The path to your dream home

Location information

Building design phases

Location information is a collection of all the relevant spatial criteria and conditions, requested from the municipality responsible for the plot on which you intend to build. Its data derives from the valid spatial planning documents for the area and specifies what may be built and under which conditions. It is useful to obtain this document before purchasing the plot, as it contains important information about the permitted form and size of the house, required approvals, protected areas, possible easements for access and similar matters. Anyone can obtain location information for any plot; proof of ownership is not required.

Building plot

Building design phases

A building may be constructed only on a buildable plot that you own. If you are purchasing land, check ownership and make sure the plot is free from encumbrances. This can be verified through the electronic land registry or in person at the land registry office. The best way to verify whether the plot is buildable is through the location information. Its building status or designated land use can also be checked through public spatial information systems online, such as the shared municipal spatial information system or individual municipal systems.

Geodetic survey plan

Building design phases

A geodetic survey plan is a mandatory component of the building permit documentation and the prescribed base on which a new building is designed. Once you have selected a plot and decided to build on it, you can commission the plan from a surveying company; by agreement, your architect may also arrange it.

Concept design

Building design phases

Based on the agreement and the client’s requirements, the architect prepares a concept design in the form of a plan, sketch or spatial representation. It is important that the architect understands every wish and starting point. The purpose of the concept design is to obtain project conditions or connection approvals from the relevant authorities.

Building Permit Design (PGD)

Building design phases

The location information identifies all authorities whose approvals are required. At minimum, approvals for basic utility provision must always be obtained—drinking water, electricity, wastewater drainage and access to a public road. Other approvals depend on the plot’s location. Once all approvals have been obtained and the PGD documentation prepared correctly, it is submitted to the administrative authority, which assesses the proposed solutions. A positive decision means that the building permit has been granted.

The Building Permit Design (PGD), based on the concept design, includes:

• lead folder – PGD;

• building architecture with site placement – PGD;

• structural engineering/statics (statement) – PGD;

• preparation of the fire safety concept;

• preparation of the building physics report in accordance with the new energy-efficiency regulations;

• preparation of the building acoustic protection report.

Detailed Design (PZI)

Building design phases

High-quality construction also requires a Detailed Design (PZI), which develops the PGD documentation and consists of the plans needed by contractors on site.

Alongside the architectural plan, the structural engineering plan and the electrical and mechanical services plans are essential during construction. These plans should be prepared carefully and professionally in collaboration with the client and, above all, coordinated with one another. In practice, it is highly advisable to plan every material, element and item of equipment in advance. This avoids many site problems, incomplete solutions and often additional costs.

The Detailed Design (PZI) includes:

• building architecture – PZI;

• structural engineering/statics with reinforcement drawings – PZI;

• electrical installation design from the distribution board onwards;

• mechanical services design—heating, ventilation and water supply from the meter chamber onwards, plus internal drainage.