Question

An existing four storey building of identical floor plans was built by utilizing the maximum allowable F.A.R. and maximum ground coverage of 50% in a plot of 500 m\(^2\). Due to incentive zoning, the F.A.R. of the plot has been increased to 2.75. The maximum floor area (in m\(^2\)) that can now be added to the building is (in integer).

Hint:

Find the existing built-up area from the 50% ground coverage over 4 floors, then subtract it from the new permissible area (2.75 x plot area).

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 375

Step 1: Understanding the Question.
F.A.R. (Floor Area Ratio) is the ratio of the total built-up floor area of a building to the plot area. Ground coverage is the percentage of the plot area covered by the building footprint. We know the existing building already used the maximum allowable F.A.R. and 50% ground coverage, spread over 4 identical floors, on a 500 m\(^2\) plot. We need the extra floor area that becomes possible when the F.A.R. is raised to 2.75.

Step 2: Find the floor plate area (footprint) of the existing building.
Ground coverage of 50% on a 500 m\(^2\) plot means the footprint of each floor is
\[ \text{Footprint} = 0.50 \times 500 = 250 \text{ m}^2 \]

Step 3: Find the existing total built-up floor area.
There are 4 identical floors, each 250 m\(^2\):
\[ \text{Existing built-up area} = 4 \times 250 = 1000 \text{ m}^2 \]
Since this used the maximum allowable original F.A.R., that original F.A.R. was
\[ \text{Original F.A.R.} = \frac{1000}{500} = 2.0 \]

Step 4: Find the new maximum permissible floor area under the increased F.A.R.
The new F.A.R. is 2.75, so the new maximum permissible built-up area is
\[ \text{New permissible area} = 2.75 \times 500 = 1375 \text{ m}^2 \]

Step 5: Find the extra floor area that can now be added.
Subtract the already built area from the new permissible area:
\[ \text{Extra area} = 1375 - 1000 = 375 \text{ m}^2 \]

Final Answer:
The maximum floor area that can now be added to the building is 375 m\(^2\). \[ \boxed{375 \text{ m}^2} \]