Module 9: Kitchen Planning 3 By Chelsey Goraczkowski Assignment: Show examples of kitchens where at least one rule was ignored from this module Problem: the stove is directly next to the refrigerator. There is not enough clearance above the stove for safety purposes but also it does not stick within the kitchen triangle with the sink, stove and fridge. The work flow is completely disturbed. Along with not having any landing space on the right side of the stove. Solution: Moving either the stove or the fridge and creating a better layout. Adding a peninsula would greatly utilize the space, create a seating area and make the working triangle way more manageable and functional.
Problem: While there is clearance above the stove, there is also no safety/wall protection. This kitchen from the 1950s shows the start of stoves being placed on islands vs just up against cabinet walls. However, placement was not ideal and again, there is not any useful landing space to the left of the stove. Solution: Extend the peninsula and move the stove top to the middle. Install an over head freestanding hood or a countertop hood for safety, air purification and cleanliness. Problem: The dishwasher is again in a corner. It s not user friendly and it collides with the cabinets on the right side of it. Also the stove does not appear to have any backsplash that is up to code for safety. Solution: there doesn t seem to be enough space for the dishwasher to be on the left side of the sink. However, depending on space, a peninsula could be added for more space but also allow you to move the dishwasher and stove to a better layout location.
Problem: Work triangle and no landing space by stove anywhere or to one side. Solution: update the layout of appliances. Change the island location and create a U shaped kitchen if need to maximize the space that they have.
Problem: Not enough or any clearance above the stove. There is also no wall protection for safety. Solution: Update the stoves, create a better cabinet space above and around the stove, along with adding countertop prep area. Again, this would involve a layout change but there seems to be enough room that this could be accomplished in each kitchen. Problem: Work triangle is not used in any of these 3 kitchens. It seems when it comes to very small or unusual kitchen layouts, counter space and the work triangle suffer greatly. Solution: Without seeing the entire layout of these kitchens, it is hard to come up with an adequate plan for them. However, with what information we can see, I would take advantage of the weird nooks and create more storage there. I would either create open shelving areas or have custom built ins for a wall oven or microwave or even a mini fridge if possible. The first 2 images, would be a complete layout change as there seems to be more room. By making the layout more functional, you can make the work triangle flow better and become more useful.
Problem: While the working triangle is correct and there is enough minimum space between the wall and peninsula/island, it does not make enough room to comfortably move around if a door to an appliance or cabinet is open. The bigger problem? While there is seating along the south side of the sink, it cuts into the main walkway/hallway through the house. There is 3ft of space without any obstructions, but if there was anyone sitting at the island, and someone walked in, they would have to squeeze by or get out of their seat and stand while the other person walks behind them. This layout is one we created for a customer based on their wants for a remodel. After creating the drawing based on their dimensions, I explained to them the issues above. Solution: By redoing the layout based on their needs again and creating a U shaped kitchen, it actually gives the client more space, better storage options, and the seating area they still need. One of their requirements was to have a French door or a glass door installed that would lead to the back yard from their kitchen. In the first layout, that location of the door is what created
the galley shaped kitchen that did not work. It also created a problem with being able to fully access/get out of the kitchen by only one entrance so to speak. This layout, there are 2 separate areas that allow for the door to be installed but also to keep that separate from the actual working area of the kitchen. We have updated the layout to make sure it follows all codes while still being functional and modern for the client. Questions: 1. By US standards (as I am in the US) what is the code for electrical work for around a sink? By US standards, the NFC requires at least 24 to separate the space from a sink to any electrical outlet. It is also required that the countertops be protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters but no outlets are allowed in the countertop itself. (Ref: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/far-electricity-need-sink-83084.html) 2. Knee space for a breakfast high bar is a minimum of: 300mm/12inches 3. In between a cooktop and a sink, you can have: You can t have any full tower between a sink and a cooktop 4. In this module, a landing area means: A countertop area situated beside or in a proximity of cooking centers and has different sizes 5. Standard bench height is: 900mm/35inches regardless the height of family members 6. Preparation area has to be: 900mm/35inches wide, situated in between sinks and cook tops AND 450mm/18inches wide, enough for a chopping board & situated by the fridge so it is more convenient