Room For More
by Kirrily Ireland
Taking inspiration from studio apartments, most new homes and renovations built this side of the millennium proudly showcase an open floorplan, where multiple living spaces, from the kitchen to the lounge room, are connected to form one spacious area. Kirrily Ireland catches up with Cara and Matthew Ford, managing directors of Ford Building Co., to discuss the benefits of designing open-plan homes that provide maximal flow and ease of living, plus other ways homeowners can create a sense of separation between spaces without putting up walls.
IT’S ALL CONNECTED
When asked how popular open-plan homes have become, the Ford’s attest, “It’s been the go-to design for families and designers for years.” There’s certainly no wonder why; with their ability to combine communal areas within the home so that household members can enjoy time closer together, open-plan designs offer a wealth of long-term lifestyle benefits. “ allows you to bring the family together,” the Fords confirm, “ a natural flow between kitchen, and living areas.”
If you’re starting afresh with a customised new home, consider speaking with your builder about incorporating an open-plan space – if they haven’t suggested it already. This will most likely involve an island bench in the kitchen connecting to a space allocated for a dining table, which then connects to a living area where couches and a television can be placed, however the specific arrangement of these three zones will vary from house to house, depending on the rest of the floorplan and the plot of land itself.
Ford Building Co.’s managing directors explain, “Generally rear living homes suit open-plan living the best.” This means situating the bedrooms and bathrooms at the front of the house, which will involve more walls and possibly a corridor that eventually leads out to the back of the home, where everything is opened up.
From a construction point-of-view, “Typically open-plan homes require significant engineering to support roof loads – this can cost more, but worthwhile for the end result”. Consider it a worthy investment in the future value of your house. On the flipside, converting a walled-up dwelling into an open floorplan is achievable, but it will be an even greater investment with possible challenges. “Engineering is required when removing structural walls,” the Fords say, “orientation of existing living areas can also cause some challenges.” If presented with the opportunity to implement an open-plan from the get-go, it’s well advised to take it, avoiding major reconstruction down the track.
The size and shape of your land may affect your ability to accomplish this ideal layout. “The narrower the block , the more challenging it becomes to achieve openplan,” the Fords explain, “it can still be achieved though through smart design.” If space is an issue, do your research and find a builder or building designer who can work around this hurdle to produce something great.
GO WITH THE FLOW
For a truly seamless flow throughout the home, extend the open-plan to incorporate the outdoors. “Always consider the outside or alfresco to be incorporated into how you will function as a family and live during the summer and winter months,” the Fords say. “Inside and outside flow allows for improved lifestyle experience at home.”
With an indoor-to-outdoor space, you’re essentially treating the backyard as another room within the home, or an extension of one. An outdoor kitchen and alfresco area that are easily accessible from inside will double the amount of food preparation, dining and entertaining space. Whether your family is big or small, having a second lounge on the back deck beneath a shade will allow everyone to spread out more comfortably. In particular, “Integrating indoor-outdoor living creates space to enjoy during our Australian summers” – you can enjoy the cool breezes and natural warmth directly, or let it wash throughout the house.
There are several ways to create this sense of indoorto-outdoor connection. “Sliding or stacking doors are essential to open up the spaces,” the Fords say, “also bi-fold servery windows can create that additional flow and give another viewpoint into alfresco to create the sense of flow.” Servery windows are an excellent inclusion that can be utilised during barbecues and outdoor dining, where homeowners can pass food back-and-forth between the kitchen and barbecue.
Homeowners can even maintain the connection between the home and backyard during the colder months by employing glass doors and large windows, which provide visual access even when everything is closed up for the winter. Nothing makes a space feel more open than an abundance of natural light.
PUT UP THE PARTITION
Committing to an open-plan home doesn’t mean you have to give up having distinct, defined spaces, whether these are permanent or temporary. Walls aren’t necessarily needed to create this sense of separation, as the Fords explain: “Timber slats have become popular, as well as a two-way fireplace between dining and living. Furniture placement is also very important to consider when creating the separation.” A long sectional couch, for instance, placed with its back to the dining table is a simple yet effective method of defining the lounge room from the kitchen.
For those wanting the ability to close off certain sections without sacrificing the open-plan altogether, “Floor to ceiling cavity doors can provide this separation”. Cavity doors hide in the wall when you want to keep two areas open, then slide back out when you need privacy, or even simply peace and quiet.
If it’s in your budget, and your family requires it, look into an additional retreat-like space housed in its own four walls. This could take the shape of a rumpus room with toys and games for the kids, a relaxing spot for the parents, or a home theatre. After all, household members can’t be expected to enjoy close family time all day, every day of the year.
Building and design experts across the country can all agree – an open-plan is usually the best plan. Without limiting yourself to the indoors, and taking careful consideration of how you’ll make up for the lack of walls when alone time calls for it, your home can become the ultimate spacious family hub.
Images courtesy of Ford Building Co.