It really is worthwhile to think about all the details . . . . otherwise you may make a mistake like this!
Thanks to the Angry Architect, my favourite architectural blog, for this photo.
or
You may just want to check your existing fridge fits in the alcove in your new kitchen.
Whichever it is . . . . . Don’t forget to leave room around the fridge!
Both refrigerators and freezers work by extracting the heat from inside to a radiator coil on the rear of the unit.
If the air flowing past the coils is restricted the efficiency of the refrigerator will drop, and your power bills will go up.
I would recommend a space at least 25mm either side of the cabinet and 40-50mm behind and above the top of the unit.
Don’t then use these spaces to store trays, chopping boards, etc otherwise you are going to block that ventilation path.
I have heard of people installing an external vent behind a fridge mounted on an external wall. . . It seems like a good idea if you remember to shut the vent on hot days. (remember on a 30 + degree day the incoming air will be hotter than the air in the room)
To get drawers out of a Fridge or Freezer you normally have to open the door by much more than 90 degrees. (I have just checked mine and its about 135 degrees)
This means you may need more than the 25mm suggested above on the hinge side unless the front of the fridge projects forward of the alcove.
I’m not a big fan of built in fridges, but if you like them make sure that ventilation and door opening are fully considered before you buy.
Salinity doesn’t have to be as bad as in this photograph to cause problems in new homes.
It’s also quite common for land that has not got salinity issues to develop salinity over several years.
Problems can range from cosmetic through to significant structural issues.
Efflorecence This is the white powdery deposit sometimes seen on brickwork or concrete. Sometimes it is caused by salts in the materials themselves, (See this link Efflorecence)
Breaking Up Materials If salt is carried into the wall be water and then dries it will form crystals inside the bricks, mortar, or concrete. These crystals can form internal pressure on the materials causing the external surface to crumble away.
Acid attack Acids can be formed that will increase the porosity of concrete and reduce its strength.
Increased Steel Corrosion A wet saline solution is likely to result in corrosion of concrete reinforcement and Brick Ties.
Demolition Site?
War Zone?
No this is a New, Completed, House!
Just when you think you have seen the weirdest building you can imagine. . . . something else comes along?
This is the Antivilla by Brandhuber
Click on the link above to see more photos. (If you thought it looked any better inside you would be wrong)
