Kitchen Remodel: Evolution of the Work Triangle
Storage Solutions when Great Rooms Merge with Food Preparation Areas
Dec 24, 2008
The work triangle is the traditional design concept used with both architectural design software and hand-drawn blueprints. But starting during the end of the '80s, things started to change. Great rooms were introduced, the residential floor plan opened up, and the kitchen took on a whole new role.
How the Work Triangle Works
A bare-bones kitchen has three basic work centers, the refrigerator, stove, and the sink. Anyone who does any food preparation, either for a single-person meal, a holiday celebration, or for a birthday or wedding, knows the importance of efficiency.
Moving between the three work centers becomes more and more important as additional cooks become involved in the kitchen. Traffic patterns become increasingly important.
With this in mind, study the rules below and sketch out a preliminary plan. Doing this legwork will save money when working with an architect.
Traditional Rules in Kitchen Design
The traditional work triangle was fairly simple and may still have to be followed by remodel contractors is smaller, older homes, unless walls are removed or modified to open up the living space. Here's the basic concept, keeping in mind that each of the three work centers (stove, sink, and refrigerator) is at one intersection of the triangles legs:
- No major traffic patterns can be allowed to pass through the center of the triangle.
- When adding the traveled distances between the work centers, the total should be less than or equal to 26 feet.
- No leg shall be more than 9 feet nor less than 4 feet.
- Larger kitchens may incorporate additional work centers besides the primary ones. In this case, the distance between each one and any other one should follow the above 4 to 9 foot rule.
- Finally, a maximum of 12 inches may be allowed between any leg and a kitchen island or other solid object that impedes foot traffic.
Bold, New Ideas in Kitchen Design
Modern food preparation areas are different conceptually from older ones. Here are a few concepts:
- More appliances have been introduced in the market targeting specific functionality.
- More family members contribute to the the cooking and prep work. This is driven by social factors such as two-income families, the move away from fast food towards a healthier diet and lifestyle, etc. Because of this, more space is needed.
- Guests are more likely to mingle in the kitchen while the meal is being prepared. Snacking and wine-tasting has never been easier!
Kitchen Storage Challenges and Solutions
The new residential layout paradigm, meaning the opening up of the living space by visually merging the kitchen with the great room, or altering walls in a home remodel to accomplish that same purpose, introduced storage challenges.
How? With less wall space, cabinet storage area is reduced. This means that interior designers have to be more creative. This means adding a walk-in pantry and introducing stand-alone pieces of furniture for dish storage or stashing pots and pans.
Got islands? They're more than pretty granite or concrete countertops. Introduce drawers and cabinets with innovative modular storage units and lazy susans.
Modern kitchen design is a classic case of form following function. Or, is it the other way around?
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