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Make some space

Philarct

hows it goin folks

i recently helped this family move out of their apartment and into their new home. It wasnt fun

the apartment was on the second floor, so the two couches, hardwood wall unit, mattresses and entertainment system gave us hell going down the stairs, after we squeezed through the tiny front door that is.

the house was a one story but had 4 steps leading to the screen and the front door, the doorways in the house were small too, so everything was hard to move or barely fit, it really pissed me off

my question is, has anyone or does anyone design apartments or houses with the mover in mind? cause that was a stupid

 
Aug 11, 08 10:31 am
4arch

I bought a lounge chair off of a woman who lived in an apartment where the entry was so small I couldn't even get the thing out the door without taking it apart. She told me that basically any furniture she owned had to be able to break down. Wonder how many people who've lived in that apartment discovered that after signing on the dotted line.

Aug 11, 08 10:58 am  · 
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lletdownl

its one of the singular reasons i have never invested much in furniture...

moving every year when the 1 year lease is up keeps you light...
i can pack virtually everything i own in trash bags... i have a small couch, 2 small tables and a very light weight book shelf... however, i have a MASSIVE dresser... it was mine growing up and rather than buying a new one, i just brought it from home...

however, the thing is super solid and must weigh 300-400 lbs... my current apartment is on the 3rd floor (with my bedroom on the 4th...) up a spiraling staircase with low ceilings...

the 'necter postal was unfortunate enough to help move me in, and getting that dresser up the stairs was so physically exhausting i almost threw up... having just had another knee surgery, i can tell you im very excited about the prospects of getting it back out in 3 weeks when i move again...

Aug 11, 08 11:33 am  · 
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citizen

Good topic, and one I don't think we typically plan for as designers. Once we've provided dimensional minimums for fixtures, fire, accessibility, and other program functions, we've usually had enough.

"What, you mean I have to leave clearances for furniture moving? You gotta be kiddin' me!"

Aug 11, 08 11:40 am  · 
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No need to bring Mohammed to the water...just make sure furniture is flat pack. Its where the inspiration for IKEA arose, tiny European apartment up ridiculously narrow steps and stair wells, not to mention entries that you have to squeeze through side ways.

Aug 11, 08 12:39 pm  · 
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Ms Beary

The classic multi-family architect boo-boo is to put the water heater in a closet that you'd have to cut the door or wall out to replace it.


Aug 11, 08 7:07 pm  · 
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when we bought this house there was a desk that had been moved to the attic before the attic was finished. it had to be sawn in half to be removed. hah!

Aug 11, 08 8:20 pm  · 
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Philarct

does anybody mind doors 4 or 5 feet in width?

Aug 12, 08 10:02 am  · 
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wurdan freo

In my experience it is always older buildings that don't have enough room. I've lived in Milwaukee and Phoenix and the newer apartment complexes in Phoenix were very easy to get in and out. The older apartment buildings in Milwaukee are always a challenge.

Anyone who has remodled an older structure will notice that modern day furniture is not the only thing that doesn't fit. For instance the joy of installing heat pumps and ductwork in a building that was originally designed to be naturally ventilated before this equipment existed.

so as not to hijack - what about a hinged sidelight with flush bolts? Then you could have a typically proportioned door and still have the option for improved access.

Aug 12, 08 2:12 pm  · 
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rutger

Houses in Amsterdam often have a thingy on the building to lift furniture.
link
link2

Aug 12, 08 2:58 pm  · 
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4arch

just don't use those to lift a grand piano...it always ends in disaster.

Aug 12, 08 3:07 pm  · 
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citizen

^ or to lift a safe... unless you're in a Bugs Bunny cartoon :-)

Aug 12, 08 4:18 pm  · 
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ReflexiveSpace

Well in multi family housing handicap codes generally trump even generous moving dimensions so its not such a big deal for new buildings. I've lived in plenty of old buildings where it has become an issue, but not much you can do about that. Enlarging a circulation space is next to impossible in an existing build since its surrounded by everything else. By impossible i mean outrageously expensive. Interestingly thats killed off a number of renovations of multifamily housing since once you start any major change everything has to be updated. So instead of getting a building providing better access you get owners avoiding any updates.

Aug 12, 08 4:29 pm  · 
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mantaray

I've worked in a residential firm where we thought about this all the time. We also measured most of the clients' dishware, shampoo bottles, etc. to make sure they all fit into kitchen cabinets and shower recesses and all kinds of things. So, there are architects out there who are sensitive to these things!

Aug 12, 08 11:23 pm  · 
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vado retro

i got a freight elevator! i moved ma couch masself with the help of the company van and a four wheeled thingy...

Aug 12, 08 11:53 pm  · 
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SDR

Freight elevators = good.

I like wurdan's hinged sidelight.

I'm a furnituremaker who doesn't like to be burdened with furniture.

I believe all furniture should either fold, or disassemble easily.

Aug 13, 08 12:24 am  · 
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Philarct

worst birthday gift ever - uhaul gift card

Aug 13, 08 1:36 pm  · 
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