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The drawing shows the ground floor plan of a two-storey semi-detached house and a portion of the rear garden - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 3 - 2015
Question 3
The drawing shows the ground floor plan of a two-storey semi-detached house and a portion of the rear garden. The external walls of the house are 400 mm concrete blo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The drawing shows the ground floor plan of a two-storey semi-detached house and a portion of the rear garden - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 3 - 2015
Step 1
Discuss in detail two advantages and two disadvantages of building a single-storey extension onto the rear of the house at A.
Answer
Advantages of Extension at A:
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Saves on Construction Costs: Building an extension is often more cost-effective than constructing a detached space. It utilizes existing structures, minimizing additional expenses related to plumbing and services.
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Improves Internal Spatial Usage: The extension can be designed to fit seamlessly into the existing layout of the house, providing more freedom and flexibility in the design while preserving family interactions.
Disadvantages of Extension at A:
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Impact on Natural Light: The extension may obstruct natural light from entering the existing spaces, making them potentially dark and unattractive.
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Disruptive Construction: The process of extending the current structure may disrupt daily life and require significant alterations to the existing layout, impacting family dynamics.
Step 2
Discuss in detail two advantages and two disadvantages of building a detached, free-standing space in the garden at B.
Answer
Advantages of Detached Space at B:
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Greater Privacy: A detached space can be set back from the main house, providing a greater level of privacy and separation for different family members when needed.
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Flexible Design Options: This option allows for more freedom in design, as the space can be distinct from the house and tailored specifically to the owners’ needs, such as incorporating a garden area or facilitating a natural link with the outdoor environment.
Disadvantages of Detached Space at B:
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Higher Costs: Building an entirely new structure generally involves more costs related to foundations, exterior walls, and other areas compared to an extension.
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Isolation from Main House: A detached structure may feel isolated from the main residence, which may hinder family interaction and necessitate additional pathways or connections to the home.
Step 3
Select one of the above options and, using notes and freehand sketches, show a proposed external design and internal layout for an attractive study/family space. Show in your design how the proposed space is to link with the surrounding rear garden.
Answer
For this design, I will choose to build the single-storey extension at A. The internal layout will include:
- A spacious study area with a large desk facing a window for natural light.
- An open-plan layout that connects directly to the current living area.
- Large, folding doors on the rear wall that open to the garden, allowing easy access and integration with outdoor space.
The external design will feature:
- A flat-roofed design to increase natural light entry.
- Use of materials that match the existing house while allowing for modern elements like glass and natural wood finishes.
This design effectively links the internal living space to the natural garden through both visual and physical connectivity.
Step 4
Discuss two advantages of designing a space that links with the rear garden.
Answer
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Enhanced Wellbeing: A space linked to the garden can significantly improve the occupants' wellbeing, as it allows them to enjoy nature and fresh air, leading to a more relaxed and pleasant environment.
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Increased Functional Space: By integrating the internal space with the garden, you effectively increase the usable area for activities, gatherings, or family enjoyment, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.