1. Room Planning, and living area
Chapter 6
Room Planning, and living area

2. 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.

3. It is the place for family get-togethers , and dining.
It is the area for recreation, entertaining and just relaxing.

4. The living area is composed of a number of rooms.
Living Room
Dining Room
Foyer
Family Room
Sunrooms
Home Office
Recreation Room

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. Location of the dining room is important
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.

15. 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

16. 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.
Foyer

17. 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

18. 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.