Space

Architecture puts boundaries around open space; every building is a captured space. Dividing that space into rooms should reflect how you want to use it. It's important to avoid restricting how a building can be used, and to keep it as flexible and adaptable as possible.

It matters less how many spaces your building has than the quality of the spaces - how well suited they are to your needs, and how flexible they are. A space may serve a specific, single function, such as providing a place for sharing meals together, or it may serve many functions, meeting the needs of several people.

The kitchen, or kitchen/dining area, is often the hub of the modern house, as it has been of traditional houses for centuries. When a kitchen is the centre of a home, it must have good access to and views of other areas - to see anyone approaching the house, and to keep an eye on children playing in the garden, for instance.

Adults' bedrooms are used relatively little and can generally be quite small - adults have other spaces to occupy. Children use their bedrooms more, and for more activities, so they need to be flexible and - if possible - spacious. Children's rooms need plenty of storage space or they quickly fill with mess!

A communal space may need to accommodate the interests of different family members, provide a space for relaxing, working or socialising. Living rooms may be under-used if other areas, such as the kitchen/dining room and children's bedrooms are successful. You may need less space for communal activities than you think.

Movement through spaces is an important aspect of the dynamic of a building. Clear, uncluttered pathways between functional spaces increase the efficiency and comfort of a building. These pathways are best established by analysing how a space will be used and designing the layout of the building to suit. We will discuss your lifestye or workstyle and work with you to plan the space.

Storage is vitally important for the effective and flexible use of space. Rooms must have enough cupboards, of the right type and size to store what is required. It is impossible to make the best use of space that is cluttered and untidy. Sometimes, small rooms can be used effectively as storage spaces - old toilets or coal stores, for example.

Careful design of spaces in a new or adapted building can play an important part in reducing the carbon footprint. Transition spaces - spaces which are halfway between indoors and outdoors - can make very effective use of solar light and heat while benefitting from the shelter of the house.