Room Relationships and Sizes Chapter 10 Room Relationships and Sizes

Introduction Architecture probably has more amateur experts than any other field Wide exposure to houses causes many people to feel that they can design their own Wide media exposure and availability of home improvement retail stores have produced educated consumers with an increased sensitivity to design

The Floor Plan Important considerations: Number of inhabitants Ages and gender of children Future plans to add on General activities Entertainment habits Desired number of bedrooms and bathrooms Kitchen appliances desired

The Floor Plan (cont’d.) Important considerations (cont’d.): Planned length of stay in the residence Live-in guests or requirements for people with disabilities Budget for the home Style of the home Neighborhood covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R)

Living Area Entries Serve as a transition point Main entry Foyer Service entry

Living Area (cont’d.) Living room Points to consider: How the room will be used How many people will use it How often it will be used Type and size of furniture that will be placed in it Placement

Living Area (cont’d.) Family room Probably the most used area of a house Multipurpose area Needs to be separated from living room and kitchen, but close enough for easy access Sizes vary

Living Area (cont’d.) Dining room Nook Often part of, or adjoining, the living area For more formal eating: near, but separate, from living area Should be near the kitchen Nook Where meals and snacks will be eaten Should be near kitchen and family room

Living Area (cont’d.) Den/study/office Home theaters Located off the entry and near the living room Buffer between living and sleeping areas Office size depends on equipment and number of clients Home theaters Points to consider are size and type of television, number of viewers, and seating

Sleeping Area Age, gender, and number of children determine the number of bedrooms May be shared, but separate rooms are ideal Each room should have space for: Sleeping and relaxation Study Storage Dressing

Sleeping Area (cont’d.) Bedrooms Placed away from noise and out of normal traffic patterns Number depends on family size and ages of children Minimum of two should be provided Arrangements and sizes vary Master suites serve as a bedroom, sitting area, and bathing area

Sleeping Area (cont’d.) Closets Building codes do not require bedroom closets Six feet should be considered the practical minimum for resale for shelf-and-pole system Minimum depth is 24″ 30″ keeps clothes from wrinkling Walk-in closets Minimum of 6′ x 6′ Contains a pole, shelves, baskets, drawers, etc.

Service Areas Bathrooms Reached by short hallway, apart from living areas Access should not require passing through living or sleeping areas Types: Half-bath Three-quarter bath Full bath and bathroom suite

Service Areas (cont’d.) Kitchen Serves for meal preparation and often includes areas for eating, working, and laundry Considerations: Kitchen work areas Work triangle Counter arrangements Counter and cabinet size Appliances

Service Areas (cont’d.) Wine cellar For most a cabinet or under-cabinet rack is adequate for wine storage In custom homes, a special room may be requested Utility room Includes space for washing, drying, folding, mending, ironing, and storing clothes

Service Areas (cont’d.) Bonus room High-pitched roof homes often have space above that can be converted Exercise center Ranges Spare bedroom storing an exercise bike to an in-house weight room or gymnasium Garage or carport Location depends on site

Traffic Patterns Interior traffic Traffic flow is the route that people follow as they move from one area to another Interior hallways Traffic between floor levels

Traffic Patterns (cont’d.) Traffic flow between interior and exterior areas Well-planned homes expand inside living areas to outside Courtyards Patios and decks Balconies Porches Sunrooms or solarium