HOUSE DESIGN

Building a residential house requires the design documentation to be prepared in advance. This requirement is established by the legislation of Kazakhstan.
Until 2016, it was common practice to build private houses without a professional plan - using only hand-drawn sketches. After construction was completed, the owners registered the property and paid a fine.
However, since 2017 the approach has changed. From that point on, a permit must be obtained before construction and installation work begins, by submitting a house design for Almaty. Otherwise, the illegally built structure may be demolished.
In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 16 July 2001, No. 242 “On Architectural, Urban Planning and Construction Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan”

Article 68, clause 11

“Before construction and installation work begins, the customer must notify the bodies exercising state architectural and construction control of the start of construction and installation work in the manner established by the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan ‘On Permits and Notifications.’

Strict legal requirements are currently in force - having permit documentation is a mandatory condition before starting to build a house.
Building design consists of two stages. First, a concept design for the house is developed, defining the conceptual solutions for the layout, appearance and placement of the house on the plot. The concept includes floor plans, as well as sections, facades and 3D visualisation. It is adjusted to take the client's wishes into account.
Once the concept plan has been approved, the working documentation is produced, containing all the necessary calculations, drawings, specifications and estimates in accordance with the norms and rules of construction work.

Under Article 3 of the Law “On Individual Housing Construction”, you have the right to build a residential house to any design that does not violate the established construction and other mandatory codes and regulations and that has been approved by the architecture and urban planning service of the akimat of a city of republican significance, the capital, or a district (city of regional significance).

This is a comprehensive process that includes creating a detailed plan and a set of drawings for the construction of a residential building, as well as a list of all the necessary building and finishing materials.

This is a crucial stage that requires a careful approach and consideration of numerous factors. The quality of the plan determines not only the appearance and functionality of the future house, but also living comfort, energy efficiency, safety and durability of the building. The main stages are defining the goals and objectives, choosing the plot, developing the architectural and engineering designs, and drawing up the estimate. In this article we will examine each of these stages in detail and give practical recommendations for successful house design.

Before starting to develop the plan, it is necessary to clearly define the goals and objectives that the future house must fulfil. It is important to take into account the climatic conditions of the region, financial capabilities, the lifestyle and needs of the family, the number of residents and the functional purpose of the rooms.

For example, if you plan to build a house for a large family with children, you should provide enough bedrooms, playrooms and a spacious kitchen-living room for spending time together. If someone in the family works from home, a separate study will be needed. In a turnkey house design, it is important to take into account the need for utility rooms, a garage, and a terrace or patio for relaxing outdoors.

Other goals and objectives may include energy efficiency, eco-friendly materials, adaptation for people with disabilities, and the provision of a hobby area or a home gym.

Once the goals and objectives have been determined, a suitable plot for building the house must be chosen. Factors to consider include the size and shape of the plot, the terrain, the soil type, the availability of utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewerage) and developed infrastructure (roads, schools, shops, medical facilities).

A level, rectangular plot with a slight slope to ensure natural water drainage is considered ideal. However, if necessary, more challenging terrain can also be used, provided that appropriate solutions are included. It is important to take into account the wind rose and orientation to the cardinal directions to ensure optimal lighting and ventilation.

When choosing a plot, it is recommended to pay attention to the presence of greenery, water bodies or other natural features that could become the highlight of your plot. You should also assess transport accessibility and the distance from busy highways and industrial zones.

It is a key element when a design is developed for an individual residential house, defining not only its external appearance but also the internal organisation of space. This section of the plan includes layout solutions, facades, sections and a room schedule, plus a detailed description of the materials and structures used.

One of the first steps in the design process is choosing the style of the future house. There is a huge variety of architectural styles, each with its own unique features and characteristics. The classical style, which originated in ancient architecture, is distinguished by symmetrical forms, the use of traditional materials (stone, brick, wood) and decorative elements (columns, arches, stucco moulding). The modern, or minimalist, style, by contrast, is characterised by conciseness, simplicity of lines and forms, and the use of innovative materials such as glass, concrete and steel.

Other popular styles when customers order house designs in Almaty include country, chalet, high-tech, eco-style and many others. The choice of style depends on the client's personal preferences, the features of the plot and the surrounding landscape, and the functional requirements for the future house.

Once the style has been determined, the architects proceed to develop the house layout, thinking through the location and interrelationship of the various rooms. It is important to ensure rational use of space, create convenient zones for various activities (relaxation, sleep, work, cooking, hygiene, etc.), and also provide for the possibility of moving freely between them. Particular attention is paid to the organisation of common areas such as the living room, dining room and kitchen, which are often combined into a single space.

The house design takes into account the needs and lifestyle of the family, the number of residents, and the need for separate studies, playrooms, home gyms and other additional rooms. It is also important to provide sufficient natural light and ventilation in all living areas.

After the layout has been developed, the architects create facade designs that determine the exterior appearance of the house and its stylistic solution. The facades must blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and match the chosen architectural style. When designing facades, elements such as the shape and material of the roof, window and door openings, decorative elements, the colour palette and the textures of the finishing materials are taken into account.

Sections of the house allow the internal structure of the building, ceiling heights, number of storeys, roof structure and other important elements to be worked out in detail. The room schedule is a table listing the areas, purpose and characteristics of each room in the house.

An important aspect of developing the architectural plan is allowing for the future extension or reconstruction of the house. By providing for this in advance, the house can later be easily adapted to the family's changing needs.

It should be noted that creating a full-fledged architectural design requires the involvement of qualified specialists – architects, interior designers and structural engineers. Their professional experience and knowledge will help translate your ideas and wishes into a harmonious and functional house plan.

They include the calculation and design of structures and of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water supply, sewerage and power supply systems.

The structural plan must ensure the strength, stability and durability of the building and its safety in emergency situations (earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.). Here it is important to take into account the climatic and geological conditions of the region, as well as the building materials used.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems provide comfortable living conditions in the house, maintaining the optimal air temperature and humidity. When developing these systems, it is necessary to be guided by the principles of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, and also to provide for the possibility of using alternative energy sources (solar panels, geothermal heating, etc.).

The water supply, sewerage and power supply layouts must ensure an uninterrupted water supply, wastewater disposal and a reliable electricity supply to the house. At the same time, it is important to comply with all regulatory requirements and safety rules.

To develop engineering plans successfully, it is recommended to engage qualified specialists in the relevant fields.

This is a document that lists all the costs associated with building the house, including the cost of materials, work, equipment, transport services and other expenses. A well-prepared estimate allows you to assess the overall cost of the project and plan the financing of the construction.

When preparing an estimate, it is necessary to take into account current market prices for building materials and services and to provide a reserve fund for unforeseen expenses (usually 10-15% of the total cost). It is recommended to regularly review and update the estimate during construction in order to avoid financial risks.

House design in Almaty is a complex and multi-stage process that requires taking many factors into account. Detailed elaboration of goals and objectives, careful selection of the plot, competent development of architectural and engineering designs, and drawing up a realistic estimate - all these steps will help you turn your dreams into the perfect house for comfortable living. Engaging professionals and taking a responsible approach to design will be the key to the successful construction of your house.