5 problems with open plan layouts (and how to fix them)
In this article we explore the benefits and issues of an open plan layout, and ways you can mitigate them.
The open floor plan constitutes one of the most popular changes in architectural design in the past 100 years. Open plan is a generic architectural and interior design term characterised by large open spaces and minimal use of enclosed rooms.
Developments in modern materials (i.e., structural aluminium glazing, steel lintels), and modern construction solutions, has allowed designers to create larger windows and openings and “free up” space in our buildings. This results in more options for internal layouts compared with houses designed in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Interestingly, we’ve found that open plan layouts are a preferred option for refurb and extensions on Victorian and Edwardian houses, especially in urban areas such as London.
Ground Floor flat in Muswell Hill, London - Before and after transformation -Creating a strong connection between patio, garden and internal open plan layout
What are the benefits of an open plan layout?
Open plan layouts are a popular choice for many homes, and for good reason. Here we break down the four main benefits of an open plan layout in your home.
Natural light in open plan homes:
Open plan design is led by the desire to create large, open spaces that offer up more natural light than traditional building design. As a result of larger openings in walls and roofs, and fewer obstacles internally (less partition walls), more natural light can flood into the space.
The benefits of natural light on our physical and psychological wellbeing are well researched, namely it helps our bodies to produce Vitamin D, improves our circadian rhythm, helps us focus and even is proven to make us happier.
Window seat creating continuity between the internal space and patio-garden
Create a flexible multipurpose space:
In the modern age we live in, changes are quick, and technology has a strong impact on the way we live and act. As such, open plan living is flexible and easy to adapt to the current requirements of people living in the home, as well as during different times of the day or even year.
Expanded views in open plan layouts:
In an open plan space, it is easier to create larger inside to outside views of the surrounding landscape. As a result, this has a massive impact on the perception of the internal space, which can appear smaller when there’s less natural light.
Strong connection with nature and the garden:
Open plan design offers a powerful way to connect the interior of your home with nature. Through intuitive design, you can relate any of your living spaces, be it kitchen, living, dining, entrance or reception rooms with nature and your outdoor space.
What can go wrong with the open play layout and ways to mitigate them:
Despite the range of benefits an open plan layout offers the home, poor and thoughtless design can easily lead to problems. Here we explore some of the key issues with open floor plans that we see on a regular basis.
1-Blending a kitchen and a living room is difficult:
Creating spaces you, your family and friends can relax in is an important part of building your own home. In a poorly designed open plan kitchen and living room, there’s nowhere to hide: the washing machine and tumble dryer is on maximum spin, the kitchen is producing intense smells and steam, your workspace has spread across the dining room table… We’ve all been there!
The solution:
· Clearly define the circulation areas and routes - ideally, areas such as the living space should not have a route through them, as it is important to differentiate areas for relaxation.
· Use integrated kitchen appliances (fully concealed behind a hinged door panel to match the rest of your cabinetry).
· Blend the different areas - even patio garden area, though the use of matching materials.
2-A disorganised space overall:
Trying to fit three different functions, namely the kitchen, dining and living, into the same space can be difficult. You might have enough space to fit the necessary furniture and appliances in each space. However, it can result in feeling like a cramped space with no separation from living areas.
The solution:
· Create hierarchies and define clear zones - there are multiple resources to achieve this without “breaking up” the space, e.g., bookshelves at mid-height, different floor levels and ceiling heights.
· Use smart design - lighting can create different ambient and focal points for different activities.
· Separate or unify spaces using materials, colour, and soft furnishings e.g., rugs.
3-Using too much glazing (including rooflights)
It is easy to get carried away with using glazing excessively when designing for open plan living. The issue with this is that homes can become cold, inefficient, and difficult to heat in winter, as well as overheating in the summer. It’s also important to bear in mind that glass both reflects and amplifies sound.
The solution:
· Carefully plan the orientation of the glazing - design with the aspect (amount of sunlight) in mind.
4-Patio and landscaping:
People often overlook the importance of the relationship between the internal and external spaces in your home. Failure to connect the two, can massively impact the views from the interior, as well as the flow as you move from inside to outside.
The solution:
· Provide continuity and a thoughtful relation between your choice of materials inside and outside of the home.
5-Wrong glazing in the wrong places
Too often, we find large bi-fold doors at the rear of the house and a couple of rooflights, which have no relation with the orientation of the house, the outside view and surrounding landscape, the use of the internal space and so on. This makes no sense in the long term and of course is a wasted opportunity.
The solution:
· Consider installing sliding aluminium glazed doors with minimal frames to create a clean view of the outdoor spaces, instead of chunky bi-fold doors, which require more panels with thicker frames.
· Use doors and windows as an opportunity to define and frame outside views. Think carefully which view you want to be directed towards in each of the areas you have defined. This will ensure the views compliment the internal space, as well as assist with privacy.
Conclusion
An open plan layout offers people designing their own home a wide range of benefits. However, open plan designoffers a lot of challenges which are difficult to balance. It is therefore important to work with professionals you trust to ensure the issues with open floor plans are avoided.