Residential Buildings

Group A – Residential Buildings: All those buildings in which sleeping accommodation is provided for residing (or dwelling) permanently or temporarily with or without cooking or dining or both facilities are termed as residential buildings, for example Apartments, Flats, Bungalows, Dormitories, Private Houses, Hotels, Hostels, Cottages, Holiday Campus, Clubs, outhouses, Motels, Inns, etc., These buildings are further sub-divided in to 5 groups, namely; A- 1 Lodging Houses; A- 2 Family Private Dwellings; A- 3 Dormitories; A- 4 Flats; and A- 5 Hotels.

A dwelling unit may be one of the following types:

Detached house,
Semi - detached house,
Terrace housing unit,
Flat, 
Duplex apartment.

(i) Detached House :

As stated earlier, left to oneself a detached house is the choice of every individual. Pleasing effect is achieved if the approach from the main road is kept open and light and fresh air flow up uninterrupted by fences and walls. If proper co- ordination with the adjoining houses is done, each house would present separate aesthetic presentation. This is partly avoided by building by –laws which ensure minimum amount of symmetry in respect of open space and front elevation.

The main disadvantage of an isolated dwelling is the cost.

(ii) Semi - detached house :

This type of construction has the advantage of a separate unit as well as reduction in the cost of construction as two dwelling units have a common entrance and stair case. An additional advantage is the sense of security that is felt by the dwellers.

(iii) Terrace housing unit :

The main advantage of a terrace is the saving of space. This type of construction is an improvement over the semi – detached unit. A terrace unit is a row of three or more dwelling units in a continuity. Instead of having open space between houses, partition walls of a few centimeters are provided and a bigger open space for the same density is provided.

(iv) Flat :

A dwelling unit separated from another by a horizontal division. In the case of a conventional group housing, the separation is achieved by vertical division or partitions. This type of dwelling units give a community living complex with common garden, playground, swimming pool etc. however, it is felt that those who occupy lower flats have additional advantage in respect of the benefits derived from common services.

(v) Duplex apartments :

These are living spaces at two or more levels. They can be had in detached, semi – detached or in multistoreyed buildings, where corridors can be provided in alternate floors. When the dwelling unit are arranged in row of houses with living spaces on two or more levels, these units are termed as masonittes. These units provide good light, ventilation and segregation of functions.