PHILIPSBURG--A free online home design tool that allows users to see how their choices affect construction costs, hurricane safety and indoor comfort will be presented to the public at the University of St. Martin (USM) on Thursday, November 12.
The session, scheduled for 4:00pm, will give residents, architects and contractors an opportunity to test the tool and provide feedback to help shape its next version.
The tool was developed by Dr. Eng. Arch. Aga Kus, a postdoctoral researcher at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands. Kus has worked with USM for the past five years on safe and affordable housing for the island.
The online tool allows users to explore different design options, including the shape of a house, ventilation, roof types, wall materials and windows. It then shows how these choices affect construction costs, structural safety and thermal comfort.
Kus said the tool was developed to help people consider safety, affordability and the island's climate when planning a home.
“Everyone has an idea of what their dream house would look like. Yet in the design process, safety is often prioritised at the expense of how the house looks, and the climate gets too little attention, which drives up the electricity bill. Our tool shows what each choice means for cost, safety and comfort before the first block is laid, so the house you dream of is also one that is safe and that you can afford to build and to live in,” Kus said.
The tool is intended for everyone involved in building homes, including residents planning to construct a house, architects and contractors.
It has already been tested during workshops with USM students, who responded enthusiastically. USM student Diahenn van Heyningen said the website helped her visualise her future home while improving her understanding of the costs and planning involved.
“Like many people, I dream of building my ideal home one day. This website not only helps me visualise that dream, but also broadens my understanding of the actual costs, budgeting and planning involved in turning it into a reality,” she said.
Residents and professionals are invited to attend Thursday's session, test the tool and share their perspectives, expertise and feedback.
