Apartment
The term ‘apartment’ refers to a self-contained housing unit that occupies only part of a building, typically, on a single level. It is generally associated with North American real estate, although apartments have been common as far back as the Roman times. The term itself is thought to have originated in the mid-17th century, from the French word ‘appartement’ derived from the Italian ‘appartamento’ in turn derived from ‘appartare', meaning ‘to separate’.
In North America, apartments are typically leased. Residential blocks in which the residents own their accommodation are generally referred to as ‘condominiums’.
The term ‘apartment’ is sometimes considered to be synonymous with the term ‘flat’ commonly used in the UK. However, Approved document B, Fire Safety, Volume 1 Dwelling houses, defines a flat specifically as; 'a separate and self-contained premises constructed or adapted for use for residential purposes and forming part of a building from some other part of which it is divided horizontally.' and suggests that this '...includes live/work units, i.e. a flat intended to serve as a workplace for its occupants and for persons who do not live on the premises.’
For more information see: Flat definition.
In the UK, the term ‘duplex’ refers to an apartment (not a house) that includes two floors of accommodation, joined by an internal staircase. Historically, this would have been referred to as a maisonette, but the term duplex has become increasingly popular because of its perceived Americanism, and is generally applied to apartments with a more modern design, whereas a maisonette might be more traditional.
For more information see: Duplex.
The term 'penthouse' is used to describe an apartment on the top floor of a high-rise building. According to the New York City building code, a penthouse is ‘...an enclosed structure on or above the roof of any part of a building, which is designed or used for human occupancy.’ Penthouses are frequently the largest, most luxurious, and therefore the most expensive, apartments in a building.
For more information see: Penthouse.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bungalow.
- Condominium.
- Curtilage.
- Dining room.
- Domestic building.
- Duplex.
- Dwellinghouse.
- Flat definition.
- Household.
- Living room.
- Maisonette.
- Penthouse.
- Residential definition.
- Room for residential purposes.
- Sheltered housing definition.
- Studio flat.
- Terraced house.
- Types of building.
- Types of dwelling.
- Types of room.
- Use class.
Featured articles and news
Finalists for 2024 CIOB Awards revealed
80 construction leaders and companies from across the UK.
Health and Safety Training for Construction Employers
A brief run through essential training tips from a user.
3D Laser Scanning in Building Construction
A comprehensive guide from a Cohesive BIM wiki user.
BIM for structural reinforcement modelling
From the basics to the future from our Cohesive BIM wiki.
ECA skills recharge at the House of Commons
As electrical sector feels skills shortage bite.
The impact of pandemic and new legislation on courses
CIOB Academy’s course take-up inked to external factors.
An artist, philanthropist and ex-Army helicopter pilot
Q and A with self-representing artist, Hannah Shergold.
Building Safety Regulator appoints permanent director
And publishes three-year strategic plan.
Update on the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS)
Introducing changes to make it more effective from 2024.
2023 CIOB photography competition
Shortlist announced for 2023 public choice award vote.
The last of the Victorians. Book review.
Grimsby's Kasbah: where’s that?
An exotic name that is shrouded in mystery.
This weeks guest editor, Ankita Dwivedi of Firstplanit.
Fropm practice to research and the business of materials.
Terms, histories, theories and practices.
Types of work to existing buildings - repurposing of buildings
Alteration and everything else before demolition.