Author: Andrew Karundu
In the construction of town houses, the topography is critically assessed. In flat sites, the house is set out and the construction commences. In the design of the building, the topography of the land is considered. If the land is level, the entrance to the house remains on the ground floor. Since town houses have three levels of floors the entrance can be moved from the ground floor. The house plan should have ample lighting on the lower floors.
When commencing to build the town house on a sloppy terrain, mass excavations have to be undertaken. The procedure is to cut the ground at least one floor level below the natural ground level. The cutting of the soil should be done wider than the area of the house. The house design should have the main entrance facing the slope upwards. It is then bridged from the natural ground. A covered walk way is done joining the staircase at the first floor level.
The town house plan is then drawn on the new cut surface. The distance from the building to the soil embankment is at least ten feet. This will allow light into the windows and give access of walking round the house. The soil wall is retained and landscaped to give good aesthetics. On the opposite side the soil is filled and compacted to allow a garden in front of the lounge or veranda. This will allow the building and yards to be placed on a flat ground.
The town house design is set out and construction starts. The landscaper should provide stepped levels to create a benched terrain. This can be done using short retaining walls. The entrance door way should be large enough to allow movement upwards or downwards. In the design the entrance on first floor should be into a family room. The kitchen, dinning, lounge and guest wing are put on the ground floor. Bedrooms are put on first and attic floors.
About the Author:
Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist, Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling And Redesigning Homes. He Uses Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Family Lifestyles.Visit His Site Here For Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS.
