Category: General (Page 17 of 28)

Ranting (Again) About Stairs

September 30, 2014 / barros / 11 Comments

If you know me you have probably heard me ranting over and over about the restricted regulations for stairs.

Any staircase offers an amazing opportunity to create a beautiful element but… the Building Regulations are so tight that we struggle to design something interesting.

I have recently summarised the main changes in the new Part K of the Building Regulations for an article I wrote for BRegs Blog. This is the part of the regulations that deals with Stairways, Ladders, Ramps and Guards.

The 3 most restrictive aspects when designing stairs are related with the guarding:

1- Guarding should be so constructed that a 100 mm diameter sphere cannot pass through any openings in the guarding;

2- Guarding should not be readily climbable;

3- Where a cut string is used, the triangular space formed by the tread and riser is not allowable to stairs in dwellings and common stairs in blocks of flats.

So, these are some of the stairs we CANNOT design in Ireland:

I understand that safety is always in first place and, obviously, some of the designs above hit the extreme, but studies reveal that 88 percent of the injuries are caused by simple falls (mostly slips and trips). Are the restrictions above really necessary?

Isabel Barros

How Much Does an Architect Cost?

August 26, 2014 / barros / 3 Comments

Before you continue on reading, you will find no answer for your specific project in this article. This is because an Architect’s charge depends on the requirements and complexity of each individual project and the scope of services required.

Charges can be calculated in different ways, for example as a:

Quoted percentage of the total construction cost (typically between 8 and 15%);
Agreed lump sum based on the anticipated work involved;
Time charge (hourly or daily) based on the estimated time of a project.

In order to find out how much does an Architect cost you will need to discuss with the Architect your specific requirements. This is usually done in the first meeting with your Architect. Each project is different and for this reason, there is no set or standard charge. And very few Architects (if any) will give you quotes over the phone.

Check out our Secret Guide to Deal with Architects – Take 2 – Fee Proposals.

Get Creative

August 15, 2014 / barros / 2 Comments

We love the idea of recycling and reusing materials!

We found out about “ReCreate” and we are delighted with this idea. They source end of line, remaindered, surplus and unwanted materials, and make them available to their members.

“ReCreate” works with local businesses to collect unwanted and surplus items, for use in early childhood education, schools, colleges arts & community centres. They also cater for Artists and Craftspeople, Art teachers and Creative facilitators, Community artists, students, hobbyists and anyone interested in creative expression or with a love for make and do.

“ReCreate” stocks a huge range of materials. We found a number of materials that can be used in interior design or decoration/renovation projects. All you need is to use you Creativity!

“ReCreate” operates on a membership model. There is a wide range of membership fees starting at €60/year. Members are able to access a treasure trove of materials in their Superstore in Ballymount, Dublin.

Find out more about “ReCreate” here and start creating right now!