Chapter 10 Room Relationships and Sizes. Introduction Architecture probably has more amateur experts than any other field –Wide exposure to houses causes.

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

– 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

– 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