CHAPTER
RESIDENTIAL
1-1 Planning Considerations
A doctor's medical prescription was usually based on the
result of the examination or diagnosis of his patient. Similarly, a
master plan of a house or any structure is also the designer's
prescription based on the wants and need of his client.
A master plan is defined as a visual presentation of conceptual
ideas supported by calculations aimed at giving
convenience and comfort to the users or occupants. A good plan
however, are those that are functional and economically designed
adhering to the principles of "Form Follows Functions".
Sound Planning Considerations Include:
1. Distribution
2. Circulation
3. Light and ventilation
4. Sizes, areas and shape
5. Orientation
6. Zoning Laws
7. Height
8. Electrical and mechanical facilities
9. Location of doors and windows
10. Superstition
Distribution. Refers to the placement, location and
arrangement of each room unit in relation with each other as to
functions and coordination. One particular example is the
interPlanning and Designers Handbook
relation between the dining and the kitchen which primarily
requires accessibility on food servicing. These area units are
interrelated and should not be far from each other.
Circulation. Like roads and highways with traffic problems,
traffic is also present inside the building that must be considered
in planning. Circulation and movement of the occupants inside
the building should not be hampered by any obstacles nor be
detoured as a result of poor planning. In short, the design of the
floor plan, be it residential, commercial or industrial type, must
address the traffic condition inside the building without the
necessity of using red and green lights signal.
SERVICE
FIGURE 1-1 SCHEMATIC PLANNING DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION
Light and Ventilation. There is no substitute for a good
daylight and fresh natural air entering and circulating inside the
building. Artificial lighting and ventilation is very costly to those
who cannot afford, but others prefer it for maximum comfort
regardless of costs. The design therefore, depends upon the likes
and preferences of the owner.
Sec. 808 of the National Building Code on windows opening
state that: "Every room intended for any use and not equipped
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Residential
with artificial ventilation system, shall be provided with
window or windows with a total free openmg area equal to at
least ten percent of the room floor area, and such window shall
open directly to a court, yard, public street or alley, or open
water
Sizes, Areas and Shapes. All rooms are intended for human
use, and therefore, should be planned according to human scale.
Good design always provide ample areas to accommodate
furniture’s, appliances, and other related facilities, including the
most critical and important lanes or pathways for routinary
movements inside the house. The shape as to plan and
elevations should be strictly functional, not fancy in character.
Sec. 806 of the National Building Code on Size and
Dimensions of rooms provides that:
'The minimum size of rooms and their least horizontal
dimensions shall be as follows:
a. Room for human habitations shall be 6 square meters
with a least dimension of 2.00 meters.
b. Kitchen shall be 3.00 square meters with a least
dimension of I .50 meters.
c. Bath and toilet shall be 1.20 square meters with a least
dimension of 90 centimeters.
When we say least dimension, it does not mean to limit the
additional length or width the owner may want.
Orientation. Refers to the position and direction of the sunrise
and sunset. It also includes the prevailing wind directions m the
area for the year round. A brief nap or rest at mid day or in the
afternoon is normally done in the bedroom. Thus, bedroom
should not be oriented facing the afternoon sun. The kitchen
laundry and bathroom is better oriented west for sunlight kills
many types of bacteria.
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Zoning Laws. The zoning ordinance should be consulted first
before deciding on the final site of the house or building You
might be constructing your residential house on an industrial or
commercial zone. Of course, the family would be very happy if
their house is constructed in residential areas provided with the
right facilities like; market, school and playground for school
children, church, etc.
SERVICE
FIGURE 1-2 FINAL FLOOR PLAN
Height. A moderate high ceiling allows fresh air circulations,
comfortable atmosphere, and preserved aesthetic value of the
room. Room with low ceiling, has warm atmosphere that requires
artificial ventilation.
Sec. 807 of the Building Code on Air Space Requirements in
determining the size of the room states that:
"The minimum air space shall be provided as follows:
1. Habitable room 14.00 cu. m. of air space per room.
2. School room . 3.00 cu. m. with 1.00 sq. m. of floor area
per person.
3. Office work shop and facilities ... 12 cu. m. of air space
per person.
Sec. 805 of the Building Code on Ceiling Heights provides
that:
a. Habitable Rooms with Natural Ventilation shall have a
ceiling height not less than 2.70 meters.
b. Habitable Rooms with Artificial Ventilation shall have
ceiling heights not less than 2.40 meters measured from
the floor to the ceiling. For buildings more than one story
high, the minimum ceiling height of die first floor shall
be 2.70 meters and 2.40 meters for the second floor. The
succeeding floors shall have an unobstructed typical head
room clearance of not less than 2.10 meters above the
finished floor.
c. Mezzanine Floors shall have a clear ceiling height not
less than 1.80 meters above and below it.
Electrical Layout. Although this facility may be considered
secondary aspect in planning residential house, was included because
common errors were committed when the location of switches and
outlets are not properly in-placed.
The location of convenience outlet should be planned
simultaneously with the appliances to be placed on. The extension
wire for appliances is the most unsightly obstacle in the room due to
improper location of convenience outlet.
An ideal convenience outlet is installed 30 centimeters above the
floor line, and not more than 1.00 meter away from the appliances to
be served.
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A satisfactory electrical layout and installation, IS when you
avail of its services without the need of an extension cord. The
location and accessibility of light switches is another thing of
important consideration. It should be installed near the door of
every room for convenience in switching-in and switching-off
when entering and leaving the room respectively.
Location of Doors. When a door becomes an obstacle creating
inconveniences to the occupant, that is the time we realized the
mistake of not analyzing its proper position from the early stage
of planning
Superstition. Although superstition has no page in the book
of contemporary Architecture, if your client believes and insist
that his life success depends on luck brought about by his
superstitious belief, then, as a planner, you have no choice but to
do what your client says, if you do not want to lose your and
butter.
1-2 Dimensions of Human Figure
The study of human figures as to physical proportion is an
Important aspect in planning. All structures intended for human
use are planned according to human scale. Even furniture’s,
cabinets, cars etc. were also patterned after human dimensions.
The Study of human dimensions will be categorized into two:
I. Dimensions and clearances for children and
2. Dimensions and clearances for adults. q
Dimensions and Clearances for Children
Comparatively, the physical proportions of children are
different from that of the adults, especially during their early years
Children height substantially varies, but their space requirements
can be approximated using Table I-I.
For heights of children's furniture and equipment, refer to the
School Section.
FIGURE 1-3 PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS OF CHILDREN
TABLE 1-1 AVERAGE HEIGHT OF
CHILDREN
Height (cm) Age Height (cm)
Age
110 11 140
115 12 145
120 13 150
125 14 155
130 15 160
10 135 16 165
Dimensions and Clearances for
Average Adults
Dimensions and clearances for average adults are shown to
represent the minimum requirements in planning. It is suggested that
clearances be increased to provide comfortable accommodaüon for
persons larger than average.
FIGURE 1-4 HUMAN DIMENSIONS
FIGURE 1-5 HUMAN
MEASUREMENTS
FIGURE 1-5a HUMAN MEASUREMENTS
1-3 The Living Room
The of furniture, furnishings and the manner how they were
arranged in the living room, offers that feeling of grandeur and an
inviting atmosphere. Furniture arrangement in the living room
however, can be developed to suit any particular choice a designer
may be confronted
Furnitures may vary from what will be presented depending
upon the taste and preferences of the individual user. In any
furniture groupings, a minimum spacing distance should be
considered and established for convenience as to:
a. Space allocation
b. Lanes or pathways between furnitures arrangement.
Living Room Furniture Groupings
Living room furnitures are grouped into the following:
l. Primary Grouping.- Chairs and sofa are grouped around a
fire place ( if there is )
2. Secondary Grouping.- Chairs and love seat are grouped at
end of the room or at the center.
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