Understanding Area Types
Different area measurements serve different purposes in construction and real estate calculations.
- Carpet Area The net usable floor area within walls. This is the actual area you can carpet or use for furniture placement. Typically 70-80% of built-up area. Essential for interior design planning and functional space assessment.
- Built-up Area Includes wall thickness, columns, and utility ducts. Calculated by adding wall thickness to carpet area. Usually 20-30% more than carpet area. Critical for structural planning and load calculations.
- Super Built-up Area Also known as "Saleable Area". Includes common areas like lobbies, staircases, and amenity spaces. Typically 25-40% more than built-up area. Used for property valuation and sales transactions.
- Wall Area Area occupied by walls, columns, and partitions. Usually 15-25% of total built-up area. Important for material estimation and thermal insulation calculations.
Design Considerations
Space Efficiency
Optimal space efficiency ranges from 75-85% (carpet area to built-up area ratio). Factors affecting efficiency:
- Wall thickness selection (typically 15-30cm)
- Room layout optimization
- Circulation space planning
- Structural system choice
Building Codes
Area calculations must comply with local building codes:
- Floor Space Index (FSI) regulations
- Minimum room dimensions
- Ventilation requirements
- Emergency exit specifications
Cost Implications
Area measurements impact various costs:
- Construction cost per square meter
- Property valuation and taxes
- Maintenance and utility expenses
- Insurance premiums