New extension plans

[c00k1e]

Hi guys,

Wanting to build a kitchen/diner in a new extension.
This is the plans the architect came up with. I’m hoping to get the doorway into ththe snug a bit narrow so I could fit a bank of units along the blank wall.

No island as don’t think we have enough space.


Apart from that I think it looks ok. Just wanted a sanity check in case I have missed something obvious.

Thanks
:)

[Sensus]

Your 'snug' is what is defined as an 'inner room' under Building Regulations.

You might want to ask your 'architect' (and I sincerely hope that the inverted commas are warranted, in this instance) how he or she is planning to deal with paragraph 2.3 of Approved Document B1 to the Building Regulations.

[Sensus]

Sorry... it's late and it's been a long day. My post above probably needs further explanation:

An 'inner room' is one where the only means of escape in the event of a fire is via another room (where a fire may have broken out - and obviously the kitchen is by far the greatest fire risk in the house).

Approved Document B sets out the fire escape requirements in the Building Regulations. These are pretty simple and straightforward for houses, so your 'architect' should know them inside out.

Paragraph 2.3 states:
Provisions for escape from the ground storey
2.3 Except for kitchens, all habitable rooms in the ground storey should either:
a. open directly onto a hall leading to the
entrance or other suitable exit; or
b. be provided with a window (or door) which
complies with paragraph 2.8. [which describes a window with sufficient opening size and low enough cill height to be able to climb out of].

Building control will not be happy about your only means of escape from teh snug being via the kitchen/dining room.

[c00k1e]

@sensus thank you so much. I didn’t know that. I will check with the architect how this is covered under the plans.

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

Is there a reason for having a separate snug rather than having the while area open plan? Apart from the building regs aspect, it will be incredibly dark.

[4yearsnosleep]

I think if you had it open plan you'd be able to have a bigger kitchen/better layout? Is there a specific reason that you want the snug as a separate room?

[c00k1e]

@EmmagrundyForPM it’s mor wanting open plan without fully having open plan (to avoid the noise of the tv/kids/kitchen noise

[Justanotherzombie]

Where does your fridge go?

[whiskyowl]

"You might want to ask your 'architect' (and I sincerely hope that the inverted commas are warranted, in this instance) how he or she is planning to deal with paragraph 2.3 of Approved Document B1 to the Building Regulations."

BURN! Sensus is ruling this thread!

[GetTaeBed]

Sorry but i would not be at all happy with those plans. The loo is tiny, tv room is dark windowless internal death trap room- please tell me you have another lounge- if so loose the box room, and you can't get what you want in the kitchen! I would start again...

[GetTaeBed]

The doorway to the box room is so big because it is stealing as much light from the kitchen as possible- he has created an internal cave. You kitchen dining area looks very tight- difficult to access the boxroom if someone sitting at the table.

[Starryskiesinthesky]

I know someone with something very like this and it is lovely. The snug part is up a few stairs and open plan ish to the dining area below with large windows so light.

It does have an additional door out from the top though.

[whiskyowl]

I'm assuming the snug is your existing house, and the dining room your new house? If so, and if this is a single storey extension, why not have a large rooflight right above the current join between dining room and snug, and turn the whole thing open plan?

I would also put a wide door to the whole open plan area into the snug (from the hall) and close off the current opening into the kitchen from the hall. You could then knock down some of the wall between snug, dining room and kitchen (maybe have just a pillar or something) and this would improve the flow of the space.