True, not completed in the last 17 years, but I could not resist. This type of chaotic plan is something that I see rather often in constructions ranging from much older buildings up to really recent designs. This one is out of a typical block of flats with access for each of the apartments through an access platform (utilitarian balcony, if you will). The floor plans repeat vertically and the layouts are usually pretty clear cut. However, this one just had me instantly etching to play with it.
Original layout:
• Completed: 1981
Surface: 80m²
Balcony: 15m²
External storage space: 5m²
• Firstly, the chaos! The zigzag of the hallway is excessive for such a small apartment. To me, the entire thing looks like an after thought. The storage “boxes” seem to have been added either to fill in gaps in the actual design or to check planning boxes.
• The entry hallway is confusing. Indeed, as you enter, on the left side, there is a nice place to place the coats and the shoes. However the benefit of doing that and the light gained from the window in the direct vicinity are minimal in the global context of the apartment.
• The kitchen is rather secluded for my taste. It feels closed and hard to reach.
• For an apartment with “so many” storage spaces, the washing machine is still to be placed in the bathroom… How so?
New layout:
• The very first thing I did was to move the toilet. Now, don’t panic. The lost window will not make much difference in the level of light of the hallway. I promise, it will be just fine.
I realize that this is the option for daredevils as many people will react to the fact that there is a walkway on the other side. There are solutions to having both a window and privacy. There is the option to remove the window entirely as well as to switch places with the space occupied by the electrical panel and the closet.
• I then opened the kitchen providing easy access both from the hallway as well from the living room. Ideally I would have also ditched the chunk of wall that is now chocking the entrance to the day space, however as I do not have enough information on the structural situation of the building I will assume that is to be kept. ;)
• As I removed all that zigzag and relocated the toilet, I now had enough space to place a storage/laundry space in the night area. This allows it to be used without any concern about guests and walking around with dirty laundry or any other stuff.
I did not modify the basis of the plan. The main volumes are still in their places and of a roughly same size. To my surprise, after reorganizing the layout, the bedrooms proved to be of quite a really nice size. The living space could have been a tad larger, but for the rest it now looks like a generously accommodating apartment.
And yes, I am expecting the design to repeat itself on all vertical layers requiting only one vertical shaft for the water lines.
One thought on “-“Re” House No 8: For the Love of…Why?”
Agree.The original layout was chaotic,it had too many corridors and it wasted too much valuable space.By simply opening up the space between the living and kitchen area, you obtained a much more fluid and articulate space. Well done!