It is fascinating to note that the dimension of a space within residential house plans defines their spatial quality in such a profound manner. We often perceive space with regard to the size that we feel within it. This means that the interior proportions of a space create specific emotions within the mind of the users of that place.
Sizes of spaces and internal dimensions on residential house plans
An individual experiences a sense of constriction; enclosure and claustrophobia when the dimensions of a room are minimal on domestic house plans. One experiences a sense of being surrounded and somewhat intimate when the size and volume of a space is not large, with the feel of extreme privacy. This is why some unique bistros create specific niches and eating areas with smaller enclosures that are to give a customer a sense of intimacy and privacy .
In contrast, one can create a grand volume and imposing space through giving spaces huge volumes, whether on domestic house plans or in commercial buildings. Creating large volumes in public passageways, hallways and entrances can be appropriate if they are given this grand character through having a larger scale of space. The larger volumes in such large rooms and spaces have a strong sense of airyness and spatial comfort. A possible negative effect of this however is that an occupant in the space can end up feeling unknown, dwarfed and totally out of scale with regard to the space in question. A good example of spaces where such character can be useful is in design of halls and entrances.
Residential house plans have several larger sized rooms which can utilize this power of scale to create a more dramatic effect in their build up. Spaces such as the living room, entrance halls, dining spaces, staircases lobbies and the like fall into this category. Such spaces have an option to be enhanced through having their volumes interspersed and overlooking each other, through having double volumes and raised ceilings. This ensures that they are able to be visually interactive and enjoy a scale that is grander than rooms with regular volumes. The effect is a more awe-inspiring character in these public rooms of a residential home.
A skilled designer can mold a space by simply manipulating the surfaces that enclose it. By changing these surfaces and planes, each space takes on its own unique character as perceived by its occupants, due to their perception of the enclosed volume of the space. By changing the levels of these spaces, one can create interesting compositions that impact the users of a space in different ways. For example, by changing the floor surface or ceiling plane of a living room, interesting effects can be achieved. Sinking the floor level of the lounge relative to other adjacent rooms gives it a cosy, intimate feel that can be very comfortable for residents. Raising the ceiling level in the same living room will create a larger volume and make the same living room feel more spacious and airy. An interior designer can choose to lower the ceiling plane in order to create intimacy in areas where this enclosure may be desired, for example at a breakfast nook, or a romantic alcove near a fireplace. This will create a level of intimacy simply by defining a smaller vertical volume in the context of the entire space.
The influence of light and air on spatial quality in residential house plans
Two of the greatest influences of human senses and perception of spaces is light and air. They exert great influence in the experience of occupants within residential house plans, as they are natural resources that affect the interior of house plans. Having good amounts of both in a space shall ensure that its users shall experience a high level of human comfort, hence these spaces are more functional and comfortable. Their importance is especially key with regard to the fact that buildings are inspected for adequacy of these factors when seeking building approvals, and architects and interior designers must make proper provision for them at design level.
A space having plenty of light creates a feeling of openness and a sense of a larger volume. This can be especially pronounced when the light is coming from natural sources, such as sunlight. Day lit spaces will tend to have a large volume feel, and are great for public spaces with more occupants. For example, in shopping malls that have a high level of internal focus, a designer is able to create a feeling of openness within simply by creating a roof light with an atrium that circulates light into the whole of the space.
In residential house plans with high degree of enclosure, one can use creatively placed lighting to create a greater sense of openness in a space, especially by using indirect lighting techniques. Placement of light sources in a line at a ceiling architrave or molding can create a nice light wash feel on partition walls, and can make the space have an illusion of being larger than it actually is.
Creation of Character In Residential House Plans Using Light Yields Rich Interiors
Having less light in contrast creates a sense of intimacy and enclosure in a space. This is the same effect that some eating places striving to create a more cozy ambience try to create by dimming lights or using different colors of light that have a lower degree of brightness. Nonetheless careful attention needs to be taken that a balanced level of lighting is achieved, as failure to do this can result in having a uninspiring, run down looking internal space or room. Balance in all these factors is what leads to an inspiring interior design within residential house plans.
