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This site location map shows field boundaries, roadways and some domestic buildings - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 4 - 2016
Question 4
This site location map shows field boundaries, roadways and some domestic buildings. It is proposed to build a new house on the site marked A. (a) Discuss in detai... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This site location map shows field boundaries, roadways and some domestic buildings - Leaving Cert Construction Studies - Question 4 - 2016
Step 1
Discuss in detail three reasons why site A may be considered suitable for a new house.
Answer
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Sufficient Size: Site A is adequately large to accommodate a new house, making it feasible for house construction and ensuring that it can provide the necessary space for future expansion, gardens, or landscaping. This size is essential in rural areas where spacing and land utilization can impact the overall livability and accessibility of the home.
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Access to Services: The site has proximity to essential public services such as water, electricity, and broadband. This accessibility is vital for modern living standards and adds to the attractiveness of the location. Proximity to existing infrastructure can reduce the cost and complexity of connecting these vital services.
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Sustainable Location: The location allows for sustainable house design by utilizing natural surroundings. It ensures that the house is positioned to take advantage of sunlight for natural heating and solar energy utilization, thereby promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in building design.
Step 2
Using a well proportioned freehand sketch, redraw the given site and the immediate surrounding boundaries.
Answer
On the sketch, I proposed the following:
- Location and Orientation: The house is oriented to face the main access road, maximizing sunlight throughout the day. The entrance is positioned at the front to enhance accessibility for visitors and service vehicles.
- Entrance Gateway and Access Road: The entrance gateway is located at a safe distance from the main road to minimize traffic risks. A driveway is designed to provide easy access for cars, allowing sufficient space for parking near the house.
Step 3
Discuss in detail two advantages and two disadvantages of building one-off houses in the Irish rural landscape.
Answer
Advantages:
- Quality of Life: One-off houses provide a quality of life appreciated by rural dwellers, promoting a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature.
- Community Development: They allow people to develop networks with neighbors, enhancing community spirit and collaboration amongst rural residents.
Disadvantages:
- Sustainability Issues: One-off houses can contribute to unsustainable development due to increased distances, leading to higher costs associated with infrastructure and services.
- Resource Allocation: During resource scarcity periods, rural areas can struggle to maintain essential services such as healthcare and education, as one-off houses may not be effectively supported by existing infrastructure.