Planning Living AreasPlanning Living Areas

Living AreasLiving Areas

Living areas: places in the home for family members to relax, entertain guests, dine, and meet together.◦They are areas for conversation, meals, company

recreation, and hobbies◦Rooms include: living, dining, and family rooms

along with rooms used for specialized activities (study den, library, music room, etc.)

Living areas of a home serve two groups of people: Household members and guests

Living RoomsLiving Rooms

May be used as a conversation area, TV room, or place to entertain guests.

Reading, listening to music, playing indoor games, and pursuing hobbies are some other activities that may take place in the living room.

LocationLocation

The living room in newly built homes is often located in the front or back of the home.◦ It should not serve as a main circulation route into and

through the home. Moving the living room to a second level is one way to

eliminate this.

The living room should be located:◦ Near or adjacent to the dining room since dining and

entertaining go hand-in-hand.◦ Away from bedrooms to allow family members to sleep while

other are participating in living room activities.

SizeSize

Size depends on number of people who will use it, how and when it will be used, the furniture intended, and the size of the other rooms.

Secondary furniture grouping is a smaller conversation area that seats 2-3 people.

Requires an area for conversation which is called the primary conversation area.◦This area occupies a circular shape 8-10ft. in

diameter, therefore the room needs to be 10-14ft. wide.

◦A living room 18-22 ft. long can easily accommodate a primary conversation area and circulation.

ArrangementArrangement

A well planned living room avoids circulation across conversation areas.◦Doorways located at the ends of the room allow

traffic to stay out of conversation area.

No one should have to walk through a conversation seating area from one room to another.

Dining RoomsDining Rooms

Many homes today have two dining areas, an informal area in the kitchen and a formal one in the dining room.

Closed Plan: little sharing or activities takes place between living areas because the rooms are closed off to one another.

Open Plan: There are few walls to encourage a sharing of activities across the space.

LocationLocation

Needs to be located near the kitchen to permit the movement of food at serving time.

Should also be near the living room so guests can move easily to the dining room.

SizeSize

Size of the dining room is determined by number of people that will be served at one time, the furniture intended, and the amount of space needed for circulation.

Space requirements:◦4 people=80 sq. ft.◦4 people+buffet=120 sq. ft.◦4-8 people+hutch+buffet=180 sq. ft.

ArrangementArrangement

2 ft. of table length should be allowed for each seated person.◦A rectangular table measuring 3 ½ by 5 ½ ft.

seats 4-6 people.◦32 in. is required between edge of table and

wall in order to get in and out of chairs.◦36 to 44 in. allows enough space for walking

around seated guests.

Family RoomsFamily Rooms

Can be used for games, hobbies, dancing, exercising, and active play.

Typically have more informal décor and durable, easily maintained furniture when compared to a living room.

Aka great rooms, media rooms, playrooms, recreation rooms, and multipurpose rooms.

LocationLocation

Many basements and attics have been converted into family rooms because they are large and able to contain noise well.

When combined with the kitchen, it becomes a great room.

SizeSize

The ideal size for a family room depends on the activities planned for it and the number of people who will use it.◦A minimum space of 12 by 16 ft. is

recommended.

Storage room needs to be considered in family rooms.

ArrangementArrangement

Furniture should be comfortable as well as durable and serviceable.

A sturdy table with comfy chairs can serve as an area for game playing, dining, or other hobbies.

Floors, too, should be durable, easy to clean, and suitable for activities.

EntrywaysEntryways

Main entry: opens to the living area of the house, often a foyer.◦First impression of the home.◦Usually located near the center of the house.◦Opens to the living area of the house, often a

foyer.Foyer: an entry hall that functions as a place

to greet guests and, in colder climates, remove coats and boots.◦Entry closets are convenient for storing coats, hats,

gloves, umbrellas, and other outdoor accessories.

The floor should be durable, water- and soil-resistant, and easy to clean.◦Slate, ceramic tile, asphalt tile, and vinyl floor

coverings are popular and durable floor treatments.

Special-purpose entry: provides access to patios, decks, and courts. ◦Sliding glass doors and French doors are often

use for this type of entry.

Patios, Porches, and CourtsPatios, Porches, and Courts

Extend living areas of a home to the outdoors.

May be used for conversation, relaxing, playing, entertaining, dining, and cooking.

PatiosPatios

Patio: An outdoor extension of a home’s living area usually built at grade level, but not structurally connected to the house.◦Grade level: the level of the land surrounding

the building.

Brick, concrete, stone, and redwood are materials often used for patios.

Play patios: usually located adjacent to a family room or service area to provide an area for play activities.

Living patios: located near the living areas of the home: living room, dining room, and family room.◦Largest

Quiet patios: located on the quiet side of the house, near the bedrooms. They are used for relaxing, reading, and even sleeping.

If the patio is going to be used for dining, access to the kitchen and dining room is necessary.

An in-ground pool becomes an extension of the patio.

Sun exposure should be considered when deciding on placement of a patio.

PorchesPorches

Porch: is an outdoor extension of a home’s living area that is structurally connected to the house, built above grade level, and covered by a roof.

Deck: Uncovered porch.

Verandas: Porches built high off the ground.

Usually located in the front of the main entrance to provide shelter for guests and protection for the entry.

Screens, glass, or railings enclose some porches.

Shape and size should fit the design of the dwelling.

CourtsCourts

Court: Patio-like structure that is partially or completely enclosed by walls.

Inspired by early Spanish architecture.

Use for relaxing, entertaining, and dining.

More common in warm climates where heating is not a major consideration.

Adaptations for Special NeedsAdaptations for Special Needs

Living rooms should be at grade level so elderly and people who use wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, or brace can move easily.◦ Doorways should be at least 34” wide for wheelchairs.◦ Ramps on patios, porches, and courts make the

accessible to all. Ramps should be sloped between 1:12 and 1:20.

Doors with lever handles make it easier for children and handicapped people to use rather than a knob.