Can thoughtful residential construction be cost-effective and ecologically sensitive?
Yes. When building a new home, encourage your design professionals to plan space wisely by creating each room with consideration to current and future furniture, comfortable flow, appropriate work areas and efficient storage. Architects were taught to assume that 10 to 20 percent of the home is circulation space – meaning halls, stairwells and landings. But a thoughtful residence can have less than 5 percent circulation and fewer total square footage. Though exceptions exist, homes with minimal circulation can find reduced construction costs in addition to savings on maintenance and energy bills. And with limited resources on our planet, the savings of materials (are) smart and ecologically sensitive. – Colorado architect Andrew James Abraham “Ask the Experts” your design and remodeling questions by sending e-mail to marina@denverdesign.com. Responses are compiled for Room by the Denver Design District. More information at denverdesign.com or 303-282-3226.
