PLATE NO.

2: PROPOSED TWO STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

CLIENTS PROFILE

Balikbayan couple would like to build their retirement house in tropical country, Philippines. They have 1
daughter, already married and have 2 children. The retirement house will be occupied mainly by the
couple, their only daughter and her family during vacations. The ultimate challenge for this design is the
ease of the couple’s access, considering they are already in their senior years. They want a high ceiling
for their living area, and big dining area for family gatherings.

SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Carport

Carport design depends on what factors are needed to be considered like its setback from the road, public
walkways and neighbouring property lines, the space available and then comes after the preference of the
user. Carports can be categorized into 3 types namely Freestanding fixed, Freestanding mobile and
attached. Freestanding fixed and mobile basically means that one is immovable and is set in one place
while the other can be place elsewhere and is not permanently attached on to something. Other
considerations in building carport are that it can block air flow and visibility for other property owners
hence it should be designed carefully as it will bring inconvenience if done wrong.

Foyer

As it is stated at the national building code of the Philippines that there must be an entrance and exit for
every building, foyer serves as the main entry to the house making it a vital part in creating the mood or
first impressions of the users or their guest. Its size varies depending on how many things are to be put
there however as much as wanting to achieve the goal in design which is to make every space functional,
it is very important not to make it too compact for it will lead to a poor design plan. The area should also
possess some of the basic furniture that must be present there such as shoe rack, key bowls, hooks, hat or
coat rack and ideally a mirror and stool.

Living area

Living areas can vary from very small to large ones. This is often determined by the no. of occupants in
the house or the limitations of space available. The ceiling should be high in this particular area to` in
order to make the space appear bigger or spacious.

The occupants are retired people or elderly so the living area must be comfortable and pleasant. For this
the approved standard for single person occupancy is 7.5 to 8.5 square meters but since most likely the
minimum no. of people estimated to live in house is 7. Although there is a family room, the space for this
area should still be at least around 4.80 m x 6.10 m to be able to accommodate quite a number of people.

Dining area
Dining area must be able to accommodate the whole family when they are complete. It is important to
have this close to the kitchen for convenience and should be spacious for this is where they gather and
have meal together. Other considerations for this are that it should have a natural light, adding windows
that would give a good view outside or placing some artworks and adding chandeliers.

KITCHEN

Regardless of what type of kitchen, with reference to the national building code of the Philippines, the
minimum size of this area should be 3.00 square meters. It can be wider than this but it must not any less
than this given size. It must also be well lighted to avoid accidents and for a suitable and convenient
preparatory area. The working triangle must not be disrupted and the traffic must be well regulated

Formal kitchen

This type of kitchen is often for display only. Although it may still be used by others, it would
only be for light preparations such as toasting, preparing sandwiches and such. When one kitchen is
identified as a formal kitchen then the heavy preparations are always done on a separate area which would
be the informal kitchen.

Informal kitchen

This is where heavy works or cooking is done. Rather than using the formal kitchen for preparing
meals, this is where is it mostly done because rather than focusing on the aesthetics or appearance of the
kitchen, it is more on the functionality and efficiency of the layout and the preparations carried.

Powder room

The minimum size of toilet and bath as stated in the national building code of the Philippines is 1.20
square meters with the least of 0.90 m one side of the dimension. Although a powder room does not have
a bath, only lavatory and water closet it would still be good to avoid limiting the space only to fit these
two fixtures. It should still have enough space for the user not to feel constricted. This should be located
near the common area such as living room, foyer and dining for guests or occupants to have easy access.
It should also have complete accessories such as tissue holder, tower bar and soap holder. Depending on
the concept, the paint or style may differ whether it creates the illusion of a bigger space or accentuating
certain parts.

BEDROOM

The minimum area for a bedroom based on the national building code of the Philippines is 6.00 square
meters for the space to be habitable. It can be larger than this but any less than this would not be ideal for
the user because it would then be compact. Also this is where the users spend their time the most resting
and sleeping so it should be carefully planned.

Guest Room with T&B

 This kind of room can vary from small to large. 3.00 m x 3.60 m is considered small, 3.60 m x
4.20 m is medium and 4.20 m x 5.50 m is large. Ideally, this should not be too small as to give the best
experience the owner could offer to their guest, however in this case the user of this room would mostly
be the daughter of the couple and her family during vacations. This would then be designed in
consideration of what they need. It should be large enough to accommodate her 2 kids although there is a
spare room, there might be times that they need to be together. Ensure that the corners of the tables,
cabinets are soft/curved and not pointed as it would be dangerous for the kids. It should have its own
toilet and bath. It should not be too far from the masters bedroom or the spare bedroom as to provide
assistance to the elder couple or the kids.

Maids Quarter with T&B

Although maids quarter are not as big as common bedrooms, it is best to still follow the minimum
space required by the national building code. Since the area is not too big, it would be wise to use
foldable furniture. It must have at least a bed, cabinets and its own toilet and bath. It is also important to
locate this room close to where the main working areas are as the maid would mostly spend the time
there.

Masters Bedroom with walk in closet, and T&B

Masters Bedroom is often larger than most room as it is the bedroom provided to the owner of the
house. It is bigger, more functional spaces and is built on the preference or needs of the owner. In this
case, the occupants are retired couple who are considered senior citizens so rather than focusing on the
luxurious designs and aesthetics it would be more on what spaces and utilities they need without
disregarding their comfort as it should be prioritized. Other factors that must be considered are to ensure
that in designing safety precautions for elders must be applied, there should be some way for them to
connect or reach someone from outside like phone near the bed, toilet and bath must have grab bars, noise
from outside should be minimal and therefor insulations should be installed and lastly, there must be
proper lighting to avoid risks or accidents that could happen.

Bedroom with T&B

Just like other common bedrooms, this would possess mainly bed, furniture/cabinets and toilet &
bath. Those are the basic necessities or requirements for bedroom however depending on whom the user
will be, it could be different from others in terms of what the user specifically needs/demands, space
available and the no. of occupants.

Laundry area

Similar to kitchen, this space is highly functional which is actually considered as a utility room.
Aesthetics are always part in designing however it would be rendered useless if the function of the space
is not well planned, so rather than that, laundry area is focused more on how the area is maximised. It is I
deal for it to be located where there are no other activities occur that that area aside from laundry and that
it should be close to the maids quarter if possible. Counter surfaces should at least be 0.60 m enough to do
work and fold some clothes. The appliances should be close to the clothes hanger. There should be
enough cabinets for detergents and other stocks to be placed. If the space is limited, it is important to
maximise the space by means of putting overhead cabinets or used double duty laundry.

Family area

Family area differs from living room because this space is mainly for family to gather and spend time
together rather than receiving guest and entertaining them. This area is informal for it to be comfortable
and often this leads the garden outside if ever there is. This can sometimes be connected to the kitchen.
Couches and coffee tables are present in this space, as well as some family portraits of heirloom.This is
located at a distance or at least not directly to the main entry of the house to have some kind of privacy.
The space allotted for this is often smaller than the living room.

Garden

As it is known that green spaces have a therapeutic effect, adding a garden is a great idea especially in a
home for elders. Having plants improves ones health as it lightens then mood and decreases depression or
uneasiness. In this open space, there should be eat and some private zones or niches in the shade.it would
be ideal to have a view of this from the inside preferably in the dining room, and that it should be close to
the family room.

STANDARDS

In designing, it is very important to have standards in order for uniformity, convenience and being able to
estimate whether the measurements are right or wrong. Depending what space is specified, the standards
could differ.

Room sizes
Foyer

SIZE DIMENSION (IN DIMENSIONS (IN

FOOT) METER)
Small 6x6 1.83 x 1.83
Medium 8 x 10 2.44 x 3.05
large 8 x 15 2.44 x 4.57

Entry closets

SIZE DIMENSION (IN DIMENSIONS (IN

FOOT) METER)
Small 2x3 0.61 x 0.91
Medium 2x4 0.61 x 1.22
large 2x6 0.61 x 1.83

Powder room

SIZE DIMENSION (IN DIMENSIONS (IN

FOOT) METER)
Small 4x4 1.22 x1.22
Medium 5x5 1.52 x 1.52
large 6x6 1.83 x 1.83

Living room

SIZE DIMENSION (IN DIMENSIONS (IN

FOOT) METER)
Small 12 x 18 3.66 x 5.49
Medium 16 x 20 4.88 x 6.10
large 22 x 28 6.71 x 8.53

Dining room

SIZE DIMENSION (IN DIMENSIONS (IN

FOOT) METER)
Small 10 x 12 3.04 x 3.65
Medium 12 x 16 3.65 x 4.87
large 14 x 18 4.26 x 5.49
Family room

SIZE DIMENSION (IN DIMENSIONS (IN

FOOT) METER)
Small 12 x 16 3.65 x 4.87
Medium 14 x 20 4.26 x 6.09
large 16 x 24 4.87 x 7.31

Kitchen

SIZE DIMENSION (IN DIMENSIONS (IN

FOOT) METER)
Small 5 x 10 1.52 x 3.04
Medium 10 x 16 3.04 x 4.87
large 12 x 20 3.65 x 6.09

Pantry

SIZE DIMENSION (IN DIMENSIONS (IN

FOOT) METER)
Small 2x2 0.61 x 0.61
Medium 3x4 0.91 x 1.22
large 4x6 1.22 x2.28

Laundry

SIZE DIMENSION (IN DIMENSIONS (IN

FOOT) METER)
Small 3x6 0.91 x 2.28
Medium 6x8 2.28 x 2.44
large 8 x 10 2.44 x 3.04

Garage

SIZE DIMENSION (IN FOOT) DIMENSIONS (IN

METER)
Small 12 x 20 (1 car) 3.65 x 6.09
Medium 20 x 20 (2 cars) 6.09 x 6.09
large 24 x 24 ( 2 cars w/ 7.31 x 7.31
 storage)

Master bedroom

SIZE DIMENSION (IN FOOT) DIMENSIONS (IN

METER)
Small 12 x 14 3.65 x 4.26
Medium 14 x 20 4.26 x 6.10
large 16 x x24 4.87 x 7.31

Walk in closets

SIZE DIMENSION (IN FOOT) DIMENSIONS (IN

METER)
Small 4x6 1.22 x 1.83
Medium 6x6 1.83 x 1.83
large 6x8 1.83 x 2.44

Master bathroom

SIZE DIMENSION (IN FOOT) DIMENSIONS (IN

METER)
Small 6x9 1.83 x 2.74
Medium 8 x 12 2.44 x 3.65
large 10 x 16 3.04 x 4.87

Bedroom

SIZE DIMENSION (IN FOOT) DIMENSIONS (IN

METER)
Small 10 x 10 3.04 x 3.04
Medium 12 x 12 3.65 x 3.65
large 14 x 16 4.26 x 4.87
Guest bedrrom

SIZE DIMENSION (IN FOOT) DIMENSIONS (IN

METER)
Small 10 x 12 3.04 x 3.65
Medium 12 x 14 3.65 x 4.27
large 14 x 18 4.27 x 5.49

Guest bathroom
 SIZE DIMENSION (IN FOOT) DIMENSIONS (IN
METER)
Small 5x9 1.52 x 2.74
Medium 6 x 10 1.83 x 3.04
large 7 x 12 2.14 x 3.65

Common space clearances/dimensions

Bedrooms

 Wall to furniture – 0.5 to 0.7m

 Between furniture units 0.5 to 1. m
 One side or foot of bed for dressing – 1 to 1.1 m
 In front of dresser, closet and chest drawer – 0.9 to 1 m
 One side of bed for circulation – 0.55 to 0.6 m
 Major circulation path door – 0.6 to 0.7 m

Kitchen area

 In between counters – 1 to 1.2 m

 Counter to wall – 0.5 to 0.6 m
 Working counter beside ranger, sink and fridge – 0.6 m
 Wall shelving – 1.8 m maximum height
 Height between walls and counter top – 0.6 m

Living area

 Between facing seating – 1.5 m

 Circulation between furnitures – 0.5 m
 Main traffic – 0.9 m
 Single passage between low objects – 0.45 m
 Single passage for tall objects hip height or over – 0.75 m
 General traffic lane – 1 m

Dining area

 Chair plus thereto – 0.8 m

 Chair plus access and passage – 0.95 m
 Serving from behind chair – 1.05 m
  From table to base cabinets – 1.2m

Space clearances for elders

Sleeping areas

 Clear distance between beds – 0.9 m

 Allowance for wheelchair 1.5 m

Bathroom

 Minimum door width – 0.9 m

 Allowance for wheelchair – 1.5 m
 Lavatory height – 0.8 m
 For wheelchair, lavatory height – 0.75 m
 Grab bar diameter – 20 to 25 mm to withstand a pull with 200kg

Kitchen

 Shelves height maximum – 1.7 m

 Shelves height minimum – 0.3 m
 Clearance facing equipment and counters – 0.9 m
 Between counters – 1.35 m

Dining area

 Table space per person – 0.5 to 0.6 m

 Minimum clearance around dining table – 0.9 m

Other considerations:

 Ramp should not be more than 5% slope

 Step riser should not be more than 0.17 m
 Stairs should not be less than 1m width

RESOURCES
Bakary, K., Abdullahi, A., afridi, A., Zaidi, H., Balakrishna, L., Myat, K., … More, A. (2019,

October 21). Standard Room Sizes. Retrieved from https://www.dailycivil.com/standard-room-

sizes/.

Beal, J. (2016, October 7). Carport Planning. Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/carport-

planning-95184.html.

Fajardo Jr. Max B. (2002) Planning and and Designers Book (second edition) 24 Bell St. Filinvest

Home II Batasan Hills Quezon City 5138 Trading

Carports - Structure Guide. (2018, June 21). Retrieved from https://carportus.com/structure-guide-

carports/.

Living Room Size. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.houseplanshelper.com/living-room-size.html.

Samarotto, G. (2016, October 7). How to Design Bedrooms for Elderly People. Retrieved from

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/design-bedrooms-elderly-people-89825.html.

Stefan, Stefan, Homedit.com, & Homedit.com. (2014, August 22). The Main Differences Between

A Living Room And A Family Room. Retrieved from https://www.homedit.com/difference-

between-living-room-and-family-room/.