Kitchen Renovations
(Continued from our Kitchen Remodeling page)
Kitchen LayoutA good kitchen layout is essential to functional and efficient design. The kitchen layout should be designed to suit the client’s requirements and the size and shape of the room. For a kitchen renovation it is important to bear in mind the location of existing electrical and plumbing services which may be costly to relocate. Whilst clients needs vary, the following basic layouts can be applied to most kitchens. One WallWith appliances and cabinets set out on one wall, this kitchen fits into a very limited space. This layout requires between 1800mm and 3000mm to be efficient. Storage is mainly located overhead, and under-bench appliances are used. This kitchen could also be hidden behind bi-fold doors, ideal for small houses or where little cooking is done. |
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GalleyA galley layout allows efficient use of space. Storage can be located above and below either length of bench. Special attention needs to be given to ensure there is enough space for cupboard door and drawer clearance and bending down. The recommended width for a galley walkway is getween 1200mm and 1800mm. A galley layout required good lighting and works most efficiently where one end of the room is closed to through traffic. |
L-ShapeThe L-shape layout is most suited to larger, long or narrow rooms. With this layout the kitchen occupies the corner of the room, allowing it to be intergrated with other living areas. Positioning of the work centres on two adjacent walls works well where two or more cooks will use the kitchen and can allow space for a meals area. The length of a leg should be between 900mm and 3000mm with a maximum combined length of 3500mm. |
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U-ShapeThe basic U-Shape layout allows efficient use of space and suits rooms of all sizes. In some kitchen one of the legs of the U can be used as a breakfast bar. The recommended width between legs of the U should be no less than 1500mm and no more than 2200mm. Add another leg to the U layout and a G shape layout results. |
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IslandAn island can be used in combination with the previous kitchen layouts. An island kitchen comprises a central freestanding work area which may be used for food preparation, cooking or informal dining. An island will provide additional bench and storage space, however is only practical in a spacious room. Minimum clearances should be maintained between benches and the island should not be located in a thoroughfare for household traffic. A mobile storage unit with butcher’s chopping block could also be considered an island. |
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Open Plan with walk-in pantry/sculleryThis layout combines an enclosed workspace generally centred on food storage (pantry and possible fridge) with an open plan space. An additional preparation sink and other food preparation appliances may also be located in the enclosed workspace. Clearly different layouts will present the designer with a different set of challenges but some will be better suited to particular space restrictions or client needs than others. Kitchen StorageStorage needs should be managed according to the client brief, incorporating ergonomic considerations and the location of planned work zones. A well designed storage solution makes the best use of the space available and provides easy access to items at their point of use. Items should be stored in the work zone in which they will be used and those that are used together should be stored together. Frequently used items should be stored in the most accessible areas. In each work zone, storage space is required for: |
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Food Storage Zone
Food Preparation Zone
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Clean-Up Zone
Additional Storage Requirements
Storage Options Traditionally, rows of cupboards with one bank of drawers for cutlery an utensils, and basic overhead cupboards were the norm. Now we have a vast array of options where a sorage solution is tailored to suit each client. Storage option include:
Kitchen ErgonomicsComing soon... |
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