August 12, 2021
The choice of layout is an important task, which is rightly considered one of the most difficult when purchasing an apartment. The layout should meet the needs of households as much as possible, provide enough free space and be functional.
There is no universal or optimal solution, but we have collected for you some useful tips and general rules on how to choose an apartment layout and not be mistaken.
Functional layout of an apartment
A functional layout is a competent zoning of an apartment, which allows effective use of the area, based on the needs and preferences of residents. An important element of this layout is the location and status of the kitchen. In the case of a one-room apartment, everything is clear, because the only option is a small kitchen. For some time, the so-called "Swedish apartment layout" was popular, where the kitchen is a separate room with a window. A more modern solution is the open kitchen, connected to the living room. Both options have their advantages, but with a smaller size, an open kitchen is usually a better idea, it increases the space visually and is more comfortable on the practical level.
The functional layout of the apartment also has a well-thought-out division into common and private areas. The former consists of a living room, kitchen and hall, and the latter consists of a bedroom, a nursery, an office, a lavatory and a bathroom. Premises belonging to the same zone should be located next to each other, it will also be more practical if the common zone is located at the entrance to the apartment, and the private zone is inside it. These are important details that you should pay attention to when choosing a layout. Most often, in the new buildings apartment layouts, there is a configuration of windows on two sides of the building. Therefore, it is worth considering the sunny side when choosing a layout. The south or southwest exposure is ideal for a living room or perhaps a children's room. The east exposure is a good solution for the kitchen and bedroom, while the west exposure is perfect for a living room with a balcony or terrace. The functional layout of the apartment should take into account the direction of the light.
When choosing the layout of an apartment in a new building, it is also worth paying attention to whether the layout allows the possibility of connecting two smaller rooms or dividing one room into two separate ones. In some cases, redevelopment of an apartment is possible, but most typically only partial changes to the layout are allowed that do not affect the load-bearing walls, do not interfere with the operation of ventilation and heating systems.
One-room and two-room apartments
A feature of a one-room apartment layout is zoning without partitions and solutions that optically reduce the space. When it comes to a two-room apartment, everything is even easier. Usually, one area is a living room with a kitchen, and the other is a bedroom. In a one-room apartment, all premises should be large enough to comfortably move around the apartment and comply with the principles of ergonomics. It is assumed that the corridor should not be narrower than 120 cm, and the minimum width of the kitchen – than 240 cm. The new standards for studio apartments design allow for narrower kitchens of 180 cm. The standard height of the rooms is 265 cm.
Three- and four-room apartments
Three- and four-room apartments are often chosen by families with children. They are much more comfortable for a large family, because it is easier to place a children's room in a 3-room apartment layout. Until you have children or you do not plan them at all, you can use an additional room as an office or home gym. With two children, a 4-room apartment is a more promising solution. While children are young, sharing a room is not a big problem, but over time, it can become a source of constant conflict. So it is worth thinking about an additional nursery in advance.
Apartment layout elements to which you should pay special attention
Usually, many potential apartment buyers prefer a personal inspection of their future home to studying the layout. This is the right decision, but in this case, they fail to use the opportunity to see all the layout details and clarify the nuances before making a decision.
Load-bearing walls
If you are going to demolish the walls in an apartment or want to combine two rooms into one, be sure to find load-bearing walls and columns on the layout. These are items that cannot be changed. Load-bearing walls are usually indicated with a thick line filled with diagonal stripes on the layout. It is also worth checking if the design of the apartment is not based on pillars, between which even load-bearing walls can be demolished. Partitions with of 8 to 16 cm thick are indicated with grids on the layout and can be freely moved or demolished. Another important structural element of an apartment is indicated with a dotted line on the layout: bindings, or support beams visible below the ceiling plane, which, where is larger protrusion (more than 25 cm), can significantly affect the room fitting up.
Cardinal directions designation
Each flat plan should indicate its location in relation to the cardinal points – this is a compass notation, where the arrow with the letter N points to the north. Thus we know which side the sunlight will enter at certain times of the day and where to plan a living room, a kitchen and a bedroom.
Laying of discharge stacks and ventilation shafts
Covers of discharge stacks and ventilation shafts are indicated with a crossed out square or a crossed out circle on the layouts. The hydraulic connections of devices and fittings are indicated with a dotted line. The location of the shafts is especially important when equipping a kitchen and a bathroom in an apartment. If the apartment has one discharge stack, these rooms are usually located side by side. It is worth paying special attention to the air exhausts in the kitchen, connected to vent stacks. There should be two of them: one is for the whole room, the other for the hood above the stove.
Number of windows designation
The number of windows in an entire apartment or house is often an indicator of the possibilities of arrangement, especially if we would like to change the number of rooms or divide them. In the designations of the windows on the apartment layout, there is the height and width of the opening, the specification number (allowing you to find this element in the lists with a detailed description attached to the layout), as well as the height of the window sill and the direction of opening the sash. Unless otherwise indicated on the layouts, the dimensions of some windows are given as the wall opening dimensions.
Door marking
The door markings on the apartment layout include the height of the threshold and the hand of a door. The latter can be determined by the location of the loops. The minimum size of the entrance door (making it possible to conveniently enter and bring in large items) is 90 x 200 cm, and interior door frame should be at least 80 x 200 cm.
Ladder marking
The designation of a flight of stairs on a flat plan is indicated with an arrow drawn halfway along its width. The arrow points upward and has marks indicating the number and size of the steps.
Low height rooms
A part of a dwelling less than 1.9 m high is indicated and described in the architectural plans of the apartment as a dotted line or other legible graphic signs. It is intended to indicate unused space due to its too low height.
Counters and electrical equipment marking
All measuring instruments and counters, as well as electrical equipment are separately indicated on the layouts. The location of these elements is often important due to the possible restriction of freedom in the arrangement of the apartment. An example is the electric service panel in the hall, the need for unhindered access to which can affect the arrangement of furniture in this room.
Additional floors
If an apartment has several floors without intermediate ceilings (for example, a two-story living room in a penthouse or loft apartment), they are indicated and described as void (for example, the void above the living room).
What you need to know before starting an apartment redevelopment
Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 406 determines that if the redevelopment of the apartment does not affect the load-bearing walls and supports and/or common engineering systems, the legalization is not required. Approval of the redevelopment of an apartment is a rather troublesome matter, it takes a lot of time and effort and requires a large number of various documents to be collected. Each case has its own nuances. That’s why, it is better to immediately look for an apartment with a suitable layout.
In our catalogue, you will find hundreds of apartments with different layouts, among which there will certainly be an option that is perfect for you. Contact us via the feedback form or call the given phone numbers and we will help you to find an apartment with the desired layout in one of our residential complexes.
