Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-18
2001-02-06
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
C052S200000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182408
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is directed to the construction of a multi-unit building having an integrated solarium. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the construction of such a multi-unit building that is suitable for residential and/or commercial use, wherein the dwelling units surround an internal solarium area having private and common use area portions under a common roof structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For a variety of reasons, many different building constructions have been developed within which one or more spaces are provided having at least some aspect of an outdoor environment inside the building construction. That is, one or more elements from the outdoor environment are replicated or allowed to pass from the outdoors to inside the building. Residential and commercial building structures have been developed, for example, in order to take advantage of natural sunlight for lighting, to provide an environment for the display and growing of all types of flora, or to create a more “natural” living space or commercial space that incorporates elements of the outdoors into the buildings.
For the purpose of lighting a living or commercial space by natural sunlight, all sorts of window adaptations have been made. In commercial structures, glass atriums are well known covering courtyard, garden or market place type areas. Typically, such atriums enclose an area between adjacent buildings, or cover an open lobby area within such a building construction. In residential structures, skylights are commonly used, and three season rooms or sun porches are sometimes enclosed by walls and/or roof portions of glass.
As to the enjoyment of flora and growing of all types of plants, greenhouse structures are well known. Greenhouses may be constructed as a glass structure in and of itself, or may comprise a glass structure attached so as to extend from another building. For example, small greenhouse additions to residential and agricultural structures are common.
With respect to any of the type of structures discussed above, it is sometimes also desirable to create a more natural “outdoor” setting in addition to the provision for natural sunlight. That is, planters, gardens and other outdoor setting features may be somewhat duplicated within a residential or commercial building structure. Within the atriums discussed above, garden areas are often provided. In certain apartment buildings, condominiums and hospitals, solarium areas are known to provide residents/patients an area to relax in a more natural setting. In three season rooms and sun porches, planters are also common.
In each of these situations, however, and to varying degrees, these indoor spaces merely artificially simulate an outdoor environment within the building construction. For the purpose of growing plant life, plants are typically either provided in pots or planters or within an artificial soil containing area that has been created within the building construction. But, the main advantage of an artificial environment is that the climate can be effectively controlled within the inside environment so that plants of all varieties can be grown regardless of the diverse climatic conditions that may occur outdoors. In this regard, significant technological advances have been recently made for the provision and control of environmental conditions within building structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a building construction that integrates individual residences or commercial spaces with a central solarium so as to create an outdoor environment for the enjoyment of residents or other tenants of the multi-unit structure. By the present invention, a more natural outdoor setting is created and integrated into the individual residences or commercial spaces for the enjoyment and mental and physical well being and health of such persons.
More specifically, the present invention relates to the integration of an enclosed solarium area combined with the benefits of multi-unit residential/commercial usage. For example, the construction in accordance with the present invention would be useful not only for unassisted living, but also would significantly enhance living quarters of those person requiring care and/or assisted living. That is, persons would not only be provided with a suitable indoor facility, they would also have the enjoyment of a natural outdoor setting in a protected and controllable way.
A solarium integrated multiple-unit building in accordance with the present invention comprises a building construction having the multiple units connected together and surrounding a solarium area. The units themselves can be designed specifically for independent or semi-independent living spaces. The solarium area preferably includes private areas associated with each of the multiple units, and a common area. Based on this design, personal interaction with others can be accomplished and encouraged while at the same time maintaining privacy in personal living spaces.
The common area also would preferably benefit from a controlled interior environment. This controlled “outdoor” and protected environment particularly improves a person's habitat by moderating the extremes of climate in various portions of the world so as to promote the well being of the inhabitants whether or not they require care or assistance.
The solarium area has the flexibility so that it may be provided with a range of environmental and garden like settings. As examples, swimming pools, tennis courts, volleyball courts and other venues for promoting enjoyment and growth may be incorporated for the enjoyment and the physical and mental well being of the tenants. The combination of natural light and controlled climate provides a year round facility so that a temperate climate can be enjoyed at any time of the year. To this end, the solarium is preferably equipped with the latest electronically controlled equipment for the purposes of controlling sunlight, temperature, humidity, ventilation, artificial light, color, and sound. Moreover, with existing and newly developed technology, controls, sensors and monitors can be used to maintain the mechanical, electrical and other systems for addressing economy of use, emissions, sound and other environmental concerns.
Natural flora can be provided in the common area or in private areas of the solarium based on the desires of the tenants. The solarium would permit a diversity of plantings and landscapings to be done. For care and maintenance of the solarium, and in particular the common area thereof, access to the solarium without passing through any of the independent units is preferable.
The building in accordance with the present invention may be designed to a multi-level living configuration as well as a single level construction. Multi-level structures could then advantageously add other dimensions to the scale and features of the central solarium area.
The aforementioned advantages are achieved by a multi-unit building for residential or commercial use that comprises a plurality of dwelling units and an enclosed solarium area that is bordered at least in part by portions of at least two dwelling units, wherein each of the dwelling units includes an interior space having exterior access and a separate solarium access, the dwelling units and the solarium area are covered by a roof structure, and the solarium area is divided into a plurality of private areas so that a private area is associated with each of the two dwelling units. Each private area is associated with a dwelling unit so that such private area is accessible by way of that unit's solarium access.
The solarium area may also include a common area for shared usage by tenants of the dwelling units. The solarium preferably is made up at least in part by soil that is otherwise unsupported by any construction of the multi-unit building and wherein the solarium area is substantially at the same level as the ground level of the area surrounding the multi-unit building. The plural dwelling un
Faegre & Benson LLP
Friedman Carl D.
McDermott Kevin
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