The Building and Construction Authority has just launched a two-week public consultation period about the standardisation of window and door sizes in residential buildings.
What are the main aims behind this policy? Easier repair and reuse of apertures; standardised modules for producers to adhere to thus reducing construction waste and production costs.
Which are the sizes being proposed? Doors and windows shall both see an increase of 0.05m, with the latter being at least 0.4m wide and 1.05m high; whereas the former shall be at least 0.75m wide and 2.1m high from finished surfaces.
How about exemptions? Skylights or fixed glass fittings; small apertures in non-habitable rooms or into service shafts, buildings that feature huge apertures that make up more than 25% of the façade; existing apertures if renovating an existing building; scheduled or iconic buildings or those within Urban Conservation Areas.
Where can one send feedback and when? The public has until November 28 to send feedback to bca.consulatation@bca.org.mt. Further information and technical documents may be found online.
In a nutshell, when designing new residential buildings or altering existing ones, architects and developers will have to adhere to standardised internal and external aperture sizes, with the latter being a prerequisite when applying for planning permission, otherwise, permits shall be denied.
This is not the first time that such a proposal was mentioned as last year, the Ministry for the Environment announced a nine-year, aimed at tackling Malta’s ever-growing construction waste problem. The public in general is thus encouraged to make their opinions heard.