Ask the Architect Your structural and design questions answered by Ruth Massias Greenberg of Gamma Concepts www.gamma.gi
ASK RUTH email your architectural questions to ruth@gamma.gi
Looking to make structural changes to your home or office? Need design advice? Want to know what you can and can’t do? Ruth is here to answer your architectural questions
Q
I live in a block of flats and want to replace my windows with double glazing. Do I need planning permission?
That depends! The planning laws in Gibraltar dictate that anything that changes the outward appearance of a building requires planning permission. If you are changing your windows “like for like”, that is to say that you use the same opening mechanism, frame material, thickness and colour, then the chances are you will not require planning permission. If, however, any of these factors change, a planning application is likely to be required. The same follows for any other changes to the outward appearance of buildings, for example, changing the colour of the facade or installing an A.C. unit. For more information contact the Town Planning Department or to view planning laws in Gibraltar visit: www.gibraltarlaws.gov.gi/full_index.php and click on Town Planning (Building Development Control) Regulations 2001. On a side note, you should also ensure, that any management companies or owners of the property are informed and happy for the works to proceed. Alternatively, contact an architect who will be able to advise you on your specific case. n
Q
I am about to open a new shop and want to redecorate myself. Can you give me some simple pointers on how to start? ● Do your research — look online and at magazines. Start collecting a series of images which best suit your aims and perhaps create a “mood book”. ● Have clear aims and goals. Try to get a clear idea of what you would like to achieve with the space. Then, prioritise them so that if (or when!) you need to be flexible on some as you go through the process, you can eliminate the items at the bottom of the list. ● Talk to friends who have gone through the process and get pointers. Inevitably mistakes are made so you may as well learn from other people’s ex-
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periences. ● Draw up, as best you can to scale, what you would like to do with the space. This will make it easier to explain your ideas to others; contractors, or even the people selling you the tiles or wallpaper! It may be worth considering hiring professional consultants. Even though this does have a cost it may well save time and money in the long run. Consultants are experts and have valuable know-how. They may also offer a different and imaginative perspective. Another option is to hire a professional to start you off on the process and give you initial advice, and then complete the project on your own. Don’t cut corners by doing it yourself without the proper checks. Either way, even if you are
doing a DIY job, ensure you are Planning and Building Control not contravening any regulations (Tel: 200 75483). This is not only by talking your project over with a way of ensuring you keep safe GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • JULY 2013