. The story of one and a half is quite versatile. It can start as a two-bedroom, one-bath house with the upstairs area unfinished. This minimum housing will cover the needs of a newly married couple or a retired couple. As the younger family expands, the expansion attic can be finished to provide more living space.

Architectural Utilities

Heating costs are minimized due to the small area of ​​the exterior wall compared to the amount of interior space. Cooling can be achieved by using the interior space. Cooling can be achieved through the use of louvered fans at each end of the structure and the generous use of insulation. Proper ventilation and insulation is necessary, as about a third of the roof area is directly below the roof. This area tends to be quite warm in the summer.

Care must be taken in designing the Cape Cod or one-and-a-half-story structure to best accommodate the number of people it can ultimately accommodate. Electrical and plumbing systems should be planned with expansion in mind. Failure to consider expansion from the start will greatly reduce the efficiency of these vital systems. Other areas of the house, such as the kitchen, dining room, and living room, should also be planned for the final number of occupants. If you want to learn more about architecture and architectural services, you can find the best resources online. Just Google what you’re trying to research and within seconds you’ll be directed to your answer. Thank you!