Loft and In-Room Construction Guidelines

Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, & Humanities Wagoner Complex – Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306

NOTICES There are several different sizes of bed frames in use on the Ball State University campus. DO NOT purchase or rent a loft from a vendor until you have measured the specific bed frame you will use and are certain of the fit between the bed frame and loft structure.

The Academy DOES NOT support or endorse any vendor of loft equipment and will not guarantee fitness of the rented or purchased loft, quality of customer service, nor the convenience of the distribution or collection times.

Please be prepared and realize that most vendors collect rented lofts during Ball State University hall closing in May, which is at least two weeks before Academy hall closing.

In consideration of the privilege of building lofts and other constructions in your student room, the following guidelines must be met:

A. GENERAL GUIDELINES 1. All furniture (and components thereof) assigned to the student room must remain in the room, including the desk, dressers, chairs, beds, bed frames, etc. All furniture attached to the wall or floor must remain attached. 2. No Academy furniture may be painted, including bed frames. 3. All assigned room occupants are responsible for any and all damages caused by the transportation of materials, and the assembly of, the use of, and the disassembling of lofts or other constructions. 4. If, during the course of the academic year, one occupant vacates the room, the loft or constructions must be disassembled and the room be restored to its original condition unless the remaining resident(s) specifically request to assume responsibility for the loft or constructions in the room. This request shall be made in writing to the custodial Student Life Counselor, who will forward it to the appropriate administrative officials. 5. When the student room is vacated, it must be returned to the original condition and arrangement. Charges will be assessed for any damages incurred.

B. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR LOFT AND OTHER CONSTRUCTIONS 1. All lofts or other constructions must be freestanding and self-supporting. They may not rest on or be supported by Academy furniture nor may they be affixed to the floor, walls, or ceiling of the room. 2. No lofts or other constructions may be built in a way that creates a fire hazard or would cause damage to the room. 3. The location and structure of lofts and other constructions shall not impede egress in case of emergency. A 32-inch by 80-inch clear area is required at the exit to the room. 4. Lofts and other constructions shall not block or cover electrical outlets, light switches, telephones or telephone boxes, radiators, overhead lights, wall lamps, or windows. 5. All room occupants are solely responsible for all transportation, assembly, and disassembly of lofts and other constructions. The Academy and its staff can not provide tools or equipment for these purposes. 6. All room occupants are responsible for the complete disposal of all unused materials and debris, which shall be placed in the dumpster outside the building. No material or debris may be passed through windows. 7. Upon moving out, all room occupants are responsible for the complete disassembly and removal of all lofts and other constructions from the hall. The Academy and its staff cannot store any lofts or materials.

C. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR BED UNITS 1. Academy bed frames must be used and must rest upon and be fully supported by bed units (lofts, commercially available risers, or Academy-provided bed supports) that are sturdy and able to support the weight of the user. 2. Academy mattresses and springs must be used on bed units. Legs may be removed from Academy bed frames, however all frames must be fully reassembled upon vacating the room. Charges may be assessed if bed frames are not fully reassembled. 3. Bolts must be used in all load-bearing portions of lofts or other constructions. Nails may only be used in portions of the loft or construction that will not be supporting the weight of the user. 4. At least two feet of clearance must exist between the ceiling (or top bunk) and the top of the mattress. 5. There must be at least four inches of clearance between the lowest bunk or bed and the floor and the bed units must be sufficiently cushioned to prevent damage to the floor. 6. All students electing to use a loft instead of Academy-provided bed frames must use sufficient bracing to secure the unit from back-and-fourth movement.

D. PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES 1. A Student Life Counselor or member of the Student life staff will inspect all lofts and other constructions. 2. If a loft or other construction is found in violation of these or other University- or Academy guidelines, rules, or regulations, it must be corrected within seven (7) days or be disassembled.

LOFT CONSTRUCTION TIPS

1. If you construct your loft at home, construct the bed area larger than required to allow for adjustments and modifications when you assemble it at the Academy. 2. Bring with you all necessary tools (screw drivers, sockets, wrenches, saws, etc.) you require to assemble, disassemble, or modify your loft. The Academy and its staff cannot provide tools or equipment for these purposes. 3. Construction materials should be equivalent to or greater than 2x6s or 4x4s and 1½- inch angle irons. 4. Go to a lumberyard where you can look at the wood. Select wood which is free from knots and cracks. 5. For a finishing touch, you may paint the loft with latex paint or stain and varnish it. 6. Construct the loft so that the Academy bed frame rests upon the loft structure. Academy bed frames should then be secured to the loft using 1/4-inch machine screws using the existing holes in the bed frame. These screws should not be the sole support for the bed. 7. If you are new to construction, consider finding someone with experience to help you plan your project. Have fun!

SUGGESTED LOFT DESIGN

Bed frame rests upon end pieces and is bolted between side rails.

If one end is against a wall, the diagonal brace is highest on that end.

A second bed can be lofted with additional end rails and side rails, or independently placed in an “L” position under the loft.

Materials Required • 12 wood screws, ¼” x 3” • 24 bolts, ¼” x 4” • 8 bolts, ¼” x 3” • 32 nuts, ¼” • 4 legs, 2x6, length to suit • 4 end pieces, 2x4, length equal to bed frame width + 3½” • 3 side rails, 2x4, length equal to bed frame length + 3½” • 1 diagonal cross brace, 2x4, length to suit

LOFT AND IN-ROOM CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST

 Loft or construction is freestanding, self-supporting, and not affixed to the floor, wall, or ceiling.

 A 32-inch by 80-inch opening is clear at the entrance/exit to the room.

 There is easy access to: o Electrical outlets o Light switches o Telephones o Telephone/network jacks o Radiators o Overheat lights o Wall lamps o Windows (A window may not be completely blocked.)

 These Academy-provided materials may be used: o Bed frame o Mattress o Bolts from bed frame

 There are at least of two feet of clearance above the mattress.

 There is at least four inches of clearance below the bed frame.

 The loft has sufficient bracing to prevent back-and-fourth or wobbling movements.

 The loft or construction does not constitute or create a fire or safety hazard.

 The loft or construction does not create damage to the room.

 All Academy furniture (and its components) remains in the room for the entire year, including unused Academy-provided bed frames, chairs, and desks. INDIANA ACADEMY STUDENT ROOM Rooms may be mirrored. Not to scale. All furniture depicted can be rearranged to suit.

First Floor Second, Third, & Fourth Floors

Window (59” tall x 50” wide) Window (59” tall x 50” wide)

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2 Wardrobes 2 Storage Dresser* Dresser* 36”x26”x64” 36”x26”x24” 30” wide 30” wide

Door Door

Room is 16½-feet deep by 12-feet wide. Room is 17-feet deep by 12-feet wide. Ceiling is 8 feet high. Ceiling is 8 feet high. Floor is linoleum. Floor is linoleum.

Rooms are generally equipped with: Rooms are generally equipped with: • 2 waste baskets • 2 waste baskets • 2 sets shelving with mirrors, wall-mounted • 2 sets shelving with mirrors, wall-mounted • 2 toiletry cabinets, wall mounted* • 2 toiletry cabinets, wall mounted • 1 smoke detector • 1 smoke detector • 2 towel bars, wall mounted • 2 towel bars, wall mounted • 1 overhead light • 1 overhead light • 2 wall lamps • 2 wall lamps • 2 desk lamps, freestanding • 2 desk lamps, freestanding • 2 beds, bunkable • 2 beds (not bunkable, but loftable) • 2 desks with shelving and lamps • 2 desks with large drawers • 2 wardrobes • 2 wardrobes • 2 drawer units, stackable below wardrobes • 2 storage units, stackable above wardrobes • 2 dressers with three drawers* * Several rooms not equipped with this item.