Commercial Building Design Tips

Do you intend to erect a commercial building? Could be you want to create residential or retail space. Commercial building design can be a nerve-wracking process. It is especially so since most people would want their buildings to stand out. Below are some tips to help you as you design your commercial building.

The design process begins with an assessment of the area that you intend to construct the building. Typically, a geotechnical engineer should examine the quality of the soil and the slope of the land to determine the structural features of the house. For example, foundation piles are a must-have when building on clay soil. A damp-proof course will help prevent salt damping in humid climates. 

Zoning regulations, building codes and strata bylaws will significantly affect the design of the building. For instance, you may be compelled to use a specific design if the area is zoned as a heritage site. On the other hand, local council bylaws could determine the height of the building. 

Think about the comfort of your customers. For example, the building should have sufficient and disability-friendly washrooms. Besides, you could have lounges where your tenants and their customers can relax. Most people will examine the available parking space. As such, you could have underground parking for your tenants. As a rule, the entry point should be wide enough to ensure trucks have an easy time accessing the premises. High rise buildings should have an elevator. The elevator must be spacious. Remember, your clients will need to ferry large office equipment.

Your building must be energy efficient. It is a sure way to minimise running costs and attract clients to live in the building. Below are some ways to make the building energy-efficient:

• Incorporate glass windows and doors to improve the flow of light in the building. It will reduce the need for artificial light in the building.
• Install double glazed windows to prevent the need for air conditioning in the building.
• If you have to install air conditioning, go for energy-efficient AC systems.
• If possible, install solar panels to reduce the need for electricity.  

The building should have state-of-the-art security features. For instance, it should have wide exits to be used in case of a fire. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and sprinklers will help prevent fire damage. 

When designing commercial buildings, assess your plot, check zoning regulations, think about the comfort of your clients, incorporate energy efficiency features and install security features. 

To get help designing your building, contact a company like Cultured House PL.