Architect's Guide- How about Changing the Design due to Financial Crunch?

Usually, when a design is in its conceptual stage, the designer and the owner aims to make it their best shot possible and try to achieve a specimen that is unique and glorious. But as the design evolves and attains a physical form, the designers and the owner are struck by a wave of financial reality. So what ideally a designer should do? Should he sacrifice the design innovations due to financial crunch or should he rigidly stick to the design and refuse to have alterations? Should he eliminate some of the design elements in order to match the budget or should he exceed the budget? A designer is known for the uniqueness their designs possess. Their designs are a measure of their ability. So, ignoring the design innovations due to the financial crunch is not a preferred option, a designer is ought to maintain the ambiance of a space. So, how can he do it at the times of a financial crunch? A simple alternative is reducing the cost but maintaining the space. Try the design innovations that are effective and cost a less penny. Here, we are discussing some ways to maintain the essence of space at a comparatively reduced cost.

Construction Techniques

Try to opt for those construction techniques which help in reducing the overall cost. For instance, the brick wall constructed using rat trap bond masonry acts as an insulative cavity wall as well as reduces the number of bricks used to construct the wall of similar dimensions using any other masonry. Not just the rat-trap bond but a lot of other techniques like filler slab, brick jalis etc plays a very good role in reducing the construction cost. Use of indigenous material is must to reduce the cost.

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Less Civil Work, More Flexible Work.

The modern concept of free-flowing spaces with minimum civil work also helps in reducing the overall cost. Instead, opt for flexible partitions that can transform the space as per the requirement. Development of flexible spaces shunting the excessive civil work helps in the cutting of a major cost not just by the material factor but also by reducing labour factor which now a day is quite expensive in certain areas of the country.

Innovative Alternatives

Look for alternatives. Instead of eliminating a particular design element, put on your thinking hats and develop innovative alternatives that can be structured at a comparatively low cost but successfully maintain the essence of the design. An exposed construction such as exposed services and exposed ceiling is also an emerging trend that helps in reducing the construction cost.

Choosing the right material is very important, You must check out False Ceilings are Cool, only when the Right Material is Chosen

Materials

The construction market is flooded with a large variety of construction and designing materials. Opt for materials that are easily available, cheap, easy to maintain or require less or no finishing, thus ultimately reducing the cost of construction. For example, there’s a trend of incorporating the raw nature of materials in the design, use of bamboo, wood, bricks in raw and exposed form. This looks good and helps in reducing the overall cost. Reusing and recycling the materials such as tyres, chains, ropes, mechanical gears is also a good option. Space can be accessorised by using such mechanical materials, thus, maintain the essence of space. For a sweet ambience, incorporate the nature in the design, reduce cost as well as protect the ambience of the space.

Do read our design inspiration if you are fond of using Natural Materials Top 10 Natural Building Materials For Sustainable Architecture

Prioritising the Requirements

In case of a financial crunch, focus on the requirements instead of focussing on the desires. Firstly, the design must be able to fulfil the client’s needs. The desire fulfilment must be the second consideration. For instance, while designing a home, the client’s necessities of rooms, kitchen, bathroom etc. are to be considered first and the luxurious desires must be considered lately as per the budget of the project.

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