Design of house, an overview of what's involved when Benacon in Cyprus undertake the design

House design
The following is intended to give a comprehensive view of the Benacon architects team service. Some of the items described are basic and others optional. The Benacon-client relationship is set according to the client's wishes and needs. Principles Design of the property is provided by M&M Jobert Architects, by separate agreement, as per the Architects & Civil Engineers Association guidelines. Details of the procedure, study stages and fee scales are clearly explained at the beginning of the professional relationship. A documentation folder is supplied. Basics are detailed in the following paragraph. The client - architect relationship is based on : - The client's knowledge of the firm's background, methods, design principles and fees, prior to the project study. - The architect's complete understanding of the client's aims, ideas and needs. - The architect's respect for each client's individuality, design concept, budget and financial plan. - The architect's detailed explanation to the client of the various design and technical options. The design study is guided and inspired by : - Fulfilment of the client's requests regarding space, style and budget. - Optimal use of space by introduction of a furniture layout study at an early stage. - Respect for the environment by adapting the house to the existing landscape and land contours. - Integration of internal and external spaces, taking full advantage of the Cyprus climate. - Landscaping and planting for clients' maximum enjoyment with minimum maintenance costs. - Integration of technical constraints, such as solar systems, water tanks and A.C. units without spoiling aesthetics - Use of the most appropriate techniques to provide maximum comfort. - Flexibility in design to improve resale potential. Basic study phases The Architectural and technical study has proven to be the basis of a successful step to home building. Benacon priority was always to set-up a comprehensive and efficient path to produce all the necessary technical documentation, thus allowing its professionals to carry out the project up to its last step with the maximum efficiency. Benacon's method and documentation make the complicated simple, the difficult easy and the sophisticated affordable. Following is an overview of the various phases of the whole procedure. Preliminary study Visit of the proposed project site and existing projects - Preliminary studies up to final decision - Application for town planning permission - Preliminary budgeting - Basic specifications.
Final architectural study Design of project on a large scale - Study of all technical aspects of the building - Study of basic room furniture layout - Application for building permission. Structural study Study of the building's concrete structure - Design of structural detail - Specifications and reinforcement schedule. Architectural details Basic construction details - Built-in furniture - Internal arrangement - Basic furniture lay out.	*Working drawing , furniture layout, electrical*
Technical specifications Preliminary overall specifications at the stage of the preliminary study - Detailed specifications with itemised quantities. Project administration Application and follow-up of town planning permission, building permission, certificate of approval. Complementary services Interior design
Recording of the client's furniture, pictures, wall hangings and other items to be part of the home - Selection of finishes - Lay-out of existing and additional furnishing - Lighting positioning and fittings selection - Fabric patterns selection for curtains, blinds, bedcovers etc. - Special design for hi-lighting special items, art pieces to be incorporated. Gardens, Landscaping Design of gardens - Garden maintenance principles - Special arrangement (bbq, paths, pergolas, ponds, rock gardens, water features) - Listing of trees and plants - Irrigation system.	Dining area (above drawing) Detail rock garden
Time scale Although the amount of information to be processed is enormous, Benacon's method of working and design system reduces the time needed for a complete study to a minimum. However, the study procedure does not need to be rushed, but to be efficient and accurate; Any decision taken is crucial and mistakes can be bitterly regretted. Meetings are organised between client and architect according to both parties availability, and intensive work session are scheduled during the client's visits. The whole project can be studied in three stages during which the client's presence is needed, for approximately a week at a time. All documentation is produced within 4 to 6 months from the starting date, depending on the project size. This is about the time required for the procedure in relation to the land acquisition to come through. Fees and costs Study fees are calculated as a percentage of the project cost, which is established at the early stage of the preliminary study, on view of the size, type and project specifications. The fees for the basic study as described in a detailed document and vary between 4% to 5% of the total project cost., according to it's size and complexity. Other costs involved are : - The town planning permit cost which is a fixed amount of Cyprus pounds 20.00 per application - The building permit charges which are calculated according to the house size (Around Cyprus pounds 100.00 for a 3 bedroom house) - Other expenses such as boundary marking cost, survey, certified copies of official documents are at reasonable cost.