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Safety, security, privacy
A basic human requirement is for a safe place to live.
Fire
As news stories attest, fire, on a small localised scale and more dramatically and drastically in the form of regionalised bush & forest fires is an increasing threat to human well-being. The siting of a building must take into account any history of seasonal conflagrations – local regulations and the guidance of local authorities should greatly influence this element of the building design.
Of relevance to all building is the selection of materials and appropriate design.
- Airflow within cavity walls should be limited to avoid aiding the spread of fire.
- Insulation materials should be treated fire retardant were possible; it should also be isolated from the inhabited areas of the building.
- The design of the building should ensure that risks from sources of combustion such as electrical cables, electrical equipment, open fires, candles and the like are minimised.
- Fit smoke alarms!
Earthquakes
Basic single-storey boxy wooden buildings as traditionally found in earthquake areas are perhaps the safest type of structure to build in areas that are at risk from earthquakes. Where more elaborate designs are required then the services of a structural engineer will be essential.
Flooding
Regardless of ones attitude towards global warming it’s cause and effects, flooding, especially in the UK with our recent ‘British Summer Monsoons’ is of increasing concern. Key to protection against flooding is the siting of a buildings, essentially off flood-plains and safely in relation to water courses, rivers, lakes and the sea. With increasing demand to build new houses, often in locations that break these rules (especially in relation to flood plains) the provision of appropriate flood defences becomes a key design element.