Page 14 - New England Condominium May EXPO 2019

DESIGN I deas about architecture, design and the is, the space might fall under certain regu- use of space have changed over the years. lations,” says David DeFilippo, an architect you can generally put anything else you want than can be easily undertaken or paid for Back in the first half of the last century with Tsoi Kobus Design in when both developers and consumers had Boston. “The concept of different needs and agendas than they do to- day (not to mention less advanced technol- ogy), giant boilers, elevator machinery, fuel space is defined as a space storage tanks, and other mechanical systems for living, sleeping, eating were housed in building basements and sub- basements. Today, many of these systems virtually all jurisdictions have been replaced by smaller, streamlined there are requirements as components and computerized controls to ventilation (windows, that require far less space. Many buildings basically) and means of – prewar apartment buildings in particular – egress. find themselves with unused and underused spaces that with a little work can be con- verted into valuable amenity spaces for their Filippo, “it can be adapted residents’ use. The Technical Issues “Depending on what the intended use ly or partially underground. Windows are a permitted occupancy is in excess of 50 peo- habitable space is always a problem.” Habitable or cooking. As such, in “If a space is not used for living,” continues De- to other uses. Sometimes these spaces are complete- requirement for habitable space. Otherwise, ple, the space may require more adaptation in these spaces. within a specific budget. With some uses you may need ation in repurposing spaces, particularly in two means of basements. “You have to exhaust the air,” egress, and that says DeFilippo. “If you move into the build- depends on population size. or a small mechanical room that contains By most codes, ventilation equipment. Some ‘H-’ and ‘U-’ once you hit the plan buildings have air shafts that can be uti- magic number of lized for exhaust. You might even have some 50, you generally windows. In a basement, you might also be need two means able to tap into the existing heating system by of egress, which creating a separate circuit. Many times, split- can limit use.” type air conditioning units (condenser on What that means one side of wall, evaporator on the other, nei- in real terms is ther necessarily outside) are used for these that if a space’s spaces. It’s a great way to provide ventilation Ventilation is another major consider- ing system, you might require a fan change for individual rooms. In general, regardless Repurposing Unused Space Making Amenities Out of Nothing BY A J SIDRANSKY 14 NEW ENGLAND CONDOMINIUM — MAY 2019 NEWENGLANDCONDO.COM the EXPERIENCE you need the firm you can TRUST delivering the RESULTS you expect for your association, the OBVIOUS choice Goodman, Shapiro & Lombardi, LLC OFFICES: Massachusetts & Rhode Island www.goshlaw.com 1-877-241-1600 THE RIGHT ATTORNEYS TO CALL BEFORE THE WRONG THING HAPPENS NE_Condominium_Horiz_HalfPg_4cv2.indd 1 1/15/2019 11:30:00 AM “Depending on what the intended use is, the space might fall under certain regulations. The concept of habitable space is always a prob- lem.” — David DeFilippo See us at Booth 121