sizes of spaces

8/6/2019 Sizes of Spaces

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Sizes of Living Rooms

The average size of living room is 16 feet in length and 16 feet in width. Small houses like apartments for

students and newlyweds have smaller room size. The usual size of a living room in these houses is 12 feet x12 feet. In bigger houses, the average size of the living room is 18 feet in length and 13 feet in width. To

maximize the space of the living room, it is important to know the basics in decorating and designing theplace.


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Living Room

y 3 seat sofa 35 D x 84 Wy Loveseat 35 D x 60 Wy Armchair 35 W x 35 Dy Coffee Table 30 W x.48 Ly Square end table 24 W x 24 Ly Rectangular end table - 24 W x 28 L

Dining Room

y Dining table w/1 leaf 36 W x 72 Ly Side chair 18 D x 18 Wy Arm chair - 18 D x 22 W

A round table creates a cozy atmosphere, and it is easy to see every one at the table without having to lean

over. However, this may not be the best shape if you entertain a large number of people.

y To seat 4 people: 36"Diameter-44"Diametery To seat 4-6 people: 44"Diameter-54"Diametery To seat 6-8 people: 54"Diameter-72"Diameter

Standard Oval Table Measurements

If you only occasionally need to seat many people at your dining table, you may want to use a round table

with leaves that gives you the flexibility to expand or reduce its size. However, you may buy an oval diningtable if you like the shape.

y Start with a 36"Diameter-44"Diameter table and use leaves to extend it.y To seat 4-6 people: 36W x 56Ly To seat 6-8 people: 36W x 72Ly To seat 8-10 people:36W x 84L

Standard Square Table Measurements

A square dining table has many of the same advantages and disadvantages as a round table. But if you are

planning to seat more than 4 people buy a square table that extends into a rectangle.

yTo seat 4 people: 36"-44" Square

Standard Rectangular Table Measurements

Rectangular tables take up the most space, but are very suitable for larger gatherings.

y To seat 4 people: 36"W x 48"Ly To seat 4-6 people: 36"W x 60"Ly To seat 6-8 people: 36"W x 78"L


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y VENTILATION - Good ventilation is essential in bathrooms, both to reduce humidity and to dispelodours. Exhaust fans in the wall help to remove the humid air from the toilet while a ventilator will

allow fresh air to enter the toilet. When fixing a ventilator, care should be taken to provide privacywhile being easily accessible at the same time.

y SOUND CONTROL - Lack of acoustical privacy is one of the most common complaints abouttoilets. Sound from the bathroom can be reduced by the proper placement of the bathroom in relation

to other spaces - closets and storage walls can be placed between it and adjacent spaces. Also, soundcan be reduced by the use of sound-proof partitions and tightly fitting doors.

y LIGHTING- The lighting in a Bathroom should be adequate for all the activities. High ventilators,clerestory windows or sky lights will provide excellent illumination during the day time, while still

affording privacy. The Ventilators should be of a minimum size of 3'x3'. For grooming, direct sourcesof light are essential to light up the face from all angles.

y WATER - The design of a bathroom must account for the use of both hot and cold water, insignificant quantities, for cleaning the human body. The water is also used for moving solid and liquid

human waste to a sewer or septic tank. Water may be splashed on the walls and floor, and hot humid

air may cause condensation on cold surfaces. Hence water-resistant materials should be used forflooring and walls. In addition, the floor should slope gradually towards the floor trap in the showerarea as well as in the rest of the bathroom.

y MATERIALS -Due to the abundant use of water in the bathroom, ceiling, wall and floor materialsand coverings should be impervious to water and readily and easily cleaned. The use of ceramic or

glass, as well as smooth plastic materials, is common in bathrooms for their ease of cleaning andwater-resistant properties. Generally the walls are tiled only upto 7'0" height since water does not

splash above that height. But as an Architect, I suggest that you should tile the entire height of thewalls, as otherwise, the walls above 7'0" will get damp with time due to the high humidity levels in the

bathroom.y DOORS ANDWINDOWS- Bathroom doors are generally small - only 2'6" wide, but I suggest that

you keep it 2'9" wide as it can be uncomfortable when you come out with an infant, or carrying clothesor if you are assisting an elderly person through the door.

y The door should always swing inwards preferably against a wall, such that it does not strike anyperson using a fixture and it should not hit against any fixture or accessory like a towel rod.

y In a compartmented bathroom it is desirable to have sliding doors between various compartments asthey are space savers.

y The inside, lower portion of the door should be covered with a water-proof material to prevent thedoor from disintegrating.

y The ventilator preferably 3' x 3' in size, should be placed high but within reach to operate.y It can be located on either side of the wash basin but should not be behind the toilet or over the

bathtub.

y The ventilator should open outside as it prevents the rain from entering. It is preferable to havelouvered ventilators.y CHILDREN'S CONVENIENCE- Since the wash basin, toilet heights are fixed for adult heights, it

is difficult for children to reach. But it is not practical to keep the wash basin at a lower height just for

children unless the bathroom is exclusively for the children. In case the bathroom is shared by adultsand children, provision can be made for a step-up retractable stool.

y SAFETY FEATURES- Vertical Grab bars of adequate size should be fixed at a convenient heightnear the bathtub and the shower.

y Nonskid finishes should be used for flooring.y A door lock that can open automatically from the inside and can be opened from the outside in case of

emergency should be installed.


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y Bulbs and light switches should be located outside the bathtub and shower areas.y Electrical appliances, such as lights, heaters, and heated towel rails, generally need to be installed as

fixtures, with permanent connections rather than plugs and sockets. This minimizes the risk of electricshock. Ground-fault circuit interruptor electrical sockets can also reduce the risk of electric shock.

y A lock should be provided for the medicine cabinet.y DRYING FACILITIES -Racks for drying women's light laundry may be provided. These racks can

be concealed in well-ventilated cabinets, provided with a low-wattage bulb, to facilitate drying.y MIRRORS - Mirrors are necessary in a bathroom for grooming. They create an atmosphere of luxury

and spaciousness as well. A full length mirror on the inside of the door is desirable. A mirror of aminimum height of 1'6" can be fixed above the wash basin wiyh the top of the mirror at a minimum

height of 6'0" from the floor. A medicine cabinet with mirrored doors can be used instead.y MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES - Families with infants, prefer to bathe them in the wash basin

or bathtub. Spo increased counter top space at the wash basin will allow for bathing and dressing aninfant, hair washing, light laundry etc. The minimum space needed to bathe and dress a baby is 5'0"

wide x 11'6" deep x 3'0" high. When a large wash basin and countertop space are provided, it can alsobe used for dressing up.

LOCATION OF BATHROOM:

Ideally each bathroom should be located near a Bedroom. In addition, one should consider the wind directionsand the sun position, in order that the sunrays dry up the bathroom quickly and the wind flow allows for freshair to enter the bathroom and the humid air to leave it.

DESIGN OF A BATHROOM | FIXTURES

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS IN A BATHROOM:The typical fixtures and Accessories in a Bathroom are listed below. There are 4 basic fixtures in a BathroomNamely: Wash Basin, Toilet, Shower Stall and Bathtub.

1.WASH BASIN (SINK) OR LAVATORY(In American Parlance)In plumbing, a Sink or Wash basin is a bowl-shaped fixture that is used for washing hands or small objects.

Sinks are made of many different materials such as Stainless steel, Enamel over steel or cast iron, Ceramic,Plastic, Concrete, Terrazzo, Stone, Copper or Glass. The Wash basin is fixed such that the top of the basin is

at a height of 2'9" from the floor. The typical accessories found with the wash basin are:

y Faucet (Tap) - Wash Basins generally have taps (faucets) that supply hot and cold water and mayinclude a spray feature to be used for faster rinsing. The faucets are generally fixed on the basin.

Sometimes they are fixed on the wall, just above the basin.y Mirror - The mirror should be of a minimum height of 1'6" and should be placed above the Wash

Basin such that the top of the mirror is at 6'0" height from the floor. For children, a mirror immediately

above the basin is preferable. The mirror can be a fixed one or can be fixed in front of a medicinecabinet.

y Shelf- Optional; can be fixed at a height of 4' from the floor. It can be recessed flush with the wall orjut out 3".

y Soap dish can be fixed on the wall on one side of the Wash basin at a height of 3'6" from the floor.y Tumbler holder- It can be fixed on the wall on the other side of the Basin at a height of 3'6" from the

floor.

y Electric receptacle forElectric Razor or Hair dryer- should be located on the right side of the basin ata height of 3'6" from the floor.

y Towel ring or Towel Bar- for Face towels can be fixed at a height of 4' from the floor. For children'sbathroom it can be placed a little lower.


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y Vanity Unit for dressing - Optional; It can be with a mirrored door of at least 1'6" height, fixed abovethe wash basin, instead of a medicine cabinet.

2. TOILET (WC)- A toilet disposes of human waste by using water to flush it through a drainpipe to another

location. There are different types of toilets such as the sitting type called the "western", the squatting typecalled the "Squat" , the combination of squatting and sitting called the "Anglo-Indian". The typical accessories

found along with a WC are the following:

y Health Faucet - A health faucet is a hand-held nozzle, that delivers a spray of water to assist incleansing the user's anus or genitals after defecation or urination. It is fixed on the wall on the rightside of the user, when sitting on the toilet. It is generally fixed at a height of 1'6"

y Toilet Roll holderalso known as a toilet paper dispenser, is an item that holds a roll of toilet paper. Itcan be fixed on the wall on the left side of the user when sitting on the Toilet, since in most cultures,

only the left hand is used for cleaning the private parts. It should be reachable while sitting.

3. SHOWER STALL (SHOWER CUBICLE)- A shower (also called shower bath) is a booth for washing,

having an overhead shower nozzle that sprays water down on the body. The standard sizes are 2'8" x 4'0", 3'0"x 3'0", 3'0" x 5'0" etc. The standard fittings found in a ShowerCubicle are :

y Shower Head - A shower head is a perforated nozzle that distributes the water over a large solidangle. Thus less water can be used to wet the same area compared to a bucket and mug system.Shower heads can be adjusted to spray different patterns of water, and at different angles. The height

and type is governed by the Client's preferences, but is usually located at a height of 5'9" from thefloor for adults and a height of 5'0" from the floor for children.

y Shower Controls- Hot, Cold water and mixing controls should be located below the Shower head at amaximum height of 4'6" from the floor.

y Soap and sponge holder can be located on the side wall or the rear wall, opposite the shower head ata height of around 4'6" for easy access.

y Shower curtain rod- Shower curtains are curtains used in bathtubs with a shower or showerenclosures. They are usually made from vinyl, cloth or plastic. The shower curtain has two main

purposes: to provide privacy and to prevent water from flooding or spraying into the bathroom.Theyare fixed at a minimum height of 6'0" from the floor. Optionally, a glass shower enclosure with glass

door can be used in place of a curtain. Various types are available in the market.y Shower Ventilator- It is desirable to have the ventilator of the bathroom in the shower area, as it can

effectively remove the steam.y Shower Stall light- It is optional but should be a vapour-proof fixture.y Towel rack- 1'6" to 2'0" long for keeping towels. This can be placed on the rear wall of the shower

cubicle if it is fairly far from the shower head. Otherwise, it can be placed just outside the shower

cubicley Towel Bars- of lengths 1'6", 2'0", 2'6", 3'0" or 3'6". This can be fixed on the rear wall of the shower

cubicle at a minimum height of 4' from the floor.

4.BATHTUB- A bathtub is a plumbing fixture used for bathing. Most modern bathtubs are made of acrylic

or fiberglass, but alternatives are available in enamel over steel or cast iron, and occasionally wood. Thestandard sizes are 5'0" x 2'8", 5'6" x 2'8", 6'0" x 3''. This may be in combination with a shower. The standard

fittings that are found along with a bathtub are:


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y The shower head- at a height of 5'9" from the floor for adults and 5' for children.y Shower controls- at a standard height of 4'6" but this is optional and can be located lower, according

to the Client's preferences.y Bath spout- just above the bathtub, with bath valves just above the bath spout.y Soap and sponge holder -recessed into the wall, at the side of the bathtub at a maximum height of

3'0" from the floor.

y Vertical Grab bars- of length 9", 12", 15", 18" or 2'0". They are optional but recommended. Theyare fitted to the side wall adjacent to the bathtub at a height of about 3'6".

y Towel Bar - fitted on the side wall adjacent to the bathtub at a minimum height of 4'0". However, donot fix the towel bar next to the bathtub if it has a shower.

y Curtain Rod- Keep within the inside face of the tub at a minimum height of 6'0". Alternately, glassshower enclosure can be used outside the tub, to prevent the water from spilling on the floor.

CLEARANCES:

y To ensure adequate space for movement and the convenient use of fixtures in the Bathroom, thefollowing minimum clearances must be observed. It should be noted that the fixture dimensions vary alot and hence the clearances are taken with respect to the centre-axis of the fixtures and the edges of

the fixtures.

WASH BASIN:

y 1'8" between the centre axis of the wash basin and the adjacent wall.1'4" between the side edge of thewash basin and the centre axis of the toilet.

y 2" between the side edge of the wash basin and the edge of the adjacent bathtub.y 3'0" between the front edge of the wash basin and the opposite wall.y 2'6" between the front edge of the wash basin and the opposite bathtub.

TOILET:

y 1'8" between the centre axis of the toilet and the adjacent wall.y 1'4" between the centre axis of the toilet and the side edge of the Wash basin.y 1'6" between the centre axis of the toilet and the side edge of the bathtub.y 1'4" between the centre axis of the toilet and the end of the bathtub.y 2'6" between the front edge of the toilet and the opposite wall.y 2'0" between the front edge of the toilet and the opposite bathtub.y 2'6" between the front edge of the toilet and the opposite wash basin.

LOCATION OF BATHROOM:Ideally each bathroom should be located near a Bedroom. In addition, one should consider the wind directionsand the sun position, in order that the sunrays dry up the bathroom quickly and the wind flow allows for fresh

air to enter the bathroom and the humid air to leave it.

BATHROOM TYPES AND SIZES:Bathrooms can be classified into 4 types, depending on the type of fixtures present.


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1. THREE-FIXTUREBATHROOM- The conventional three-fixture bathroom without compartments is

designed for use by one person at a time. The three fixtures are a Wash basin, a Toilet and a Shower cubicleor a Wash basin, a Toilet and a Bathtub-with-or-without-shower. There are different ways of arranging the

fixtures in a Bathroom. The most efficient arrangement is having the three fixtures in a row against the wallopposite the door.

y For a bathroom with wash basin in the centre and toilet and bathtub/shower on either side, theminimum size required is 7'4" x 5'6". In this type, the door is in the centre opposite the wash basin.

y For a bathroom with wash basin first, then toilet and lastly bathtub/shower, the minimum size requiredis 7'8" x 5'0" (for a shower type) and 8'0" x 5'0" (for a bathtub type). In this type, the door to the toiletis opposite or adjacent to the wash basin.

y For a square type bathroom, with shower cubicle in one corner and wash basin on one wall and thetoilet on the other wall, the minimum size required is 6'0" x 6'6"

y For a square bathroom, with bathtub in one corner, wash basin on one wall and toilet on the other wall,the minimum size required is 6'0" x 8'0".

2. COMPARTMENTEDBATHROOM- To avoid excessive humidity in the Bathroom, in the usual three-

fixture bath, the Bath tub or shower cubicle can be located in a separate compartment with a separate door.This type of bathroom affords privacy for 2 users using at the same time and prevents the build-up ofhumidity in the whole bathroom.

y The minimum size of such a bathroom with two seperate compartments is 10'6" x 6'0".y Another variation is to have 2 separate bathrooms with separate doors - one with only the toilet, (the

minimum size of the Toilet is 3'6" x 5'0") and the other with the Shower/bathtub and wash basin, (the

minimum size is 5'6" x 6'0"). In this type, the bath can become a combination bath-dressing room.This system was very prevalent in India earlier because it is recommended in Vastu Shastra.


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3. GUEST BATHROOM also known as Powder room - This bathroom is a two-fixture one, with only aToilet and a Wash Basin.

y The minimum size of a powder room is 5' x 5'. It is usually located close to the living/dining room toallow guests to use.

4.UTILITY BATHROOM - This bathroom is a three-fixture one but has additional space to allow otherfunctions like laundering, dressing etc.

y The minimum size of a bathroom with a shower cubicle, a wash basin, a toilet and a dressingarea/drying cabinet/linen cabinet/extra wash basin is 6'6" x 7'6".

y The minimum size of a bathroom with a bathtub, a wash basin, a toilet and a dressing area/dryingcabinet/linen cabinet/extra wash basin will be at least 9'6" x 6'6" or 11' x 5'6".

5. LARGEBATHROOMS -

y A Four-fixture bathroom - a toilet, a bathtub and 2 wash basins (His and Her's ) will be 10'0" x 7'2" or12'2" x 5'0".

y A Five-fixture bathroom - with a bathtub, 2 toilets and 2 wash basins in separate compartments will bearound 16'4" x 5'0" or 11' x 8'0"


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DESIGN OF A CLOSET | PLANNING

Storage space in a House is always not enough. Most families nowadays have so much clothing, toys, and

other stuff requiring a lot of storage space. It is always better to have more storage space than not enough. So,at the planning stage itself, you can reserve some areas for storage.

A cabinet, cupboard or enclosed recess for storing or hanging linens, household supplies or clothing is called aCloset. It is advisable to have a small space reserved exclusively for a Clothes Closet, within the Bedroom or

adjacent to it next to the toilet. It can either be a Walk-in or a Walk-through.


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WALK-IN ANDWALK-THROUGH CLOSETS:

y Walk-in closet: It is a room with open or closed shelves on 2 or 3 walls into which you walk in tostore and view clothes. It is like walking into a large enough closet.

y Walk-through Closet: It is a room through which you walk, to enter another space and has shelves onthe walls. Usually this is the space you walk through, to enter an attached toilet from the bedroom.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:

y A lot of stuff can be stored in a small space if the space is planned properly. Many closets have unusedand unusable space due to poor planning. Good Closet design requires planning, arrangement andfixtures. Some of the important planning considerations are:

y Easy accessibility.y Good lighting for maximum visibility,y Good ventilation to retain freshness.y Maximum use of space,y Orderliness,y Preservation from dust and moths,y Safety from pilferage,y Preservation of pressed Clothes in the same condition.

1.EASY ACCESSIBILITY:

y Doors which expose the full width of the closet are preferable for easy accessibility and goodvisibility.


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y Hinged doors allow you to see the full closet. They are economical and most efficient. Also, hooksracks, accessories can be fixed to the backs of hinged swinging doors, thus using unoccupied space in

the closet. However they stick out into the space that you are standing in and can block traffic.y Roller doors - which roll up or roll to the sides. These have the advantages and disadvantages of the

sliding doors. They are not very popular, because the working is a bit clumsy and not very smooth.y Sliding doors - There are 2 types- doors that slide into the adjacent walls to expose the full width of

the closet and doors that slide behind each other to expose only half the closet at a time. Sliding doorshave an advantage that they do not obstruct the space in front and do not block traffic. However,

Sliding doors are more expensive than hinged doors. Door fixtures like tie racks, shoe racks, mirrorsetc cannot be fitted to the backs of sliding doors thus wasting some unoccupied space.

2.VISIBILITY WITH GOOD LIGHTING -

y Nowadays, lighting within the closet is considered essential, unless the room lights are so located thatthey can fully illuminate all portions of the closet.


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y A single tube or bulb light with diffusing reflector placed just above the door inside the front of thecloset is sufficient.

y Automatic lights - which get switched on opening the door - are convenient.3.VENTILATION

y Ventilation is often desirable particularly for closets where damp, outer garments or work clothes canbe stored.

y This can be achieved by providing louvers in the Closet doors or by having lovered doors.4.BASIC ELEMENTS (FIXTURES) -

y The standard elements ofCloset storage are Shelves, Poles, Hooks, Drawers, special fixtures. With theproper arrangement of these fixtures, the maximum use of space, orderliness, preservation from dustand safety from pilferage can be achieved in the storage of items. Here is a brief description of the

advantages and disadvantages of the basic fixtures.

SHELVES-

y They are simple, inexpensive and easy to install. They are adaptable to the storage of different sizeditems. However, if shelves are kept open, like within a Walk-in or Walk-through closet, they areexposed to dust.

y Also if the shelves are deep, small objects become hidden behind one another. Therefore, usually a 1'deep shelf is considered adequate to store many things. However, items of greater depth like linens

should be stored on deeper shelves of about 1'4".y The shelves should always be within reach. Any shelf above 5'6" from the floor should be used only

for the storage of items that require infrequent access.

POLES-


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y Poles are essential in closets for storing suits, shirts, women's clothing on hangers. They allowmaximum clothing to be stored because men's clothing just requires 3" per hanger for suits while

women's clothing requires just 2" per hanger.y The height of the pole should be 5'4" from the floor.y The diameter of the pole, either a hardwood or steel pole should be around 1".y The clearance between the pole and the shelf above should be at least 3" to allow the easy movement

and removal of the hangers.y If the pole is more than 4' in length, then an intermediate support is required.y Nowadays you can get extension poles and special-purpose hanging rods.

HOOKS AND SPECIAL FEATURE FIXTURES -

y A variety of hooks are available. They can be fixed on the inside of the door of the closet for storingbelts, ties, bags, hats etc.

y Special space saving shoe racks, pull-out pant racks and miscellaneous racks are available in themarket nowadays.

y Mirrors can be fitted on the inside of the door of the closet to allow one to dress. Or hinged mirrorscan be fixed in front of the shelves to enclose them and prevent dust.

DRAWERS -

y They are quite popular now in closets, because they accommodate numerous articles within aminimum space and with maximum convenience.

y Also, they provide dust-free storage and present a neat appearance even if they are cluttered inside.Drawers are an incentive to keep things orderly.

y Drawers of different widths and heights can be planned in one section of the closet to store thepossessions of the user depending on the size and type.

y If the drawers are not constructed by a skilled carpenter and made of cheap materials, then there is thepossibility that they will not operate freely and can disintegrate over time.


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MINIMUM SIZES FOR CLOTHING CLOSETS:

CLOSETS FOR MEN - A Men's closet will require space for storage of shirts, pants, suits, ties, shoes, nightclothes, underwear, socks and drawers for lots of small items. These items can be stored in closets 2' deep and

7' high. The width of the closet depends on the space available within the bedroom. Here are some basic,minimum sizes for closets.

y A minimum size is a 2'6" wide closet. It can accommodate around 10 suits, ties, 6 pairs of shoes and 2drawers for underwear and other things.

y A comfortable sized closet is 4' wide. It can accommodate around 10 suits, 7 pairs of shoes, 7 drawersand ties, night clothes on hooks on the inside of the doors.

y A luxurious sized closet is around 8' wide. This closet can accommodate around 20 suits, 15 pairs ofshoes, 8 drawers for combs, underwear, socks etc and a mirror for dressing up.

y A 5' x 5' walk-in closet can comfortably store 20 suits, 12 sets of underwear, 15 pairs of shoes nightclothes, ties. This is the most convenient form of storage space.

y In places where 2' depth is not available, a shallow closet of minimum 1'8" depth can be provided. Inthis, a pull-out rod takes care of the suits, as they will be hung front-facing.


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CLOSETS FOR CHILDREN:Children's clothing closets require space for shoes, clothes, underwear, and

toys (if an exclusive toy closet is not possible). A children's closet should be a minimum of 2' deep and 7'high. It can be divided horizontally into 2 parts since only the lower half of about 4' can be reached by the

children. The upper part can be reached only by adults.

yThe minimum size of such a closet is 2'6" wide. This can accomodate around 14 garments, 6 pairs ofshoes, 2 drawers and 3 shelves for underwear, toys, diapers etc.

y A larger sized closet is around 4' wide. This can accommodate around 14 garments, 10 pairs of shoes,3 drawers, 8 shelves and pull-out trays for toys and folded clothes.


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TYPES OF CLOSETS: Storage closets are required for various purposes in different parts of the house.

Some of the different types ofClosets are:

y Kitchen Cabinets: used for storing glassware, dinnerware, kitchen supplies, table linens, food etc. Acloset for food storage is usually referred to as a Pantry or a Larder.

y Bathroom and medicine Closet: used for storing reserve and current supplies like bath towels, handtowels, toilet tissue rolls, soaps, shampoos and other toiletries. It can also be used for storing

medicines. A closet 2'4" wide and 2' deep is sufficient to store toiletries and medicines.y Broom closet: A narrow floor-to-ceiling space for the storage of lengthy items like brooms, vacuum

cleaner, etc. It can be used for storing all the cleaning equipment etc on shelves and hooks. It can beabout 3'6" wide and 2' deep.

yy W

all closet: A very shallow closet closed off from a room by a curtain or folding doors, with onlyenough depth to hang clothes or store them folded on shelves.y Book storage: This is usually provided for in the living room or study or library or family room. It is

used for books and most books can fit comfortably on 8" deep shelves, though some books need 10"deep shelves. For books, open shelves are acceptable though regular dusting may be needed.

y Toy and Game storage: This is provided for in the Children's bedroom and wherever the toys areregularly used. Toys can be stored on shelves or in pull-out trays within a closet. Toy storage shouldbe designed such that it can be used for some other type of storage in the future, when children grow

out of toys.y Sports equipment: like golf bags, ski equipment, camping equipment, etc may require a separate

closet and preferably near the front or outside entrance. It has to be minimum 2'4" deep and 6' wide. It


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can have shelves of different widths and heights, hooks and poles to accommodate boots, shoes,sneakers, golf clubs, tees, hockey sticks, skates, sports clothes, pistols, bats, fishing rods, knap-sacks.

tennis, badminton rackets etc.y Outdoor closet: This should be accessible from outdoors and can be used to store lawn mowers,

wheelbarrows, rakes, garden tools, shovels, ladders, hammocks, outdoor furniture, bicycles, tricyclesetc. Tools and associated items can also be stored here.

y General storage: This is for bulky, seldom used items like suitcases, extra furniture, etc. A good placefor this kind of storage can be above 7' and can be reached by the use of a ladder.

y Coat closet:A coat closet is a closet of a house where people store their hoods, jackets, umbrellas,scarves, shoes, boots and coats. A coat closet is typically located in the entryway, so that it is close to

the front door. Usually a coat closet is at least 2'6" deep to allow for the bulky overcoats and to allowfor air circulation around the garments which are often damp when you just come in from outside.

y Linen closet: A tall, narrow closet, typically located in or near bathrooms and/or bedrooms. Such acloset contains shelves used to hold towels, washcloths, bedsheets, blankets, and toiletries. The

minimum size of such a closet is 1'6" wide and 1'3" deep with shelves spaced at 1' vertically.


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DESIGN OF A KITCHEN | PLANNING

Once you have met with yourArchitect, and given your requirements, he will design according to your Site

size, budget and site conditions. The main things to look out for in the design solution are whether:

y The minimum, basic room sizes which are considered comfortable for use and for good furniturearrangement have been maintained. It is always important to have a comfortable sized Kitchen as thesize cannot be changed later (unless you are prepared for large scale renovation).

y All the planning considerations such as, appliances, storage spaces, clearances, space allowances,doors, windows etc for the Kitchen have been taken into account.

y The Kitchen location and orientation is according to the cardinal directions, so that it gets the rightamount of Sunlight and air. Sunlight has UV rays which kill gems and hence it is important to have a

sun-lit kitchen because germs thrive here due to the presence of food and water. In addition a kitchenshould have good ventilation so that all the cooking and food smells can be thrown out.

y Here, I have explained the planning considerations, appliances, storage and the minimum basic sizesof a Kitchen for your reference.

KITCHEN FUNCTIONS:

y Primary Activities - Preparation of meals, Storage of food and utensils, Food preservation.y Secondary Activities - Eating, Laundering clothes,Entertaining, Child care, Listening to music,

Telephoning, Personal Grooming etc.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR A KITCHEN: Since more time and effort are frequently spent inthe Kitchen than in any other part of the house by the person who prepares the meals, careful planning is

important. Some of the important planning considerations are:


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y The WorkCentres.y The Arrangement ofCountersy Counters and working surfacesy Storage.y Materials.y Lighting.y Ventilation.y Safety.y Other Kitchen Activitiesy Critical Dimensions

WORK CENTRES IN A KITCHEN: A Kitchen should be planned on the basis of its major centres of

activity. The main WorkCentres to be considered are the following. Each WorkCentre should have adequatestorage space, adequate counter space, necessary utilities like water and adequate lighting. :

y The Sinkor Washing and cleaning areay The Mix or initial preparation areay The Stove orCooking areay The Serve or area where prepared food is kept ready for serve.y The Refrigerator where food is stored.y The Oven or Microwave if it is not part of the cooking range.

COUNTERS ANDWORKING SURFACES:

y Continuous working surfaces allow easy movement and cleaning and hence are more efficient.


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y The width of the Counter should neither be too much, as it is inconvenient to reach the back andshould not be too less, as it is inadequate for many activities. A comfortable width for a counter is

between 1'8" to 2'0".y The Height of the working counter should permit a comfortable working posture. A comfortable

working height is 2'8" from the floor.y A person should be able to sit while performing some kitchen tasks, like cutting vegetables etc. For

this, there can be a provision for a Lap table that can slide out from below the Counter at a minimumheight of 2'0" from the floor.

STORAGE:

y There should be adequate storage space in a Kitchen. This can be provided both under the counter andabove the Counter.

y There should be sufficient space to store items so that they may be easily seen, reached grasped, takendown and put back without much strain. This can be achieved by having sliding, pull-out shelves, trays

y Storage space should be sufficiently flexible to permit adjustment to different sized containers fordifferent items. This can be achieved by having adjustable shelving.

y With proper planning, stored items can be located close to the work centre where they need to be used.y Unattractive items can be stored away out of sight, while attractive crockery or crystal ware can be

stored in overhead cabinets with glass shutters so that they are visible.y The maximum depth of the overhead wall cabinet should not be more than 1'0" to prevent the head of

the person from touching it and to allow easy working. etc, for the cabinets below the counter, so thatyou do not have to bend down too much to reach for something.

y The minimum height between the Wall cabinet and the counter top should be 2'0" above the sink andstove and inother areas, 1'6". This is to allow for easy working and to prevent the head of the person

from hitting the overhead cabinet.y It is advisable not to have a wall cabinet above the stove, as it will get damaged by the fumes. Instead

it is better to have a chimney hood above the stove at a minimum height of 2'6".y Storage shelves should be no higher than a woman can reach with both her feet flat on the floor. The

highest shelf can be at a maximum height of 6'0". Above that, it becomes inconvenient, necessitating aladder or a stool which can cause accidents.

y Spacing of shelves should be: 5" for 6" deep shelves, a min. of 6" for 10" deep shelves and a min. of7" for 1'0" deep shelves.


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MATERIALS:

y The materials and finishes that require very little maintenance and cleaning should be used.y It should be possible to wipe and clean with water the materials and finishes used for the cabinets and

the counter top, without damaging them.It is preferable to have light colours in the kitchen as it createsa pleasant work atmosphere.

LIGHTING:

y Good lighting helps to prevent fatigue and create a pleasant atmosphere.y A well lit kitchen with minimum shadows helps you to see clearly, what you are doing while cutting

and cooking.y Sunlight contains UV rays which act as a germicide in killing the germs that thrive on kitchen

counters, floors etc due to the presence of food and water.y Adequate lighting in the kitchen makes the room more agreeable and attractive.

VENTILATION:

y The Kitchen should be well ventilated to get rid of the food odours, gas, fumes etc.y There should be a good sized window in the Kitchen to allow in fresh air. The Window should not be

located behind the stove as the flames can be affected by the wind and be exposed to dust. The

window cill should be at least 6" above the counter top.y It is preferable to have an exhaust either in the wall or in the hood above the stove to throw out the

objectionable kitchen odours and fumes.

SAFETY:


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y The edges of the counter top should be rounded off and not be sharp.y If possible, keep the gas cylinder outside the house where it is well ventilated, so that any leaks will

not cause an explosion within the kitchen.y There should be safety catches on drawers and doors to limit the exploratory activities of youn

children.y Sharp corners should be avoided

OTHER KITCHEN ACTIVITIES:

y Dining - Many families want to eat a quick meal in the kitchen. In fact kids enjoy watching theirmother preparing hot food and serving it to them right there. This can be provided for by having abreakfast counter.

y Infant and child care - Kitchens are often used for infant care, for giving them a bath or for toddlersplay area, since young children want to move around and yet be near their mother. Also the mother

can keep an eye on them while cooking. Adequate provision for infant care supplies, toys andgamesplay area should be made in the kitchen.

y Grooming - Washing hands and personal grooming frequently take place in the kitchen. So a mirror isdesirable near the sink. Provision should also be made for a away from the work centres but where

adequate supervision is possible.

KITCHEN LOCATION:The Kitchen is not a specialized room but has many uses. It is a space used for preparing meals, storage of

food and utensils, eating, child care, entertaining etc. It is the most used space in a house and hence it shouldhave a pleasant, attractive and cheerful atmosphere. It should also be well lit and well ventilated. The

windows of the Kitchen should allow in sunlight which can kill the germs that thrive on kitchen counters and


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y This affords the most compact work area.y This has a continuous worktop.y Wasteful circulation is reduced.y This allows for maximum storage space, both below and above the counter.y It is the most efficient plan.

However, it is not always possible to get 3 walls for having the U shaped counter, because generally a kitchenhas 2 doors and at least one of the 3 walls will have a door. However, even if it is a shortened U-arrangement,

it is still preferrable to any other shape.

"L" ARRANGEMENT - This is ideally suited where space along 2 walls is sufficiently long enough to

accomodate all the necessary work centres. It has the following advantages:

y This arrangement allows the work area to be concenterated in one corner, thus reducing travel.y It allows for unobstructed overhead storage since the windows and doors can be located in the other 2

walls.y However, this arrangement has the disadvantage of necessitating longer trips to the ends of the "L".


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"CORRIDOR" OR"SINGLE LINE" ARRANGEMENT- This arrangement is acceptable when doors are

necessary at each end of the Kitchen. It has the following advantages:

y Since the parallel counters along the corridor are close to each other, it is easy to access the workareas.

y However, the length of the corridor may necessitate longer trips to the ends.

CRITICAL DIMENSIONS:


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MINIMUM SIZES OF WORK CENTRES:Sink- The Minimum width of a sink varies from 1'3" to 1'8" depending on the occupancy (number of personsstaying in the dwelling).

Refrigerator - 2'2" for a 2 person dwelling and 2'8" for more number of persons.

MINIMUM SIZE

S OF KITCHE

NS:The Minimum size of a Kitchen with a Refrigerator, a Stove (cookingrange), a Sink, and basic minimum counter space for Mix and Serve for different occupancy dwellings is

listed below:

y ONEBEDROOM UNIT -y 10'0" x 5'6" in a Corridor arrangement where the counter runs along one long wall.y 8'0" x 6'0" in a Corridor arrangement with counters on either side of the corridor.y 7'6" x 6'0" with a 'L' shaped arrangement in the Kitchen.y TWO BEDROOM UNIT OR THREEBEDROOM UNIT -y 9'6" x 7'0" with a "L" shaped arrangement in the Kitchen.


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y 9'6" x 8'6" with a "U" shaped arrangement in the Kitchen.y FOURBEDROOM UNIT -y 11'0" x 7'0" with a "L" shaped arrangement in the Kitchen.y 1'0" x 9'0" with a "U" shaped arrangement in the Kitchen.

KITCHEN LOCATION:The Kitchen is not a specialized room but has many uses. It is a space used for preparing meals, storage of

food and utensils, eating, child care, entertaining etc. It is the most used space in a house and hence it shouldhave a pleasant, attractive and cheerful atmosphere. It should also be well lit and well ventilated. The

windows of the Kitchen should allow in sunlight which can kill the germs that thrive on kitchen counters andfloors and also dry it up. The windows should also allow fresh air into the kitchen while the kitchen fumes and

food odours are removed by an exhaust. For this, it is advisable to consider the orientation of the kitchen withrespect to the sunlight and wind direction.

DESIGN OF A BEDROOM | PLANNING



y The minimum, basic room sizes which are considered comfortable for use and for good furniturearrangement have been maintained. It is always important to have a comfortable sized Bedroom as thesize cannot be changed later (unless you are prepared for large scale renovation). Even if you have a

small site, it is not advisable to have a tiny Bedroom, because you will be forced to adjust to small,cramped living spaces for the rest of your life,


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y All the planning considerations such as, furniture, clearances, space allowances, doors, windows etcfor the Bedroom have been taken into account.

y The Bedroom location and orientation is according to the cardinal directions, so that it gets the rightamount of Sunlight and air.

Here, I have explained the design considerations, furniture and the minimum basic sizes for a Bedroom for

your reference.

BEDROOM FUNCTIONS:

y Primary Activities: Sleeping, Dressing/Undressing, Storing Clothes, Personal Care.y Secondary Activities: Reading, Writing, Studying, Working, Watching TV, Listening to music,

Caring for Infants, Sewing, Telephoning, Drawing/Painting, Doing Exercise, Resting andConvalescing, Hobbies, Storing bulk/seasonal items.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR A BEDROOM:

y The number of occupants of the bedroom - whether Single Occupancy or Double Occupancy.y The age of the occupants - whether a Master Bedroom, Children's Bedroom or a Guest Bedroom.y Size and type of Furniture.y Space allowance for Furniture.y Clearance and space around the Furniture for movement.y Storage space for clothes, dressing etc

FURNITURE OF A BEDROOM:The Typical pieces of furniture in a Bedroom and their sizes are listed

below. The sizes may vary a little from yours but it does not affect the overall size of the Bedroom.


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y Beds: There are several types of beds depending on the number of people sharing them:y Single Bed - 3'0" x 6'10" (Cramped for an adult but suitable for a child)y Twin Bed - 3'3" x 6'10" or 3'4" x 7'0" ( Okay for an adult)y Double Bed - 4'6" x 6'10" or 4'6" x 7'0" (Cramped for 2 adults, but okay for 2 children)y Queen Size- 5'0" x 6'10" or 5' x 7'0" (Cramped for 2 adults but okay for an adult and a child)y King Size Bed - 6'6" x 6'10" or 6'6" x 7'0" (Comfortable for 2 adults)y Crib - 2'0" x 4'6" or 2'8" x 5'0"y BunkBed - 2'8" x 6'3" (Suitable for 2 children)y Dressing Table - 1'3" x 3'0", 1'6" x 3'6", 2'0" x 4'0" etc.y Dresser or Chest ofDrawers - 1'6" x 3'0", 1'10" x 4'0"y Bedside Table - 1'2" x 1'2", 1'6" x 1'6", 2'0" x 2'0"y Desk - 1'6" x 3'4", 1'8" x 3'6"y Chair - 1'6" x 1'6"y Boudoir Chair - 2'6" x 3'y Chaise Lounge - 2' x 4', 2'4" x 5' etc.y Closet or Wardrobe - Each shutter size is about 1'6" x 7'0". A 2 shutter Wardrobe is the minimum in

a single occupancy bedroom and a 4 shutter or 6 shutter closet is necessary in a double occupancyBedroom.

CLEARANCES: To ensure adequate space for movement and the convenient use of furniture in theBedroom, the following minimum clearances must be observed:

y At least 2" clearance should be allowed between the wall and the furniture.y A minimum of 3" should be kept between furniture units.y A minimum of 3'6" space between the foot of the bed and the dressing table/ dresser for dressing.y At least 3' in front ofCloset, Dresser/Chest of Drawers to open and use them.y A minimum of 2' on one side of bed to allow for movement and making bed.y At least 1' on the least used side of the bed for making the bed. However, in case of single beds, they

can be placed against the wall on the least used side.y A minimum of 2'6" for movement from the door through the roomy A 5' turning diameter for a wheelchair.


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BEDROOM LOCATION:The bedroom is a private space used for rest, relaxation, reading, writing, working, listening to music,

convalescing, sleeping, phoning etc. Hence there is a need for privacy, quiet and peace. It should also be welllit and airy and preferably be near some green garden etc as the oxygen released by plants is rejuvenating. It

should be away from the noisy parts of the house and the rooms where guests are entertained.

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS IN DIFFERENT BEDROOMS:


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MASTERBEDROOM- The furniture in the Master Bedroom typically includes:

y AQueen Size Bed/King Size Bed.y Bedside Tables -ForConvenience, it is desirable to have 2 bedside tables on either side of the Double

bed.

y A 4 0r 6 shutter Wardrobe orCloset.y A dressing Tabley A Dressery 1 or 2 chairs and a small table for having morning coffee, or conversation.y Desk with chair - If space permits a desk is also useful for the workaholics.

MASTERBEDROOM SIZE -

y With furniture consisting of a Queen size Bed, 2 bedside tables on either side, 4 shutters Closet, aDressing table, a Dresser or 2 boudoir chairs with coffee table will be of a minimum size of 12'0" x

12'6"y With furniture consisting of a King size bed, 2 bedside tables on either side, 6 shutters Closet, a

dressing table, dresser, 2 chairs with coffee table in between and a desk with chair will be a minimumof 14'0" x 12'6".

CHILDREN'S BEDROOM - The furniture in the Children's Bedroom depends on whether it is a Single orDouble occupancy room.


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y The Single Occupancy Bedroom will typically have only one single bed and is generally used by theteenagers and pre-adolescent children (9 to 12 years old) and maybe an elderly person while,

y The Double Occupancy Bedroom will have two single Beds or a bunk bed and is used bypreschoolers and school going children of the same sex. It may also be used adults.

y The other furniture will include :y Bedside Tables -ForConvenience, it is desirable to have 2 bedside tables on either side of the Double

bed.y A 4 or 6 shutter Wardrobe orCloset.y 1 or 2 study tables with chairs.y A Dresser.

CHILDREN'S BEDROOM SIZES -

y Single Occupancy Bedroom - with a single bed and bedside table, study table with chair and 2 shuttercloset, will be of a minimum size of 9'0" x 10'0"

y With a single bed and bedside table, study table with chair, 4 shutter closet and dresser, will be of aminimum size of 9'0" x 12'0".

y Double Occupancy Bedroom - Consisting of 2 single beds with 2 bedside tables in between, a 4shutter closet, 2 study tables and a dresser, will be of a minimum size of 14'6" x 12'0"

y Having 2 single beds against 2 walls, 2 bedside tables , a 4 shutter closet, 2 study tables and a boudoirchair, will be of a minimum size of 13'0" x 13'0"

y If the two single beds are replaced with a bunk bed then the room width can be reduced by around2'0".


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BEDROOM LOCATION:The bedroom is a private space used for rest, relaxation, reading, writing, working, listening to music,

convalescing, sleeping, phoning etc. Hence there is a need for privacy, quiet and peace. It should also be welllit and airy and preferably be near some green garden etc as the oxygen released by plants is rejuvenating. It

should be away from the noisy parts of the house and the rooms where guests are entertained

DESIGN OF A DINING ROOM | PLANNING




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y The minimum, basic room sizes which are considered comfortable for use and for good furniturearrangement have been maintained. It is always important to have a comfortable sized Dining room as

the size cannot be changed later (unless you are prepared for large scale renovation).y All the planning considerations such as, furniture, clearances, space allowances, doors, windows etc

for the Dining room have been taken into account.y The Dining room location and orientation is according to the cardinal directions , so that it gets the

right amount of Sunlight and air.y Here, I have explained the design considerations, furniture and the minimum basic sizes for a Dining

Room for your reference.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR A DINING ROOM:

y The principal factors to be considered in planning the Dining Room are: Number of persons to beseated. Seating arrangement. Space used at table. Size and type of Furniture Space allowance for


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furniture. Space around the furniture for passage and accessing. Storage space for china, glassware,silver etc.

DINING ROOM FUNCTIONS -

y Primary Activities: A dining room is primarily used for Setting the table, Serving the food, Eating,Cleaning up after meals, Storing cutlery and crockery.

y Secondary Activities:A dining room can also be used forChildren's play or study and homework,Reading, Writing, Entertainment, Board Games, Sewing, Watching TV, Ironing clothes.

FLEXIBILITY - The Dining room should have flexibility, in that, one should be able to put it to various

uses, like dining, recreation, board games, studying, reading, sewing, ironing, etc. This is possible by havingadequate space for varied furniture arrangements. If space allows, you can have some sofas and a TV so that

you can use the room for entertainment, family activities and guests.

FURNITURE IN A DINING ROOM-Based on the primary and secondary functions of a Dining Room, the

typical pieces of furniture used are listed below:

y Dining Table - Tables with seating on 2 sides are generally larger than tables with seating on 4 sides.However, the required room size for seating on 2 sides is smaller than rooms with tables havingseating on 4 sides.

y Dining Chairs - 1'6"x1'6", 1'10"x1'10"y Sideboard - 4'0"x1'8", 5'0"x1'9"y Crockery Cabinet (Showcase) - 3'0"x1'3", 4'0"x1'3", 5'0"x1'3" depending on your requirement.y Sofas and TV- If space permits.

SPECIFIC SPACE ALLOWANCES IN A DINING ROOM -Recommended Space allowances based onresearch are listed below:


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yy SIZE OF EACH SEAT - The minimum width along the perimeter of the table, needed for each place

setting is 1'9". A width of 2'0 is comfortable. This allows chairs of size 1'6" to be placed at least6"apart. However a width of upto 2'5" is desirable for greater freedom to allow elbow extension etc.

y PASSAGEBEHIND CHAIRS - The minimum space for passage behind chairs is 1'10" though 2'0"is ideal. The minimum depth for a place setting is 1'2". So a minimum space of 3'2" should be

maintained between the dining table and the wall to enable a person to pass behind people who arealready seated at the table.

y SIZE OF TABLE - The minimum width of a Dining table is 3'0", though upto 3'8" is morecomfortable. The size of a dining table depends on the number of members of the family and the

number of guests who are entertained. As a thumb of rule, you can have a dining table to seat 2persons more than the number of people in your family. For example, in 4 person house, you can have

a 6 seater table, in a 6 person house, a table for 8 persons can be used.y The minimum dining table sizes are listed below:y Table for two - 2'6"x2'6"y Table for four (seating on 4 sides) - 2'6"x3'2", (seating on 2 sides) - 2'8"x4'0"y Table for six (seating on 4 sides) - 4'0"x3'0", (seating on 2 sides) - 6'0"x3'4"y Table for eight (seating on 4 sides) - 4'0"x3'4", (seating mainly on 2 sides) - 6'0"x3'4"y Table for ten (seating on 4 sides) - 6'0"x4'0"y At least 5'0" distance should be kept between the TV and seating for comfortable viewing.y STORAGE SPACE- In most houses, around 21'0" to 30'0" linear length of shelf space is required for

displaying and storing crockery, cutlery, glasses, cups and saucers, etc for everyday use and guest use.

The shelves can be fixed within the sideboard and the crockery cabinet.


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CLEARANCES IN DINING ROOM -Adequate clearances should be provided around the dining table toallow for the efficient and comfortable use of the Dining room. In some cases, greater clearances are required

to accommodate the needs of elderly people with wheelchairs etc. The following clearances from the edge ofthe table should be observed:

y A minimum of 2'8" to access chairs but is not sufficient for passage behind the chairs.y A minimum of 3'2" to access chairs plus allow for passage behind the chairs.y A minimum of 3'6" to allow for serving from behind the chair.y A minimum of 2'0" for only passage.y A minimum of 4'0" from table to cabinet or sideboard.

DINING ROOM LOCATION-The Dining room is the space where the family sits together to have a meal and where guests are entertained.The Location of a Dining room depends on factors like the proximity to the Living room, the Kitchen, wash

basin etc.

DOORS ANDWINDOWS IN DINING ROOM-

y It is preferable to have the doors of constant use placed so that the traffic between them will notinterfere with the furniture groups.


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y It is ideal if the door to the dining room is placed in a corner and the door leading out of the diningroom to other spaces, is placed directly opposite in the other corner of the room, so as to enable the

dining table and other furniture to be placed in the remaining portion of the room.y Windows should be big to allow light to the dining room.y There should be convenient access to the windows and doors, and furniture should not block the

windows.

y The TV position should be fixed such that it is not opposite a window, as the TV screen will reflect thelight from the window.

DINING ROOM SIZES:In my experience as an Architect for the past 15 years, I have found that to arrange

furniture and move around comfortably in a Dining room, it has to have some minimum basic sizes. Keepingin mind, the number of people seated at a dining table, I have recommended here the sizes for a comfortable

Dining room.

y Four persons (seats on 2 sides)- 8'0" x 11'6"y Four persons (seats on 4 sides)- 9'0" x 11'6"y Six persons (seats on 2 sides) - 10'0" x 13'6"or12'0" x10'0"y Six persons (seats on 4 sides) -10'0" x 13'0" or12'0"x 11'0"y Eight persons (seats on mainly 2 sides)-10'6"x 15'0" or12'6"x 13'y Eightpersons (seating on all 4 sides) -11'0" x 13'0"or13'0" x 11'0"y Ten persons - 11'0" width x15'0" length or13'0" width x13'0" length

DINING ROOM DIMENSIONS:So to summarize, the basic, minimum dimensions for a Dining room

depends on the number of persons to be seated and the manner in which the dining table and buffet/sideboard/crockery cabinet are arranged.

y If the dining room width has to be less, then the dining table and crockery unit cannot be placed sideby side along the width of the room. Then the crockery cabinet is placed at the end along the length ofthe room, thereby increasing the length of the room.

y If the Dining room width can be more, then the dining table and buffet can be arranged along thewidth of the room, which allows the length of the dining room to be lesser as seen below.

y Basic, Minimum for 4 persons - 8' x 11'6" and above.y Basic, Minimum for 6 persons - 10' x 13' or 12' x 10' and above.y Basic, Minimum for 8 persons - 10'6" x 15' or 13' x 11' and above.y Basic, Minimum for 10 persons - 11' x 15' or 13' x 13' and above.


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DINING ROOM LOCATION-The Dining room is the space where the family sits together to have a meal and where guests are entertained.The Location of a Dining room depends on factors like the proximity to the Living room, the Kitchen, wash

basin etc.

DESIGN OF A LIVING ROOM | PLANNING




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y The minimum, basic room sizes which are considered comfortable for use and for good furniturearrangement have been maintained. It is always important to have a comfortable sized Living room asthe size cannot be changed later (unless you are prepared for large scale renovation). Even if you have

a small site, it is not advisable to have a tiny Living room, because you will be forced to adjust tosmall, cramped living spaces for the rest of your life,

y All the planning considerations such as, furniture, clearances, space allowances, doors, windows etcfor the Living room have been taken into account.

y The Living room location and orientation is according to the cardinal directions , so that it gets theright amount of Sunlight and air.

y Here, I have explained the design considerations, furniture and the minimum basic sizes for a LivingRoom for your reference.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR A LIVING ROOM:

y The principal factors to be considered in planning the Living Room are:y Number of persons to be seated or entertained.y Seating arrangement.y Size of Furniturey Space allowance for furniture.y Space around the furniture for passage and accessing.y Traffic Passage between Main door and doors leading to other rooms.

FURNITURE-A living Room has mainly furniture for seating, conversation and Viewing TV. Typically,there will be the main, primary conversation group and a smaller, secondary conversation group. Here, I have

described the normal sizes of the furniture in a Living room. However furniture sizes may vary slightly.


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y Sofas - Two Seater Sofas- 4'6" x 2'6",y Three Seater Sofas -7'0" x 3'0", or 6'6" x 2'6" andy Single Seater Sofa - 2'6" x 2'6" or 2'3" x 2'3"y Armchairs - 2'0"x 2'4", 2'3" x 2'4"etcy Sofa cum bed or Divan - 2'6" x 7'0"y Centre Table - Rectangular- 2'0" x 1'3", 3'0" x 2'0" etcy Circular- 3'0" dia., 2'6" dia.y Side Table - Square- 1'8"x1'8", 1'6"x1'6"; Circular- 2'0" dia, 1'8" dia.y Show case or TV/Music Unit - 4'0" to 5'0" in length and around 1'6" wide.y Card Table - 3'0" x 3'0"y Piano - Grand - 9'0" x 5'0", 7'0" x 5'0", 6'0" x 5'0", 5'6"x 5'0";y Piano Rectangular - 5'0" x 2'0", 4'8"x1'7"

SPECIFIC SPACE ALLOWANCES:- When designing, adequate floor space should be provided for the

furniture groupings. Certain clearances are required between the furniture pieces. Planners have establishedthe minimum distances for comfort as well as the maximum distance for comfortable conversations. They are

listed below:

y It is advisable to have minimum of 5' between opposite sofas and a maximum of 6' for comfortableconversation.y A minimum space of 2' should be kept where circulation occurs between tall furniture.y At least 1'6" should be kept when circulation occurs between low furniture.y A minimum of 3' is required behind an occupied chair, to permit a person to pass by.y At least 5' distance should be kept between the TV and the seating for comfortable viewing.y Seating arranged around a 10' diameter circle makes a comfortable grouping for conversation.

FLEXIBILITY - The Living room should have flexibility, in that, one should be able to put it to various

uses, like sleeping, dining, recreation, family etc. This is possible by having adaptable furniture. For example,a sofa can be converted into a bed, or a divan can be used as a bed if required when there are extra guests.


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CLEARANCES-Traffic tolerances in a Living room are important, since a number of people use this room.and narrow lanes between furniture group are uncomfortable. Some basic minimum clearances must be

considered:

y An adequate traffic lane between the main entrance and the major seating group should be provided -at least 3'4" but preferably 4'6". For bigger rooms, it is advisable to have a even wider traffic lane.

y Through traffic should be separated from the furniture groups as much as possible, so that one doesnot have to walk through the group to go to another room.

y The main traffic lane through the room should be a minimum of 3'4" though 4'6" is preferred.

LOCATION OF LIVING ROOM:The Living room is the space where guests are entertained and the first impression is made. In many houses, it

is also a kind of Family room, where the family sits together to watch TV or have discussions. The Location

of a Living room depends on factors like the main Road, the Foyer, the main entrance door, orientation etc.

LIVING ROOM DOORS ANDWINDOWS -

y Door openings in a Living room should be located so as to give enough wall space for the furniturearrangements.

y It is preferable to have the doors of constant use placed so that the traffic between them will notinterfere with the furniture groups.


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y It is even better if the Main door and the door leading to the other rooms are close to each other in onecorner of the room, as the rest of the room can be used for the furniture and a main traffic lane can be

avoided.y Windows should be located so that a seating arrangement can face the window, since looking out

while having a conversation is quite interesting.y There should be convenient access to the windows and doors, and furniture should not block the

windows.y The TV position should be fixed such that it is not opposite a window, as the TV screen will reflect the

light from the window.

LIVING ROOM SIZES: In my experience as an Architect for the past 15 years, I have found that to arrangefurniture and move around comfortably in a Living room, it has to have some minimum basic sizes. Here I

have recommended the sixes for a comfortable Living room.

LIVING ROOM WIDTH:

y In small sites, it is difficult to have wide living rooms, but I suggest that the bare minimum widthshould be 11'0", though it is worthwhile to somehow increase it to 12'0" or at least 11'6", because this

will allow for the comfortable arrangement of a furniture group along the width of the Living room.

y A comfortable width will be 13'0", provided the living room has a big opening to the dining room.y A luxurious width will be about 15'0" or even more, depending on the size of your site, budget and the

number of people you intend to entertain very often.

LIVING ROOM LENGTH:

y In a small site, you may have to restrict the length to about 15', which I consider the bare minimum inorder to have a reasonably spacious feel and to arrange two seating groups.

y A comfortable length for a Living room will be at least 18', as this allows for spacious arrangement ofseating groups, easy movement space as well as comfortable distance for TV viewing.

y A luxurious length will be 20' and above. This solely depends on your site size, budget, and how oftenand how many people you entertain. It also depends on whether you want to have additional furniturelike a Piano, or a Game table for cards etc.


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LIVING ROOM DIMENSIONS:So to summarize, the Living room dimensions can be as follows:

y Basic minimum - 11'0"x 15'0" and above.y Comfortable - 13'0"x18'0"and above.y Luxurious - 15'0" (and above) x 20'0" (and above).

LOCATION OF LIVING ROOM:

The Living room is the space where guests are entertained and the first impression is made. In many houses, itis also a kind of Family room, where the family sits together to watch TV or have discussions. The Locationof a Living room depends on factors like the main Road, the Foyer, the main entrance door, orientation etc.

DESIGN OF A STUDY | PLANNING

Once you have met with yourArchitect, and given your requirements, he will design according to your Sitesize, budget and site conditions. The main things to look out for in the design solution are:

Whether the minimum, basic study room sizes which are considered comfortable for use and for goodfurniture arrangement have been maintained. Whether all the planning considerations such as, furniture,

clearances, space allowances, doors, windows etc for the Study have been taken into account. Whether theStudy location and orientation is according to the cardinal directions, so that it gets the right amount of

Sunlight and air.Here, I have explained the furniture, sizes and clearances in a Study for your reference.


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STUDY FUNCTIONS:

y Primary Activites: Studying, Writing, Using the Computer, Storage of files, Reading, Studying,Library.

y Secondary Activities: Used as a Bedroom by a teenager or pre-adolescent child, Storing, Sleeping,Exercising, etc.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR A STUDY:

y Size and type of Furniture.y Space allowance for Furniture.y Clearance and space around the Furniture for movement.y Storage space for books, files, clothes, etc

FURNITURE OF A STUDY:

y The Typical pieces of furniture in a Study and their sizes are listed below:y Desk - 2'6" x 5'0", 2'0" x 4'0"y Computer Table - 2'0" x 2'3"(smallest), 2'6" x 2'6", 3'0" x 2'6", 3'6" x 2'6" etc.y Chair - 1'10" x 1'10"y File storage - 1'4" x 2'4"y Single Bed - 3'0" x 6'10" (Cramped for an adult but suitable for a child)y Twin Bed - 3'3" x 6'10" or 3'4" x 7'0" ( Okay for an adult)y Double Bed - 4'6" x 6'10" or 4'6" x 7'0" (Cramped for 2 adults, but okay for 2 children)y Dresser or Chest ofDrawers - 1'6" x 3', 1'10" x 4'0"y Bedside Table - 1'2" x 1'2", 1'6" x 1'6", 2'0" x 2'0"y Closet or Wardrobe - Each shutter size is about 1'6" x 7'0". A 2 shutter Wardrobe is the minimum in

a single occupancy bedroom and hence is sufficient in a Study which is also used for sleeping.


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CLEARANCES:To ensure adequate space for movement and the convenient use of furniture in the Study, the following

minimum clearances must be observed:

y At least 2" clearance should be allowed between the wall and the furniture.y A minimum of 3" should be kept between furniture units.y A minimum of 3'0" space to push back the chair from the Desk and pulling out the desk drawers.y A minimum of 2'6" for using and arising from a computer table.y A minimum of 3'6" in front of the file storage for pulling out drawers.y A minimum of 4'0" in front of the desk/computer table to allow walking past a person seated at the

desk.y At least 3'6" in front ofCloset, Dresser/Chest of Drawers to open and use them.y A minimum of 2'0" on one side of bed to allow for movement and making bed.y At least 1'0" on the least used side of the bed for making the bed. However, in case of single beds, they

can be placed against the wall on the least used side.y A minimum of 2'6" for movement from the door through the roomy A 5'0" turning diameter for a wheelchair.

STUDY LOCATION:The study is a private space used for studying, reading, writing, working, sleeping, etc. Hence there is a needfor privacy, quiet and peace. It should also be well lit and airy and away from the noisy parts of the house and

the rooms where guests are entertained.


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sizes of spaces

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