Chapter 6

Room Planning, and living area

Living Area

• The living area is the part of the house that most friends and guest see.

• This is the area that usually becomes the showplace.

• Comprises 1/3 of the house.

• It is the place for family get-togethers , and dining.

• It is the area for recreation, entertaining and just relaxing.

• The living area is composed of a number of rooms.– Living Room

– Dining Room

– Foyer

– Family Room

– Sunrooms

– Home Office

– Recreation Room

Living Rooms• Can be the center of

activity.• Living rooms are of all

sizes and shapes.• A small living room

would only have about 150 square feet.

• Average size would be around 250 square ft.

• A large size may exceed 400 sq ft depending on the home.

• The most important questions to ask regarding size and design of a living room are:– What type of furniture

– How often will the room be used

– How many people will use the room

– How many function will the room be used for.

– Is the room proportion to the rest of the home

• The location of the living room should not be such that a natural traffic pattern will be established through it to other parts of the house.

• Locate the room so other members of the family will not feel a need to use it as a hall to get to other areas of the house.

• Slightly raising or lowering the living room helps set it apart from other rooms.

• If handicapped people are involved and wheel chair access is needed the room should stay on grade.

• If the building site contains a pleasing view then consideration should be given in designing the living room to take advantage of the view.

• Consider orientation of the living room for maximum comfort and energy conservation.

• The north side is usually shaded and cool.

• The use of large windows or sliding doors further encourage a feeling of spaciousness.

• A properly designed living room can be a functional part of the house

• Modern living rooms should be exciting, colorful and inviting.

Dining Rooms• Main purpose of the dining room is to provide a place to eat.

• Many homes provide a formal dining room and an eating area in the kitchen.

• A small dining room would be 120 sq ft. and would provide space for a table and 4 chairs.

• Medium dining room would provide space for 6 to 8 people with a buffet and china closet. (12’ x 15’)

• A large dining room would range in size from 14’ x 18’ or larger.

• In most cases a dining rooms size is determined by the need of the family

• Typical dining room furniture includes the table and chairs, buffet, china closet, and possible serving area.

• Usually 2’-0” is ok behind the back of a chair and to the wall with someone sitting in the chair for clearance.

• Location of the dining room is important. It should be adjacent to the kitchen.

• When you have an open dining room the room seems a lot bigger.

Entryway • Every house has at

least one entryway but not all have a foyer.

• There are three basic types of entryways:– Main entry

– Service entry

– Special purpose entry

Foyer• The foyer is that part

of the house that you enter into and branch to other parts of the house.

• A foyer will have a coat closet close.

• The size of the foyer depends on the house.

• The size of the foyer will depend on several factors.– Size of the house

– Cost of the house

– Location

– Personal preference

Hall ways that are in homes are no narrower that 3’-0”.FHA recommends a 3’-6” hallway

• Well styled doors are a key element in the design of the entry.

• Entry door are 3’ wide and vary in height.

• Standard height is six feet eight inches

• The service entrance from the garage is 2’-8” wide and 6’-8” tall.

• Back doors are 2’-8” minimums and 6’-8” tall.