LESSON 02 – MORE ON FLOOR PLANS

 

Text Box: KITCHEN WORK TRIANGLE

 

The kitchen is the key functional location in your house.  When cooking, there are three main components: sink, range, fridge.  For convenience, these three items should be placed near each other (separated by counter space).

 

The imaginary lines that connect the three form what is called the kitchen work triangle.  One key is to limit the size of the triangle which will limit the amount of walking needed when cooking.

 

KITCHEN COUNTERS

 

Counters are an important part of a house’s functionality.

 

·         There should be a counter beside the refrigerator

·         There should be a counter beside the stove/oven

·         There should be counters on each side of the sink.

 

DOORS

 

The location and orientation of the door can have a negative effect on one’s ability to place furniture inside the room.  All the space behind the door is wasted.  Therefore,

 

·         Doors should be located in the corner of a room.

·         Doors should open inside the rooms (except closet doors). 

·         Doors should open towards the corner.

 

HALLWAYS

 

Hallways are a necessary evil inside houses.  They are required to form a separation between the living space and the bedrooms.

 

Hallways should:

·         Be as short as possible.

·         Always be present outside of bedrooms.

·         Never lead to nowhere.

 

CLOSETS

 

Closets are often an overlooked part of a house.  However, they provide the key storage that allows your house to be functional. 

 

·         Each bedroom should have a closet.

·         Closets should not take away the geometrical integrity of a room (rectangular shape usually).

·         Closet doors open towards the outside.

·         A linen closet is required.

 

ROOM SIZES

 

It is important to have an idea of minimal or average room sizes.

 

SLEEPING AREA

 

Bedroom (average size) – 3m x 3m

Bedroom (minimum size) – 2.5m x 3m

Full bathroom – 1.5m x 2.5m

Half bathroom (no bathtub) – 1m x 1.5m

Bath (stand-up shower, no tub) – 1.5m x 2m

 

LIVING AREA

 

Living room – 3m x 4m

Dining room – 3m x 4m

 

SERVICE AREA

 

Kitchen – 3m x 4m

Garage (minimum) – 3m x 6m

 

OTHER

 

Stairs - 1m wide x 2m (remember, need space at the ends)

Hallways - 1m wide

Bedroom closet – 650mm in depth, 650mm in width (minimum)

Linen/Broom closet – 500mm in depth by 650mm in depth

Walk-in closet – 2m x 1.5m