The big differences between designing residential and commercial architecture

At the heart of it domestic and commercial architecture is the same. In both cases the buildings need to have the right designs and must fit their purposes. In practice though, the properties are very different. At Coffey Architects we can design both types of building, catering for various spatial needs. Rely on us to make each project unique. Understanding residential architectureThe thing to keep in mind with homes is that they must be right for the inhabitants. As a result the design should ensure safety, comfort, and cater for various daily needs like cooking and bathing. It is important to note that residents will spend a lot of time in the property, including at night when they need to get rest.There are specific building codes to adhere to with homes. These can affect various part of a design including plumbing, ventilation, heating, stairs, electrics, and fire escapes.Commercial architectureThe major difference with commercial buildings is they are not designed to be inhabited overnight. As a result there is no need for space for bedrooms. Other home essentials like a bath or shower may also not be necessary.What these buildings do need is the specific spaces to function. For example they may require offices, boardrooms, training rooms, and even storage or warehouse space. It is important to satisfy each need.A commercial building will need toilets. In fact it will likely need multiple blocks to cater for different genders and the sheer number of people who may be in the property.These properties may also have a number of other unique needs. For example they may require elevators, escalators and infrastructure for people with limited mobility. The building could need a car park, especially if it is not located close to public transport links. Facilities to improve employee wellbeing may also be required, including restaurants or cafeterias, gyms, and quiet areas.The right teamAs you can see there are some important differences between domestic and commercial architecture. The Coffey Architects team has the skills to provide creative designs for any kind of requirement. Contact us today if you have any questions.