Rectangle Rule Virtually all rooms are rectangularVirtually all rooms are rectangular Determining any two adjacent walls is nearly conclusive for the remaining wallsDetermining any two adjacent walls is nearly conclusive for the remaining walls

Rooms are functional Food preparation, sleeping, eating, recreation, entertainment, washing, grooming, cleaning clothes, etc.Food preparation, sleeping, eating, recreation, entertainment, washing, grooming, cleaning clothes, etc. How a room is used will dictate how it is built, what is in it and what is next to itHow a room is used will dictate how it is built, what is in it and what is next to it Bathrooms and closets between bedrooms for sound insulationBathrooms and closets between bedrooms for sound insulation Linen closets near bathrooms and bedroomsLinen closets near bathrooms and bedrooms Typically, kitchens follow only four floor plans and bathrooms follow only threeTypically, kitchens follow only four floor plans and bathrooms follow only three

Kitchens Sizes range from 50 sq. ft. to 150 sq. ft. (typical ~120 sq. ft.)Sizes range from 50 sq. ft. to 150 sq. ft. (typical ~120 sq. ft.) Built to maximize use of three major appliancesBuilt to maximize use of three major appliances Refrigerator, stove, sinkRefrigerator, stove, sink Work triangle is 12 to 22 feetWork triangle is 12 to 22 feet One of the easiest rooms to diagramOne of the easiest rooms to diagram Sinks nearly always under a window with a high sillSinks nearly always under a window with a high sill Stove requires exhaust ventStove requires exhaust vent

Kitchen Floor Plans LinearL-Shape U-ShapeGalley

Bathrooms Smallest occupied room in a houseSmallest occupied room in a house Typically range from ~35 square feet to ~55 square feetTypically range from ~35 square feet to ~55 square feet Built to maximize use of three major appliancesBuilt to maximize use of three major appliances Toilet, Sink, Shower/TubToilet, Sink, Shower/Tub Requires vent or openable window for shower (width is ≤ twice the height)Requires vent or openable window for shower (width is ≤ twice the height) Modern houses often have bathroom and/or dressing room inside master bedroom configurationModern houses often have bathroom and/or dressing room inside master bedroom configuration One of the easiest rooms to diagramOne of the easiest rooms to diagram

Bathroom Floor Plans Corridor L-Shape In-Line

Bedrooms Come in two styles, master and everything elseCome in two styles, master and everything else Used to generally define size of living accommodations (2 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms, etc.)Used to generally define size of living accommodations (2 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms, etc.) >70 sq. ft. by code, ≤110 sq. ft. by custom>70 sq. ft. by code, ≤110 sq. ft. by custom Bedrooms clustered with each otherBedrooms clustered with each other Tend to be located at one end of the houseTend to be located at one end of the house Two-story house will virtually always have all bedrooms on second floorTwo-story house will virtually always have all bedrooms on second floor Bedroom doors open into a common hallway (fire escape and privacy)Bedroom doors open into a common hallway (fire escape and privacy) Have medium-sized windows with high sillsHave medium-sized windows with high sills Windows required for fire escapeWindows required for fire escape Shades and curtainsShades and curtains Adjacent to bathroom windowsAdjacent to bathroom windows

Living and Family Rooms Most “public” rooms in a houseMost “public” rooms in a house Modern floor plans sometimes combine the living and family rooms into a single “great room”Modern floor plans sometimes combine the living and family rooms into a single “great room” Usually the largest room in a house (≤200 sq. ft.)Usually the largest room in a house (≤200 sq. ft.) Largest windows in the buildingLargest windows in the building Provides the best view into a house at duskProvides the best view into a house at dusk Contemporary houses have them in the back but older houses tend to have them in the front (hence the term “front room”)Contemporary houses have them in the back but older houses tend to have them in the front (hence the term “front room”) Close proximity to front doorClose proximity to front door Tend to be adjacent to kitchenTend to be adjacent to kitchen Almost never upstairs in two-story housesAlmost never upstairs in two-story houses

Sid Heal, or