Our difference from other providers of turnkey wooden houses is that we start with the project first. Our approach is that of an engineering company, in fact and our business is based on design and knowledge of materials and construction techniques. Our goal is to select and employ the best construction technique to achieve the best result in terms of:
- welfare;
- safety;
- Reduction of consumption;
- cost control.
We, like other companies, also provide the integrated turnkey design and construction service but our characteristic is to start from the design because we are designers before we are carpenters. The fabrication of the panels and the assembly of the structures for us comes after the realization of a good design. Every business has its own story and we are from architectural and engineering backgrounds and the basis of our knowledge is technical and starts from drawing.
At the base is a pencil drawing
Through drawing we communicate emotions and build together with our client the basis for a dream to come true. Although we use very advanced methods of digitized design processing at an early stage of the project we like to sit at a small table with our client and let the ideas flow with pencil on paper. We are always very impressed with everyone’s ability to envision a project even on the basis of a few marks on paper. This was always the case even when complex projects were developed with charcoal and tablet. Even in the age of tablets our ability to mentally represent a project from a few pencil marks remained unchanged, and it is surprising how even the uninitiated always have this innate ability alive.
Cost control
Rightly, the client of a wooden house demands certainty of completion at a fixed cost before starting work so that he or she knows from the outset what sum is needed to complete the works. Of course we are happy to provide this service. In this, too, we start with the project. We believe that the project is the cornerstone of the path that leads to the construction and completion of a wooden house that fully fulfills the client’s expectations in terms of cost control. Only an accurate design allows us to ensure that all items of expenditure in the specifications of the work to be built are properly clarified, analyzed, shared and estimated. Although a wooden house is not a complex object compared to other creations of man it still remains a design issue that needs to be carefully defined since several dozen details and construction elements are afferent in it that need to be perfectly analyzed and clarified before starting work.
Sharing an idea
The success of a realization stems from a shared design idea between us and the future user of our project. Obviously, technical knowledge of wood is essential to avoid mistakes in the design and installation of structures but, the realization of a satisfactory project, comes from the analysis of decisive factors to be analyzed together by developing a range of options and analyzing pros and cons of multiple alternatives.
The project is a journey through various stages
Developing a new project is an important time in a person’s or family’s life. There are many ways to embark on this path. Some people who know exactly at the beginning what they want and what they like and dislike. Other people are more analytical and reflective and ask more questions. We are happy to work alongside both types of approaches by providing our expertise for advice and developing clear floor plans and graphic visualizations that consider various options. For us the like/dislike is not a premise but an outcome, so when we understand what our client requires to be expressed by their design we try to give it an accomplished form that fulfills the ‘like’ but also accommodates a number of functional aspects that are equally important in the daily use of the property. Our goal is to provide a home that is liked over time and that is not dictated by fads or ephemeral trends. In fact, the home is an asset that must last and be liked over time. Although checklists are always limited and there are always other aspects to evaluate not included in the list here is an example of the aspects to consider:
Access
When we have an available lot, it is important to understand where it is accessed from. Ideally we would always like to have a living area away from the driveway area so that we can enjoy the living spaces undisturbed. Access is not always located in the northern part of the lot however, this would be the ideal solution.
Floor plan
Analyzing the site and any hazards and characteristics of it is critical. Today many areas have become floodplains even though they were not floodplains in the past. In the past there was less danger of flooding, today violent and incessant rainfall phenomena happen more frequently and put the hydraulic system in crisis. It should be verified on the basis of experience and mapping what area we are in and possibly plan to raise the property from ground level by bringing the ground level to a safe level. In case the lot is in a hilly area, the safety of the level where we have to build the house should be verified and, if necessary, interventions should be carried out to ensure the safety of the foundation level.
Solar orientation
Solar orientation is important for the placement of solar and photovoltaic panels, but it is also important to ensure the psychological well-being of inhabitants. Living areas should be placed in the south where there is more natural light. Bedrooms, especially those of children who spend more time in their rooms studying, can also benefit more from a southern orientation. Service areas and garages would be better oriented in northern areas with less light.
The shape of the lot
The shape of the lot largely dictates the shape of the wooden house. A compact lot forces us to think of a compact shape and discard the option of an elongated plan at the outset. We have, however, happened to make ‘L’ shapes and this is also a very viable option when the house exceeds a certain size.