The Challenges of Adapting a Commercial or Industrial Building into a Home



Recycling and reclaiming is a significant part of modern design and architecture, and it even applies to reusing commercial or industrial buildings by transforming them into modern residential spaces. However, this process of adaptive reuse comes with plenty of challenges – here are some insights from a leading commercial and residential architect in NJ.

  • Zoning: This is the first issue to overcome, as it restricts the use of the building and limits what can be done with it. Rezoning is a common practice, but it does take time and the building’s current zoning will have to be reviewed and allowed by your local municipality or county. If this isn’t granted initially, you may have to file for a zoning variance which can be a costly, time-consuming and ultimately unsuccessful process.
  • Keeping the character: One of the reasons that this type of conversion is so popular is because buyers love the character, space and interesting features of old industrial or commercial buildings. To make your conversion a success, this means preserving as much of these characterful features as possible while often gutting the entire interior. This makes the project more complex than a new build, as new residential features have to be installed without compromising the original structure. Also, all of these renovations will have to comply with the relevant residential building codes and historical preservation requirements, if applicable.
  • Installing all the modern conveniences: Commercial buildings often lack the basic modern conveniences that we require in our homes, and these will all have to be worked into the structure – also, many will be required by the regulations. This can include climate control, heating and ventilation, sewerage and gas, fire alarms and sprinklers, insulation, and more. For larger conversions, wheelchair accessibility and multiple means of egress (fire escapes, stairs, etc.).

 Residential and Commercial Architects in NJ with Vision

The New Jersey architectural firm of Seth A. Leeb offers full-service solutions for both commercial and residential projects. With 20 years of experience, we can provide the expertise, skills and innovative thinking you need to create a residential or commercial space that is functional, striking and ideally suited to your needs. For more information on our home remodel architect, commercial architect and residential architect services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://leeb-architecture.com/

Original content posted on https://leeb-architecture.com/the-challenges-of-adapting-a-commercial-or-industrial-building-into-a-home/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Biophilic Design Can Increase Workplace Productivity

Image
Biophilic design has changed how we think about creating workspaces. By bringing natural elements into the built environment, biophilic design creates a peaceful and productive atmosphere that significantly affects how people are in the workplace. In this article, our team of  commercial architects in NJ  discuss the biophilic design concept and how it can change the way people work for the better.  What is “Biophilic Design” and How Does it Affect Work Environments? Biophilic design is a new way of building that tries to bring people closer to nature by using natural elements, materials, and shapes in buildings. It considers the fact that people innately have the need to be in touch with nature, and utilizes that connection to make us healthier and more productive. Research  has shown that the way a workplace is designed can have a significant effect on how employees feel and how well they do their jobs. Biophilic office design uses natural light, plants, and organic materials to lowe
Read more

Essential Restaurant Design Tips from a Commercial Architect

Image
A successful restaurant brings many different elements together to deliver a comprehensively enjoyable experience to diners – and one of the most critical of these elements is the design of the space itself. Here are some insights from a  commercial architect  in NJ on how to make the most of your restaurant design. Prioritize your spending:  Restaurant design and fitment costs can escalate rapidly and the sky’s the limit. It’s best to first focus your spending on the most critical areas – creating a functional layout for the kitchen and dining space, installing effective task and dining lighting, and investing in robust and comfortable seating that fits the space. Settle on your brand and image:  After the budget is set for those areas, look for a few striking elements to add personality to your space and advertise your brand. It’s important that these elements are well thought-out and directly align with the restaurant’s overall theme. Here, customization is a great idea – h
Read more

Ideas for Building a Flood-Proof Home

Image
During the rainy season, New Jersey homeowners are faced with the risk of their home flooding, causing structural damage and the loss of their belongings. According to National Flood Insurance program statistics for 2016, New Jersey homeowners accounted for over 232,000 policies worth $56 billion in flood insurance and received over $6.1 billion in claims payments between 1978 and 2015. With this in mind, it makes sense to incorporate strategies for flood prevention into your home’s architecture. Here are some tips from a  leading architect in NJ . Know if you’re in a high-risk zone:  A great source for information about flooding in your area are the FEMA Flood Zone Maps, which you can access online. These maps use aqua markers to indicate if an area is below the flood marker. Ask your architect to determine your BFE (base flood elevation) and DFE (design flood elevation) to ensure that your house is set at the correct height and according to building codes. Ask for a topo
Read more