How to make a custom layout

Recommendation points

• Modern non-standard apartment layout
• Fashion trends in the work of architects
• Practical advice
• Rationing and government restrictions

First of all, a non-standard layout is a rejection of right angles and lines, based on the ergonomics of the room, the organization of highly functional rooms without unnecessary partitions that interfere with the perception of space. Apartments with non-standard layouts cease to exist in the generally accepted context – now all solutions clearly have a bionic component, emphasized by the bright personality of the home owner.

At the moment, despite the lack of a unified approach to the organization of non-standard premises, there are certain established architectural trends, which, one might say, are determined by fashion, modern perception of a person and his needs, and available building materials. This is what we decided to tell our readers about, aggregating the data regarding this issue as much as possible..

Modern non-standard apartment layout

Of course, the change in layout is more related to the city apartments. As a rule, in large country houses, it is not necessary due to the sufficient amount of living space. In cities where space is becoming more expensive, the area of ​​apartments is significantly reduced, and apartment owners are trying to maintain the necessary functionality inherent in a comfortable suburban housing by modifying the interior space of the apartments.

Living room in the Caribbean style, a conceptual project of the villa of the Canadian developer Baker International

Nevertheless, a related tendency is observed in the design of villas – architects are increasingly abandoning standard rectangular solutions, using curvilinear shapes, using completely unexpected solutions for the placement of functional rooms: living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, guest toilets, dressing rooms, utility rooms. Moreover, even in large areas, a minimalist approach and compact placement are implemented..

Futuristic project “Bee House” in Malaysia, each honeycomb implies the placement of individual apartments

The tendency to change the traditional format of residential premises began to be observed at the beginning of the 20th century – the striving for functionality and a compact arrangement of functional areas became more pronounced in the layout. Firstly, bathrooms began to resemble household premises more and more, windows disappeared from them and the size of the premises was significantly reduced, bathrooms more often began to be made combined with bathrooms. Secondly, due to the lack of space in the European design, kitchens have practically disappeared, and they have also lost their usual functionality, as Europeans cook less and less food themselves. Nowadays, kitchens are increasingly being combined with living rooms..

Futuristic skyscraper project

General trends in the change in standard layouts are largely associated with changes in traditional architectural forms, many modern objects have futuristic solutions, and a fundamentally new approach dictates new conditions in the organization of living quarters located in such buildings.

Modern layout based on curved corners and no main axis

In Russian practice, redevelopment is associated with the installation of additional functional rooms that were not provided for by the original project, for example: dining rooms, children’s rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms near bedrooms, guest toilets, dressing rooms and utility rooms. Redevelopments are also associated with the need for self-expression of the owner, with his need to create his original living space.

Avoiding straight lines and rigid shapes in the layout of the premises, of course, is the trend of the times. A person ceases to perceive himself statically in the surrounding space, the flexibility of a person determines his desire for more flexible bionic forms. However, the use of curvilinear compositions does not mean a departure from the constant golden proportions, in this case, right angles are replaced by angles of 30 or 60 degrees, the anchor points of the composition are also preserved, which replaced the traditional centerline.

The general trend in the planning of urban apartments is due to an increase in the total area and a general decrease in the number of windows..

Any redevelopment of premises is dependent on the available windows. Today, most designers skillfully hide the flaws of the “second” light or artificial lighting in apartments, in addition, the presence of natural light is ensured by dismantling some partitions.

The absence of windows in some rooms implies not only difficulties with natural light, but also ventilation. Deaf rooms must necessarily have a ventilation outlet, many apartment buildings do not provide for an additional ventilation system. To avoid costly investments in the installation of individual ventilation, designers implement division into functional areas without installing blank partitions. With the help of surfaces reflecting natural light such as light walls, mirrors, glass partitions, designers achieve maximum illumination with natural light in the depths of the apartment during the daytime practically without using artificial lighting..

Obviously, the fashionable redevelopment of premises is associated with the ongoing conceptual changes in architecture and the revision of the classical approach, it is also associated with the individual perception of a modern person and his living space in the spirit of the times. Some restrictions due to the design of residential premises are used as system-forming ones, even small apartments are made as functional as possible, and residential areas often have only a conditional division, implemented using architectural, design and optical techniques.

Fashion trends in the work of architects

As noted, the modern layout of the premises is also subject to fashion, like many other things, while modern fashion trends can be aggregated into techniques used both together and separately..

Villa in North Cyprus, designed in Italian style and reflecting modern trends in architecture

First of all, the dismantling of unnecessary walls is one of the fashion trends, this applies to internal partitions. Load-bearing partitions are accepted as system-forming ones. Avoiding partitions allows you to visually expand the room, improve its ventilation and, in many cases, abandon excessive artificial light. For example, the previously unused corridor area becomes usable area, which affects the feeling of spaciousness. Avoiding separate kitchens allows you to create gigantic living rooms, and a high-quality selection of household appliances will help get rid of “kitchen” odors. The height of the premises increases due to the abandonment of the classic ceiling, modern heaters make it possible to abandon traditional attic spaces..

Modern villa layout with a combination of rectangular and round shapes

Famous designers are increasingly turning to the method of combining round, polygonal and rectangular shapes, often used as a method of imitation of a labyrinth, numerous adjacent rooms that have a continuous communication between each other. The general idea of ​​modern redevelopment is associated with the approach of creating a single space through which light, air and, of course, a person can move freely. As a result, most common rooms are made adjoining, and convenient transitions are organized to others, which excludes the presence of large deaf rooms. Currently, any common room should have several entrances, which allows you to move freely and get to any point in the apartment at a minimum distance.

Sea villa in the Caribbean style of the Canadian developer “Baker International”

It can also be noted that all modern projects are focused on the maximum “capture” of light. The move away from small windows is also due to the good and insulating qualities of modern window systems. Previously, the division into small areas was associated with the need to ensure the thermal quality of housing, at the moment, preservation of heat in the house can be achieved through the use of modern building materials and technologies.

Project “Crystal House” of the developer “Baker International”

Flexible forms, which are numerously repeated in architectural compositions and interior items, are also an integral part of interior design. In order to create a layout, compositions of center lines, control points, curvilinear shapes can be selected, which can be combined with strict rectangular ones. Everything depends on the architect’s imagination, but is subject to the general principle of “free space”.

Practical advice

The layout of modern apartments is largely related to the structural features of the building, as well as construction technology. Redevelopment can be done by dismantling the internal partitions. If you look at the plan of your apartment in the technical passport, then the main walls are depicted with thicker, and the inner ones – with thinner lines. In addition, bearing bases and columns are referred to capital structures. This, first of all, concerns block-frame construction and the “Cube 2.5” technology. Redevelopment requires knowledge of building codes and coordination with city services. Unsuccessful redevelopment can lead to deformation of the building, therefore it cannot be carried out without appropriate approval.

Redevelopment of a standard apartment

Only in some cases is the demolition of solid walls allowed if additional load-bearing elements are installed to support the building structure. Such techniques are more often used in old houses, for example, “stalinkas”. The design of these houses allows you to get rid of some of the load-bearing walls without damage, which cannot be said about new buildings, where the demolition of capital structural elements is strictly prohibited and not provided for. Before redevelopment, you need to go through a licensing procedure that will legitimize your actions.

A complex approval procedure concerns the transfer or expansion of bathrooms, if the redevelopment is carried out in apartment buildings. Expansion of the area of ​​bathrooms requires compliance with the norms of hydro and noise insulation, as well as the consent of neighbors, only in this case it is possible to legitimize the redevelopment. The complexity of transferring and installing new washbasins, bathtubs, shower rooms, and toilets is largely related to the level of the sewer pipe in the apartment. At the moment, this problem is being solved by installing additional plumbing equipment that compensates for the level and ensures uniform drainage of sewage waste. Only with the observance of the system-forming requirements can you start creative redevelopment and give free rein to your imagination.

Apartments in the complex “Kokoplum”, Planzensia Peninsula, Belize. The living room is combined with the kitchen area, two bedrooms have bathrooms, the bedroom is separated from the living room by huge sliding doors, architect Hannah Clare Cowell

Here are some practical tips for redevelopment in city apartments:

• it is better to expand the bathroom or install an additional en-suit due to the kitchen area, some owners are not satisfied with the absence of a window in the bathroom
• the device of additional separate utility rooms or dressing rooms can lead to a reduction in living space, and, accordingly, the cost of an apartment recorded in the BTI documents;
• you can expand the living room and get additional living space through the kitchen, corridor, hallway, balcony. As a rule, only bedrooms and offices are made closed; in the rest of the common rooms, solid partitions are not installed, in some cases blind partitions are replaced with glass ones;
• much less hassle will be caused by the re-equipment of premises with a free internal layout, if the transfer of functional units is not provided: devices, plumbing equipment, etc..

Redevelopment while maintaining the main load-bearing elements

Rationing and government restrictions

In Russia, building rules (SNIP) are applied as standardized requirements governing the rules for redevelopment. As a result, in accordance with these rules, the following actions are prohibited without the consent of state services:

• demolition of load-bearing and enclosing structures, including railings and cornices;
• transfer and dismantling of internal partitions;
• changing the location and dismantling of doorways;
• arrangement of vestibules and glazing of loggias and balconies;
• expansion of functional living space at the expense of non-residential premises;
• all manipulations with ventilation ducts and their use as chimneys for fireplaces;
• connection of an elevator hall when connecting separate apartments;
• transfer of appliances: gas, plumbing, heating;
• conversion and relocation of bathrooms and toilets.

In order to carry out a legalized redevelopment, you must go through the following steps:

• creation of a working redevelopment project;
• approval of redevelopment in city authorities;
• redevelopment and subsequent repairs;
• commissioning;
• registration of changes with real estate management authorities.

According to the rules in force in Russia, a redevelopment project can only be done by a certified design and construction organization (currently part of an SRO). Its functions will include: development of a sketch, preparation of technical specifications, development of a working project. At the next stage, an engineering and survey company should be involved, which will perform the following work: conduct a technical survey of engineering structures, give a technical opinion on the possibility of redevelopment.

After carrying out the design and engineering and survey work, it is necessary to agree on the design documentation in the following instances: in the SES, in the Fire Supervision, in a utility company, in the APU, in the gas inspection. Note that any redevelopment requires written approval from neighbors.

After obtaining all permits, an application is made with a package of documents to the city housing commission for work on the refurbishment of the premises. As a result, the housing commission either allows redevelopment or gives a justified refusal.

In some cases, redevelopment is done without the approval of government services. It can be administratively legalized when moving interior walls, demolishing built-in wardrobes, changing the location of doorways. More complex illegal redevelopment will require litigation.

To legalize the redevelopment in an administrative manner, it is necessary to provide a new technical passport with the BTI stamp with the amendments, a conclusion on the state of the facility, a report from the Fire Supervision and Rospotrebnadzor. Most minor alterations of internal walls without transferring functional units and without dismantling the load-bearing structures do not require court approval.