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Squeezing in to the average home

Article Abstract:

The Access Committee for England (Ace) advocates the provision of lifetime homes to suit all age-groups and disabled people. Homes with facilities such as adaptable kitchens and bathroom floor-drains for walk-in showers are rare as they cost an extra 500-5,000 pounds sterling to build. Westbury Homes construct West Country properties with suitable features. About 1/4 of households include a disabled person yet only 230 purpose-built homes for the disabled are built a year.

Dwellings, Disabled persons

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Coming home to the office at the end of the day

Article Abstract:

Trade Tower, Battersea, London, England was built as a 12-storey office block but the recession affects commercial property more than housing. When the block was half-completed it was converted into flats. Top-storey air conditioning machinery was discarded and a second staircase was no longer necessary. Over 50 apartments with high ceilings and huge windows were created. Some councils refuse planning permission for about 80% of planned conversions.

Marketing, Design and construction, Architecture, Modern, Modern architecture, Property, Apartments

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Living space from dead office blocks

Article Abstract:

Geoff Marsh, a development analyst of Applied Property Research suggests that just half of London's empty office space could provide 40,000 homes. Some London fringe sites with planning permission for offices are just not viable any more and therefore are practically worthless. Although banks have still to accept switching to low value development, such a change could regenerate the inner city and ease the strain on public transport.

London, England, Urban renewal, Remodeling and renovation

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