Critique my floor plan?
- Thread starter bams50
- Start date
I think that one item in this thread that is confusing some of us is what you are calling the 'showroom' I'm thinking that showroom denotes a public space where you would receive customers and do business. Most allowed in the showroom would not necessarily be invited into the living quarters.
lg
no neat sig line
lg
no neat sig line
I use 'showroom' for lack of a better term. This room will be about 40'x50'. It will have an overhead door to allow entry of maybe 3-5 restored collector cars for display, plus my collection of vintage automotive signs and memorabilia, restored gas pumps, neon, etc. Its purpose will be display, plus a gathering/meeting area for club events and parties, plus overflow space for the typical house party.
We want to be able to display our collection of automobilia and changing collection of vintage cars. We also thought it would be neat to host club events and parties, and maybe benefits/fundraisers for worthy causes. Not to promote a business or anything, just to be able to solve the problem people run into of "Where can we have" an event.
Given this, I couldn't come up with a better name. At least not thus far
We want to be able to display our collection of automobilia and changing collection of vintage cars. We also thought it would be neat to host club events and parties, and maybe benefits/fundraisers for worthy causes. Not to promote a business or anything, just to be able to solve the problem people run into of "Where can we have" an event.
Given this, I couldn't come up with a better name. At least not thus far
bczygan
Well-known member
You can't design a building without considering how it relates to it's site. What does the lot and surrounding properties look like?
Not really applicable in this case. i am still deciding between two lots: one is semi open, about 8 acres; the other is wooded, about 20 acres. Either way, It's a fairly open, mixed use area. In either case, this building is just going to be a large steel sided rectangle. No fancy architectural details or the like; from the outside it will just look like any other steel building. Part of it is simplicity and low maintenance, but the other part is to be purposely nondescript so that those not welcome aren't too attracted to find out what's inside.
I get what you're referring to, as in what does the neighborhood and neighboring architecture/landscape look like. Doesn't really enter into it where I am looking to build. Part of the plan is that when I'm done with it, it will be a desirable property for resale. The apartment will be designed so that it could be easily torn out if someone down the road wanted to just use it as a warehouse.
bczygan
Well-known member
What's the zoning?
blkhonda1991
Well-known member
updated plans yet?
Zoning is 'mixed-use, residential/commercial'. It's along on main state route, Which I need because I frequently ship and receive collector cars by large truck. Where I live now, the trucks are forced to unload in the 2 lane country road, or some require me to meet at a truck stop 4 miles away to pick up the vehicle. I'm going to have a big area where the transport can drive-in, unload, and drive out. TMI?
We've been fighting lots of snow for the last two weeks, plus it's a super busy time at my work, so I haven't had time to play with the floor plan. But next week I will definitely be getting some time and I'll go through this thread and incorporate some of the great ideas folks have shared!
We've been fighting lots of snow for the last two weeks, plus it's a super busy time at my work, so I haven't had time to play with the floor plan. But next week I will definitely be getting some time and I'll go through this thread and incorporate some of the great ideas folks have shared!
woodrail
Well-known member
My thoughts....
Holy mackeral woodrail, fabulous work! Obviously you're a pro in this field. Amazing! You thought of things I had not yet done, like the pantry and the bigger closet in tme MBR.
One fly in the ointment- the bottom wall is the South wall, and the Mrs. really wanted the kitchen sink window on that wall. It would also be overlooking the back yard. That's why she wanted the dining area with sliding glass door facing South as well. But that might have to be a compromise to make the thing balance. What you've done with the East side is excellent. I'll have to figure out how to transfer that into my drawing. Maybe I'll need to start a new plan from scratch.
Something to keep in mind: This is still in what Disney calls the "Blue Sky" stage, which means nothing has been cast in stone yet. That means that while I chose a 30x50 overall size, that could be altered some in either direction to make things work. I am trying to hit a balance between having enough room to have everything we want on one floor, yet not get too sprawling. We want it to be easy to navigate, clean, and heat/AC in our old age. I know this is a lot, but I'm trying to think it all the way through.
One question- what is the 'pass thru' in your drawing?
Again, great work. It's hard to believe anyone would go to this much trouble for a complete stranger, but be assured, I am very grateful for the help!
One fly in the ointment- the bottom wall is the South wall, and the Mrs. really wanted the kitchen sink window on that wall. It would also be overlooking the back yard. That's why she wanted the dining area with sliding glass door facing South as well. But that might have to be a compromise to make the thing balance. What you've done with the East side is excellent. I'll have to figure out how to transfer that into my drawing. Maybe I'll need to start a new plan from scratch.
Something to keep in mind: This is still in what Disney calls the "Blue Sky" stage, which means nothing has been cast in stone yet. That means that while I chose a 30x50 overall size, that could be altered some in either direction to make things work. I am trying to hit a balance between having enough room to have everything we want on one floor, yet not get too sprawling. We want it to be easy to navigate, clean, and heat/AC in our old age. I know this is a lot, but I'm trying to think it all the way through.
One question- what is the 'pass thru' in your drawing?
Again, great work. It's hard to believe anyone would go to this much trouble for a complete stranger, but be assured, I am very grateful for the help!
Just for perspective, I did a quick drawing of the overall building:
Top is North, and the shop. Small partition below that is full width storage/dirt/thermal break. Center is the 'showroom'. Bottom area is the apartment. The two rectangles are overhead doors, one in shop and one in showroom. I didn't add windows or details, or doors through partition walls from shop to showroom, but you get the idea.
Top is North, and the shop. Small partition below that is full width storage/dirt/thermal break. Center is the 'showroom'. Bottom area is the apartment. The two rectangles are overhead doors, one in shop and one in showroom. I didn't add windows or details, or doors through partition walls from shop to showroom, but you get the idea.
Well, I blew off other stuff so I could play with this some more using some ideas from this thread. Special thanks to 'woodrail' for helping to clarify the plan a little more!
This still isn't done, but I think it's getting pretty close. I didn't know how to label rooms or add closets. I also couldn't quite get the kitchen right; I got the appliances placed where we wanted, but couldn't figure out where/how to put the pantry. Also. the West end of the kitchen is supposed to be a breakfast bar, not more cabinets. But, you get the idea.
Note about the LR: The divider wall is only 4 ft. high; cordons it off a little but still gives that open feeling. Planned use for it is for TV and sitting with guests. Eventually there will be a theater room upstairs with plenty of room for a really big TV and plenty of seating. So this LR will be about right for us I think.
I did both a walk-through and flythrough in 3D and really liked the layout. Still needs fine tuning and detailing; may tweak room dimensions a bit more here and there. Again, suggestions appreciated... and also, again, a BIG thanks for those who have helped me with this!
so I could play with this some more using some ideas from this thread. Special thanks to 'woodrail' for helping to clarify the plan a little more!This still isn't done, but I think it's getting pretty close. I didn't know how to label rooms or add closets. I also couldn't quite get the kitchen right; I got the appliances placed where we wanted, but couldn't figure out where/how to put the pantry. Also. the West end of the kitchen is supposed to be a breakfast bar, not more cabinets. But, you get the idea.
Note about the LR: The divider wall is only 4 ft. high; cordons it off a little but still gives that open feeling. Planned use for it is for TV and sitting with guests. Eventually there will be a theater room upstairs with plenty of room for a really big TV and plenty of seating. So this LR will be about right for us I think.
I did both a walk-through and flythrough in 3D and really liked the layout. Still needs fine tuning and detailing; may tweak room dimensions a bit more here and there. Again, suggestions appreciated... and also, again, a BIG thanks for those who have helped me with this!
JimVonBaden
Well-known member
Nice! Much improved!
What is the room next to the living room? If an office, you might want to consider a window!
Otherwise it looks good!
Jim
What is the room next to the living room? If an office, you might want to consider a window!
Otherwise it looks good!
Jim
K13
Well-known member
Code will probably classify the office as a bedroom regardless of your intended use which will require a window to the outside of the building. That is why woodrail put it at the front of the building.
K13
Well-known member
I am pretty sure it has to be an exterior wall. The code is more so firefighters can get in than for people to get out so they can't have to go through another part of the building to access the window.
blkhonda1991
Well-known member
any reason why your hallway to the right is so wide? Shorten up the hallway so the bedroom is a better proportion. Also why is the sink on the opposite side of the laundry room from the w/d? Widen the hallway from the show room entry, thats a bit tight to put the door/trim in. My final comment is you have a lot of "dead" space between the kitchen and the office, not much you can do with that space as is, it may be better to pull the office wall in a bit or find another way to maximize the space
Doug B
Well-known member
My thoughts....
This is pretty close for my taste....Woodrail,if you could simply flip the kitchen & living room....leaving the office on the front wall. And I would rotate the tub in the master bath along the office wall to facilitate the window.
Also, what program did you use to draw this?
Here's the latest version. It's definitely pretty close to what I want. Still can't figure out how to add closets, or how to best add an entry closet.
I laid out all the rooms by what looked right, without regard to measurements. It looks right on the vurtual walkthrough. I guess someone with training would consider all that and adjust as needed. Also, I noticed the East entry door was swinging out; now fixed.
Any thoughts on this version?
I laid out all the rooms by what looked right, without regard to measurements. It looks right on the vurtual walkthrough. I guess someone with training would consider all that and adjust as needed. Also, I noticed the East entry door was swinging out; now fixed.
Any thoughts on this version?
woodrail
Well-known member
Looks like you have a real good handle on the scope of space now!
I would caution you that the kitchen you have laid out is not big enough for an island. The aisles around it are just too narrow.
My intention of having the kitchen on the other side was to service the showroom. I added a "pass through" so the host could open up the kitchen and serve food for parties. Just thought it might be a cool feature.
It seems like your collector cars are a significant part of your life. If you have the living area adjacent to the showroom, I would do everything possible to view the cars thru the wall. I would even consider installing sliding doors that hide so you can truly "sit" in the garage!
Forgot to answer the program question. My drawing was produced with AutoCAD Architecture 2012. It was either draw your place or do another college dorm toilet room. Guess which one won!
I would caution you that the kitchen you have laid out is not big enough for an island. The aisles around it are just too narrow.
My intention of having the kitchen on the other side was to service the showroom. I added a "pass through" so the host could open up the kitchen and serve food for parties. Just thought it might be a cool feature.
It seems like your collector cars are a significant part of your life. If you have the living area adjacent to the showroom, I would do everything possible to view the cars thru the wall. I would even consider installing sliding doors that hide so you can truly "sit" in the garage!
Forgot to answer the program question. My drawing was produced with AutoCAD Architecture 2012. It was either draw your place or do another college dorm toilet room. Guess which one won!
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Why such a small living room space? And why keep it closed off so much? Looks like a very small and cramped area with the furniture you have in the floor plan. You have more open wasted space then the entire living room in the hall way by the kitchen/dining room.
Thanks, woodrail, I get it now! We will play around with that concept a little more. Maybe I'll make the MBR a little smaller and move the MB over a little, making a little more kitchen space. And, reconsider your kitchen placement with that cool passthrough.
Yes, the cars are a big part of our lives (Our 22YO son doesn't get it LOL). I have a friend who keeps a collector car literally in his LR! Right now it's a '32 Ford coupe. While I don't need a car next to my couch like he and his wife do, I like the idea of having them nearby as part of our decor. But, we want the ability to just close down to the basic living area as needed/wanted.
The second floor gameroom will have an open or full glass wall with balcony overlooking the showroom too. But that's another story, for another floorplan
Again, thank you. Your drawing really helped me get a better idea of how to lay down what I visualized- but even more, helped us visualize the whole BR end when we weren't able to. I owe you!
The LR will be of limited use. Mostly a little sitting area for visiting and normal TV watching. The second floor gameroom will have a large theater area for when it's more than the two of us. It is open to the rest of the space; the walls are only 3 feet high. We saw a LR with those low divider walls in a model home and really liked the look. So in effect the LR/DR/Kitchen is one large, open space. I wish I could show you the virtual walk-through; it feels very inviting.
Yes, the cars are a big part of our lives (Our 22YO son doesn't get it LOL). I have a friend who keeps a collector car literally in his LR! Right now it's a '32 Ford coupe. While I don't need a car next to my couch like he and his wife do
, I like the idea of having them nearby as part of our decor. But, we want the ability to just close down to the basic living area as needed/wanted.The second floor gameroom will have an open or full glass wall with balcony overlooking the showroom too. But that's another story, for another floorplan
Again, thank you. Your drawing really helped me get a better idea of how to lay down what I visualized- but even more, helped us visualize the whole BR end when we weren't able to. I owe you!
The LR will be of limited use. Mostly a little sitting area for visiting and normal TV watching. The second floor gameroom will have a large theater area for when it's more than the two of us. It is open to the rest of the space; the walls are only 3 feet high. We saw a LR with those low divider walls in a model home and really liked the look. So in effect the LR/DR/Kitchen is one large, open space. I wish I could show you the virtual walk-through; it feels very inviting.
pmiranda
Well-known member
I would nuke the kitchen island, or move it to be the "handle" of the peninsula so you could have a little more space in front of the oven.
Change the swing of the master bedroom door so it doesn't block the bathroom entrance.
The master bathroom entrance wastes space the way it's drawn... You could probably push that door to the right which leaves more useful wall space in the bathroom.
If that's a jetted tub in the master bath, be sure to plan an access panel for servicing the pump, which will be spec'ed by the manufacturer. (Ours is in the master closet.)
The door from the guest room into the guest bath is going to hit anyone using the sink. Either change the swing or make it a pocket door.
I'd give a little more space between the sink and toilet. What's drawn is probably ************ for code. Check out page 44 of https://bulk.resource.org/codes.gov/tx_residential.pdf (Or more appropriately the NY one, although they're all a bit out of date.)
I agree with nuking even the half-wall in the living room. It doesn't do anything more to define the space than the couch does and it only limits your flexibility.
I'd think about making the guest bath a little smaller to make that entrance hallway next to it a little bigger. Just a few inches so that the door can swing a little past 90 degrees and you get full use of the opening.
In general, mentally walk through every door and use every appliance and think if there's any way you could make it easier.
Looks like a cool project!
Change the swing of the master bedroom door so it doesn't block the bathroom entrance.
The master bathroom entrance wastes space the way it's drawn... You could probably push that door to the right which leaves more useful wall space in the bathroom.
If that's a jetted tub in the master bath, be sure to plan an access panel for servicing the pump, which will be spec'ed by the manufacturer. (Ours is in the master closet.)
The door from the guest room into the guest bath is going to hit anyone using the sink. Either change the swing or make it a pocket door.
I'd give a little more space between the sink and toilet. What's drawn is probably ************ for code. Check out page 44 of https://bulk.resource.org/codes.gov/tx_residential.pdf (Or more appropriately the NY one, although they're all a bit out of date.)
I agree with nuking even the half-wall in the living room. It doesn't do anything more to define the space than the couch does and it only limits your flexibility.
I'd think about making the guest bath a little smaller to make that entrance hallway next to it a little bigger. Just a few inches so that the door can swing a little past 90 degrees and you get full use of the opening.
In general, mentally walk through every door and use every appliance and think if there's any way you could make it easier.
Looks like a cool project!
All good suggestions, pmiranda. I'll be incorporating them as part of the ongoing fine tuning.
I came up with the idea of taking pictures of a few of the 3D views so you all could have a look. They're primitive, lile the Dire Straits "Money for Nothing" video from 1985 but they give you an idea of what the space will look like. Keep in mind, there are provisions for details, flooring, drapes, paint, etc. that I have not yet toyed with. Also, the counters are mismatched, but I just put them in as place holders.
Here's the view as you walk in the main entrance. Not visible to the immediate left is the office.
This is walking in from the showroom:
This one is looking back from the kitchen sink toward the main living space:
I didn't yet take any of the BR end. It looks good on the plan, but not all that great in the walkthrough. As always, comments welcome.
I came up with the idea of taking pictures of a few of the 3D views so you all could have a look. They're primitive, lile the Dire Straits "Money for Nothing" video from 1985
but they give you an idea of what the space will look like. Keep in mind, there are provisions for details, flooring, drapes, paint, etc. that I have not yet toyed with. Also, the counters are mismatched, but I just put them in as place holders.Here's the view as you walk in the main entrance. Not visible to the immediate left is the office.
This is walking in from the showroom:
This one is looking back from the kitchen sink toward the main living space:
I didn't yet take any of the BR end. It looks good on the plan, but not all that great in the walkthrough. As always, comments welcome.
For the half wall behind the sofa consider maybe a rolling cabinet with a fish tank or a planter on top. You still have the divider but it is movable if necessary. Add a dedicated plug in the office wall so the cabinet could be plugged in and have a plugmold strip in it for supplying power to the "wall".
lg
no neat sig line
lg
no neat sig line
That's a thought. I do know that it feels weird to NOT have a divider of some sort there, after having been in a home with a similar setup that had it.
I'm pretty sure we're going with the wall, it's just a matter of what kind. Your idea is worth considering. Thanks for the input!
I'm pretty sure we're going with the wall, it's just a matter of what kind. Your idea is worth considering. Thanks for the input!