7 Planning the Living Area Chapter

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Objectives Identify the three main areas in a typical residence. Explain why designers take special needs into account when designing a new home. Describe the rooms and areas that comprise the living area. Apply design principles to planning a living room.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Objectives Analyze a dining room using good design principles. Design a functional entry and foyer. Communicate the primary design considerations for a family room. Integrate designs for outdoor living areas into the total floor plan of a dwelling.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Areas of a Residence Three main areas: living area, sleeping area, service area Designer must know purpose of each room and its accessibility needs –International Residential Codes (IRC) establish regulations for residential design and construction CADD tools reduce time needed to develop suitable designs

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Areas of a Residence

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Traffic Circulation The movement of people from one area or room to another Plan traffic circulation for maximum efficiency of movement Analyze movement to determine if plan is as functional as it can be

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Traffic Pattern BEFORE

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Traffic Pattern AFTER

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Living Room Size –What furniture is planned? –How often will the room be used? –How many people are expected? –Is it a multipurpose room?

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Living Room Location – Do not place in traffic corridor – Grade level is best position – Take advantage of views – Near dining room – Informal divider often used in great room – Orient for comfort and energy conservation

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. POORLY Located Living Room

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. PROPERLY Located Living Room

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Living Room Décor –Homeowner’s preference –Emphasize good points, minimize weak points –Interior style should reflect exterior style

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Dining Rooms Popularity of dining rooms changes from time to time Lifestyle determines the need for a dining room May be formal or informal Special place for eating and family gatherings

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Dining Room Plan –Closed plan or open plan? Size –Based on number of people who will use room, amount of furniture, and traffic clearance –2'-3" from center-to-center of chairs –2'-0" between chair backs and wall

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Entry and Foyer Every house has at least one main entry Many, but not all, houses have a foyer Three basic types of entries: –main entry –service entry –special-purpose entry

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Main Entry Centrally located and open into a foyer Visitors visible without opening door Provide protection from weather Visually interesting Size depends on size and design of house

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Two Types of Main Entry

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Service and Special-Purpose Entries Service entry usually connected to the kitchen or utility room Special-purpose entry provides access to patio, deck or court

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Foyer A place to greet guests, remove coats and boots Flooring must be soil-resistant Coat closet Provides access to other rooms Size depends on house size, location, personal preference Décor reflects adjacent rooms

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Foyer Design

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Foyer Design

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Family Room Place where the family can play or pursue hobbies Design for function and easy maintenance Basement location advantages include large area, separates noise from other living areas, contains necessary structural details, easy to decorate and keep clean

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Family Room Size varies Furniture selected depend on anticipated activities Décor reflects homeowner’s lifestyle Common items in room include large-screen TVs, pool tables, game tables Accessibility is important

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Special-Purpose Rooms Dedicated to pursuit of special interest, such as a greenhouse Special-purpose rooms frequently have unique requirements: –Storage, lighting, ventilation, plumbing, electrical

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Outdoor Living Areas Patios, porches, decks, courtyards, gazebos Enlarge the area and function of a home Lighting allows for use after dark, adds safety and security

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Patios Patios are near house but not structurally connected to it Located at ground level Building materials include concrete, brick, stone, tile, redwood, pressure-treated wood, or synthetic decking Place to relax, play, entertain, and live Carefully choose location, size, design

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. My DREAM PATIO!

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Porches and Decks Porches and decks are structurally connected to house Porches are covered, decks are not A ramp is required for access by the disabled A balcony is a narrow porch located on an upper floor of a home A veranda is a large porch that extends along an entire wall of a house

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Porch

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Courtyards Courtyards are outdoor spaces totally or partially enclosed by walls or roof Used for dining, relaxing, talking, entertaining, and as gardens

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Gazebos A gazebo provides an architectural focal point.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Architecture Porches and green design –Prior to widespread use of air-conditioning, houses had porches, which prevented the sun from directly entering the home –Once air conditioning became widespread, homes were designed without porches –Designers are realizing the potential of porches to reduce electricity use while moderating the temperature of a home Green

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Employability Preparing for a job interview –Research the employer and the job –Be prepared to answer questions –List the questions you want answered –List the materials you plan to take to the interview –Decide what to wear –Practice the interview –Know where to go for the interview