Housing "Ten Upgrades" Landed! May 1, 2011

Housing "Ten Upgrades" Landed! May 1, 2011

On March 31, the national standard "Code for Residential Projects" was released, which takes safety, comfort, green and wisdom as the core objectives, and provides comprehensive and detailed regulations on the construction, use and maintenance of residential projects in multiple key dimensions, such as the scale, layout, function, performance and key technical measures of residential projects. It is worth noting that the specification will be formally implemented on May 1 this year, which contains "ten major upgrades" that will profoundly affect our future living experience.

I. Floor Height Enhancement: New Experience of Open Space

The floor height of newly-built residential buildings has been raised to "not less than 3 meters". Previously, in the 2011 edition of the Residential Design Code, "the appropriate floor height of a residence is 2.80 meters". However, with the improvement of living standards, people have a higher pursuit of living space. The increase in height increases the demand for storey height, and at the same time, the improvement of lighting, ventilation and other performance indicators also depends on the increase in storey height. Increased floor height creates conditions for expanded window areas, optimized indoor ventilation and lighting, and reduced risk of moisture and mold. It also provides space for increasing the thickness of floor elements and adding soundproofing panels to effectively address soundproofing issues. In addition, diversified decoration styles and spatial layouts can be realized, such as the design of mezzanines and attics, which also provide more space for the installation of building equipment.

Second, elevator settings: convenient travel is guaranteed

The code specifies that elevators are required for dwellings of 4 stories and above. This upgrade greatly facilitates travel for residents, especially for the elderly, children, and residents who carry heavy objects. In some of the older neighborhood renovation projects, the convenience of life for residents has increased dramatically with the addition of elevators. For example, it is no longer difficult for residents to walk up and down the stairs, and the quality of life has improved significantly.

Third, sound insulation performance: quiet life more comfortable

Improved sound insulation of walls and floors for a quieter living environment. Good sound insulation performance can effectively block outside noise as well as sound interference between neighbors. In some high-end residential projects, advanced sound insulation materials and technologies have already been adopted, and this specification popularizes this requirement. For example, the use of special soundproof wall panels can effectively reduce the transmission of noise into the house, creating a quiet living space for residents.

Fourth, the net width of the passage between the door of the house and the bathroom door is increased: smoother entry and exit

The wider clear widths of the entrance doors and bathroom doors make it easier for residents to enter and exit the house on a daily basis, especially for people with limited mobility and when carrying bulky items. The wider door clearances reflect the humanization of the home's design. Imagine the inconvenience that can be avoided by wider doors for the elderly who use wheelchairs or for those who carry large items of furniture.

V. Raising the height of balustrades on balconies and other airside areas: upgrading safety and security again

The increase in the height of railings on balconies and other open spaces adds to the safety of residents. Especially for families with children, higher railings can effectively prevent accidents. In some neighborhoods, once because the height of the railing is insufficient and there are safety hazards, the implementation of this specification, will effectively avoid such problems.

VI. Renewal and reconstruction of old residential elevators: a new look at safe operation

According to the requirements of the relevant safety technical standards, the old elevators in residential buildings that have been put into use for more than 15 years, with low configuration levels, high operational failure rates, high safety risks, and a strong willingness of the public to update them will be retrofitted or overhauled. If it is confirmed by assessment that it is impossible to ensure safe operation, has no transformation and repair value or reaches the prescribed conditions for scrapping, the elevator will be renewed in a timely manner. The updated elevator needs to meet the requirements of economic applicability, safety and durability, smooth operation, green environmental protection and smooth communication. This will greatly enhance the safety and reliability of old elevators and reduce the nuisance caused by elevator failures.

VII. Installation of elevators in existing residential buildings: revitalization of old districts

In accordance with the principle of "government guidance, owner's voluntary, local management, standardization and safety", for the existing residential buildings within the scope of towns and cities with more than four floors (including four floors) that meet the safety requirements and other conditions, combined with the renovation of old districts, urban renewal, etc., to meet the requirements of the voting ratio, by the owners or tenants of public housing according to the procedures for applying for the implementation of the retrofitting. Encourage the use of flat-floor access to add elevators to achieve barrier-free access, and combined with urban renewal, old neighborhood renovation, etc., to accelerate the renewal and upgrading of community accessibility facilities and other ancillary facilities. This will bring great convenience to residents of old neighborhoods and improve their quality of life.

VIII. Building Energy Efficiency Renewal and Rehabilitation: New Options for Green Living

Combined with urban renewal, transformation of old neighborhoods, etc., to promote building energy-saving renovation according to local conditions, focusing on the transformation of external windows, external walls and roof insulation integrated with the building. Implementation of the completion of 1 million square meters of existing buildings energy-saving renovation tasks. This not only reduces energy consumption, but also reduces residents' energy expenses, and also has positive significance for environmental protection.

Nine, heating facilities and equipment update: warm winter more comfortable

In accordance with the relevant requirements, the implementation of heat exchangers, pump motors, heat meters, data telemetry devices and other equipment renewal, the installation of heat meters and data telemetry devices, access to the city's intelligent heat supply supervision platform, improve the heating effect and intelligent monitoring level. Combined with heating energy-saving renovation, the implementation of beyond the service life, energy-efficient radiators, cast iron old radiators update work, encourage and guide residential users to update the new material, high-efficiency heating radiators. This will enable residents to enjoy a more stable and comfortable heating service in winter.

X. Gas cooker update: safe gas use without hidden dangers

In accordance with the relevant provisions to carry out home security checks, cast iron stoves, non-flame failure protection stoves and stoves over the use of the age of the comprehensive investigation, the implementation of the old gas stoves to update, encourage and guide residential gas users to update the gas stoves with flame failure protection devices, to prevent gas leakage accidents within the household. Guaranteeing residents' gas safety is an important part of residential safety.

The housing "ten upgrades" of the implementation of the landing, is China's residential construction to the high-quality development of an important step forward, will bring the majority of residents a safer, more comfortable, green, intelligent living environment.