BASIC DESIGN LITERATURE REVIEW
BASIC DESIGN LITERATURE REVIEW
ID RU 0753/15
INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................................................32
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................32
SITE AND CONTEXT ANALYSIS OF THE CUBE HOUSE .........................................................................33
LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT................................................................................................................33
URBAN FABRIC AND SURROUNDINGS....................................................................................................33
Geographical and Climatic Context....................................................................................................................33
LAYOUT AND SPATIAL ORGANIZATION OF THE CUBE HOUSE .......................................................33
Ground Floor ..........................................................................................................................................................33
Upper Floors ..........................................................................................................................................................34
VERTICAL CIRCULATION .............................................................................................................................36
Outdoor Spaces: .....................................................................................................................................................36
Flow and Connectivity..........................................................................................................................................36
Privacy and Security: ............................................................................................................................................37
MATERIAL ...........................................................................................................................................................37
References ...................................................................................................................................................................39
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TABLE OF FIGURES
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INTRODUCTION
Residential housing forms a cornerstone of human civilization, reflecting not only the
practical need for shelter but also the cultural, economic, and technological trends of various
epochs. As urbanization accelerates and environmental concerns gain prominence, the study
of residential housing has become increasingly multifaceted. This literature review aims to
explore the evolution of residential housing, examining key design principles, materials and
construction methods, space planning, technological advancements, and the socio-economic
factors that shape our living environments.
OBJECTIVES
To Trace the Historical Evolution
To Analyze Architectural Styles
To Evaluate Materials and Construction Methods
To Examine Sustainable Design Practices
To Assess Space Planning and Layout
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EVOLUTION OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSING
LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
1. ANCIENT TIMES
Pre-historical shelters using
materials like leaves,
branches, and animal hides.
These were mainly for
protection against harsh
weather and predators.
Permanent Settlements With
the advent of agriculture,
humans began settling in
permanent locations. FIGURE 2 ANCIENT ROMAN ARCHITECTURE
Structures made from mud
bricks and stones became
common in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt..
2. CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY
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3. MEDIEVAL PERIOD
6. 20TH CENTURY
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KEY MILESTONES IN RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
1. Use of Concrete (Roman Era); Enabled the creation of more durable and complex residential
structures.
2. Timber Framing (Medieval Period); Provided a stable and efficient method for constructing
multi-story homes.
3. Modernist Movement (Early 20th Century); Revolutionized residential design by emphasizing
functionality, simplicity, and the use of new materials. This movement laid the foundation for
contemporary architecture.
4. Suburban Expansion (Post-WWII); Marked a significant shift in residential housing, with the
mass production of affordable homes.
5. Sustainable Design (21st Century); Highlighted the importance of eco-friendly and energy-
efficient practices.
6. Smart Home Technology (21st Century); Transformed residential living by integrating advanced
technologies, allowing for greater convenience, security, and energy management.
TYPE OF RESIDENTIAL
There are different types of residential building based on function space room arrangement;
Single-Family Home, Villa, Condominium, Apartment, Town house and Multi-Family Home
DISADVANTAGES
All costs are your own
Not shared with neighbours
VILLA
A villa is a type of residential property that can refer to a variety of homes, from standalone
estates to suburban residences The term "villa" can also be used to describe properties that
are intended for vacations or vacation rentals.
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ADVANTAGE
Privacy; Villas can offer a high level of privacy, with a terrace that you can use as you
wish.
Amenities; Villas can include amenities like pools and gardens.
Lifestyle; Villas can offer a taste of an affluent lifestyle.
DISADVANTAGE
Cost; Villas can be more expensive
CONDOMINIUM
10 Condominiums are individual units that are part of a bigger complex or community. Condos
usually share a wall or two with other apartments and are subject to homeowners’
associations, which charge monthly or yearly dues.
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The homeowner bears only a little amount of duty for maintenance and upkeep are single
units within a larger building or community. Condos share a wall or two with
other units. The residents pay monthly or yearly dues. They are popular in urban, highdensity
areas, where there are many restaurants and shops.
ADVANTAGES
more affordable than single family home
joint maintenance agreement
more privacy than condominium
DISADVANTAGES
Limited parking space
APARTMENT
Apartment buildings are numerous buildings at a single place. These contain many triplexes
and even feature four unit Buildings. Thus, we can actually say that the residing in a single
flat among several such flats which are contained in a single unit are called as Apartment a
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relatively self- contained housing unit in a building which is often rented out to one person or
a family, or two or more people sharing a lease in a partnership, for their use.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
FIGURE 13 APARTMENT
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ADVANTAGES
Maintenance: Apartments usually require less maintenance than houses
Cost: Apartment renters don't pay property taxes,
Security: Apartments may offer building security.
DISADVANTAGES
Rules and restrictions: Apartments may have rules and restrictions imposed by landlords.
Rent increases: Apartments may have potential rent increases.
Noise: Apartments may be noisy
TOWN HOUSE
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FIGURE 14 TOWN HOUSE TYPES
ADVANTAGES
more affordable than single family home
joint maintenance agreement
more privacy than condominium
DISADVANTAGES
less privacy than single family home
they don’t have shared gyms, lounge areas
MULTI-FAMILY
Multi-family homes are the least common type of residential building. Multi-family
dwellings are the least prevalent type of residential structure. They are primarily single family
homes that have been divided into two or more units.
They are essentially a home that has been turned into two or more units. They can be row
house-style or have multiple floors, and range in size from a duplex to a four- duplex; 13
Multi-family homes are perfect for those looking for an investment property.
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BASED ON CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
BRICK HOUSE
Description; Made primarily of brick, known for
durability and insulation.
Advantages; Long lifespan, fire resistance, low
maintenance.
WOODEN HOUSE
Description; Constructed from wood, common in
areas with abundant timber resources.
Advantages; Flexibility in design, renewable
resource.
CONCRETE HOUSE
Description; Made from reinforced concrete,
providing strength and fire resistance.
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LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
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PRIMARY
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VACATION HOME
Description: A secondary home used for holidays or
getaways.
Examples: Beach houses, mountain cabins.
FIGURE 22 ADU
LIVING ZONE 17
Is the part of the house that most friends and guests see. This is the area that usually
LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
becomes the showplace. This area is roughly 1/3 of the house and serves a variety of
functions. It is the location for family get together, dining, recreation, entertaining, and just
relaxing. The living area is composed of a number of rooms. They include the living room,
dining room, foyer, recreation or family room. Standard furniture sizes.
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18 The typical pieces of furniture and the sizes in a Living room have b been listed below.
However, furniture sizes may vary slightly with their standards depend on the rooms area.
Sofas ,lambs ,Armchairs, Centre Table ,TV and Bookcase.
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TABLE 2 standard size of living room
Type of room standard size of living rooms
Small 5mx5m
Medium 5mx5m
Large 6.2 m x 6 m
DINING ROOM
BED ROOMS
A bedroom is a private room where people usually sleep for the night or relax during the
day. It has to be a very private space away from the rooms meant for entertaining guests.
MASTER BEDROOM
King sized 4m x 4m
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CHILDREN’S BEDROOM
Type Sizes
Single occupancy 5mx2m
Double occupancy 4mx4m
KITCHEN
Kitchen is a room or part of a room used for cooking and food preparation in adwelling
equipment: Sink and/or other device for dish washing, stove or other device for cooking,
refrigerator or other device for cool storage of food, cabinets and/or shelves for storage of
equipment and utensils, and counter or table for food preparation.
TABLE 6 Standard furniture sizes on kitchen
furniture Standard furniture sizes
BATHROOM
A full bathroom is generally
understood to contain a bath
or shower (or both), a toilet,
and a sink. An en-suite
bathroom or en-suite shower
room is attached to and only
accessible from a bedroom
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TABLE 8 furniture standard size on bathroom
Furniture Standard sizes
Water closet 27″*19″
Bidet 25″*14″
Lavatory 16″*
Shower (interior dimension) 30″*18″
Bathtub 60″*30″
LAUNDRY ROOM
A room or space in a building used for the cleaning of clothesAccording to the National
Association of Home Builders, the average laundry room takes
up 3.7%
BALCONY OR DECK
An accessible out door or glazed and balustrade platform projecting from the external face
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LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
of a building, often for recreational use & they may offer more sunlight than other rooms. zzz
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GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATION
ORIENTATION
Orientation is how a building is positioned in relation to the sun's paths in different seasons, as
well as to prevailing wind patterns.
FIGURE 30 ORIENTATION
SOLAR HEAT
means sun’s heat, the building should receive maximum solar radiation in winter and
minimum in summer. For evaluation of solar radiation, it is essential to know the duration
of sunshine and hourly solar intensity on exposed surfaces.
WIND DIRECTION
It is the direction from which the wind blows, e. g. the north wind comes from the North
and blows to the South. The winds in winter are avoided and are in summer, they are
accepted in the house to the maximum extent .
HUMIDITY
It is the concentration of water vapor present in the air. High humidity which is common
phenomenon is s in coastal areas, causes perspiration, which is very uncomfortable
condition from the human body and causes more discomfort .
RAIN FALL
Direction and intensity of rainfall effects the drainage of the building and hence, it is very
important from orientation point of view. 25
INTENSITY OF WIND
LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
It is defined as the ratio of standard deviation of fluctuating wind velocity to the mean
wind speed
Intensity of wind in hilly regions is high and as such window openings of comparatively
small size are recommended in such regions.
SPACE PLANNING
LAYOUT
A well-thought-out layout ensures smooth flow and efficient use of space.
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ZONING
Separate private areas (bedrooms, bathrooms) from public areas (living room, kitchen).
FUNCTIONALITY AND COMFORT
ROOM SIZES Ensure that rooms are appropriately sized for their intended use.
STORAGE; Incorporate plenty of storage options to keep house organized and clutter-free.
LIGHTING; Plan for both natural and artificial lighting to create a pleasant and functional
environment.
OUTDOOR SPACES
Landscaping: Plan attractive and functional outdoor spaces, such as gardens, patios, and
decks.
Privacy: Use fencing, walls, or plantings to provide privacy from neighbors.
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Outdoor Living: Consider outdoor living spaces that extend the usable area of the home
AESTHETICS AND STYLE
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Architectural Style; Choose a style that reflects personal tastes and complements the
surroundings.
Materials and Finishes: Select materials that are durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically
pleasing.
Color Palette: Use a harmonious color scheme that enhances the architectural features.
A SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE
is a freestanding residential building designed to house one family or household. Unlike
apartments, condominiums, or townhouses, it is not connected to any other dwelling units,
providing a high degree of privacy and independence. These houses are typically situated on
their own plots of land, which may include a private yard or garden. This setup allows for a
significant amount of personal space and customization, both inside and outside the home.
Single-family houses can range in size, architectural style, and design features, but they all
share the common characteristic of being self-contained residences for a single family unit.
They often include essential living spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, a living
area, and additional features like garages, basements, or attics, catering to the unique needs
and preferences of the occupants. The design and layout of these houses are tailored to
provide comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for those
seeking a personal and private living environment.
STRUCTURE
Detached; Single-family houses are usually standalone structures, not attached to any other
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buildings.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
Private Ownership; These homes are typically owned by one family, offering a sense of
privacy and individual space.
living room, and often additional rooms like a dining room, study, or family room.
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Customization; Homeowners can personalize and modify their homes according to their
needs and preferences, allowing for a high degree of customization.
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FIGURE 35 PRIVATE YARD
Lot Size; The land area can vary widely, from small urban lots to large rural plots.
AESTHETIC APPEAL
Architectural Styles; Can range from traditional to contemporary designs, reflecting the
homeowner's taste and the architectural trends of the region.
Façade and Landscaping; The exterior design and landscaping contribute to the home's curb
appeal and overall aesthetic.
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FIGURE 36 FACADE
LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
FUNCTIONALITY
Amenities; May include garages, basements, attics, and other features tailored to the needs of
a single household.
Adaptability; Can be adapted for different family sizes and lifestyles, from small families to
larger, multi-generational households.
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FIGURE 37 ADAPTABILITY HOUSE
Conclusion
As a general residential building is a building designed mainly for dwelling purpose of an
individual based or suited design. It has its own history, rooms with their arrangement, rooms
with their furniture for their typical function and their standard furniture size, rooms size, and
also design consideration, different types of residential buildings with their own standards .
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CASE STUDY OF CUBE HOUSE
(AHMEDABAD)
INTRODUCTION
The Cube House, designed by Verizon Architects and located in Ahmedabad, India, serves as
an exemplary model of modern residential architecture. The house showcases an innovative
use of geometric forms, with interconnected cubes and cuboids creating a dynamic and visually
appealing structure. This design not only maximizes natural light and ventilation but also
integrates the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
32 The Cube House I mentioned earlier is designed by Verizon Architects in Ahmedabad, India.
However, there is another well-known project called Cube Houses designed by Piet Blom in
Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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SITE AND CONTEXT ANALYSIS OF THE CUBE HOUSE
Ground Floor
Entrance and Foyer: The entrance opens into a welcoming foyer that sets the tone for the
house. It serves as a transitional space leading to the main living areas.
Living Room: Positioned centrally, the living room acts as the heart of the home, providing
a space for family gatherings and relaxation. Large windows connect the living room to
the outdoor landscaping, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
Dining Area and Kitchen: Adjacent to the living room, the dining area and kitchen are
designed for functionality and interaction. The open layout allows for easy movement and
connectivity between cooking, dining, and living spaces.
Master Bedroom: Located on the ground floor for convenience and accessibility, the 33
master bedroom features an en-suite bathroom and direct access to the outdoor garden,
enhancing privacy and comfort.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
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Upper Floors
Bedrooms The upper floors house additional bedrooms, each designed with its own
terrace or balcony to promote cross-ventilation and offer private outdoor spaces. These
bedrooms provide personal retreats for family members.
Bathrooms: Strategically placed for easy access, the bathrooms are designed with
modern fixtures and ample natural light to create a comfortable and hygienic
environment.
34 study/Work Areas: Dedicated spaces for study or work are included, reflecting the need
for functional areas that support productivity and concentration.
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LITERATURE REVIEW AND CASE STUDY
VERTICAL CIRCULATION
Staircases: Thoughtfully designed staircases connect the different levels of the house. They are
positioned to ensure smooth movement between floors while also acting as architectural
features that enhance the aesthetic appeal.
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FIGURE 42 STAIRS
FIGURE 43 OUTDOOOR
Outdoor Spaces:
Terraces and Balconies: Each bedroom has access to a terrace or balcony, providing
personal outdoor spaces that encourage interaction with the natural surroundings.
Garden and Landscaping: The extensive use of landscaping, including native plants and
green vistas, creates a serene environment that enhances the overall living experience.
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Privacy and Security:
Zoning: The house is zoned to separate public and private areas, ensuring that family
members have their own spaces while also providing areas for social interaction.
Secure Access: The design includes secure access points and privacy measures, such as
strategic landscaping and the use of screens, to enhance safety and comfort.
MATERIAL
Cube houses are often constructed using materials like glass, steel, concrete, and iron. Some
cube houses are designed to blend into their natural surroundings, while others use materials
with low energy production footprints. Here are some examples of cube houses and the
materials used in their construction.
construct the floors and part of the walls of the cubes. The foundation of the houses was built
using bricks, sand, pebbles, and a motor
ADDITIONAL FIGURES
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FIGURE 46 ADDITIONAL IMAGE
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References
https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects/country/india
Climate-Data.org. (2023). *Climate: Ahmedabad*. Retrieved fro
Verizon Architects. (2024). *Verizon Architects Portfolio*. Retrieved from
Neufert, E. (2012). *Architects' Data* (4th ed
Curl, J. S. (1999). *A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture*. Oxford University Press.
ISBN:
Neufert, E. (2012). *Architects' Data* (4th ed.
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