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Need Advice: is a void between rooms a good design idea?

Developerrn

Hey everyone!

We recently got the design for our new house from the architect, and we’re a bit unsure about one part of it. In the plan, there’s a void (open space) between the living room and the rooms around it (specifically, the eating room and coffee room). So basically, the living room has this void that connects it to the other spaces, making the area feel more open.

I’d like to add a large window, and the opposite side will be the TV wall.

Would love to hear your experiences and any tips on whether this design feature works well.

Thanks in advance!

 
Oct 1, 24 3:05 pm
OddArchitect

Talk to your architect about this.  After all, that's what you're paying them for. 

Oct 1, 24 3:12 pm  · 
1  · 

Odd Architect is right, you need to ask you architect what their intention here is and to explain it to you *in a way that makes sense* even if that means making additional drawings or even a model. 

I may be wrong but I think what your drawing shows is a two-story space above the living area, which is a pretty common residential feature. Maybe visit some other houses with this and decide if you like how it feels.

Oct 1, 24 6:34 pm  · 
3  · 
Non Sequitur

That is a common load-bearing void.  You can't add windows without incurring some significant structural p.eng costs.  

Oct 1, 24 3:30 pm  · 
2  · 

Non. ;-)

Oct 1, 24 6:32 pm  · 
1  · 
Non Sequitur

Not all heroes wear capes.

Oct 1, 24 6:37 pm  · 
2  · 
OddArchitect

I thought you did wear a cape though. Or is that only on the weekends Non? ;)

Oct 1, 24 7:02 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

I prefer a pirate hat.

Oct 1, 24 7:19 pm  · 
 · 
OddArchitect

You need an eye patch with that. Otherwise you're just a pirate poser. ;)

Oct 2, 24 10:38 am  · 
 · 
Wood Guy

Is it weird that I always picture NS wearing a cape? And a beret?

Oct 2, 24 12:59 pm  · 
1  · 
JLC-1

I had a college professor in Architecture History that wore a green cape and beret, he presumed of being italian nobility. hilarious.

Oct 2, 24 1:04 pm  · 
 · 
Non Sequitur

WG, I've been known to wear a cape on occasion in my younger days. Works wonders in bars 20y ago.

Oct 2, 24 1:27 pm  · 
 · 
OddArchitect

I want to wear a cloak, fancy hat, and carry a sord cane. That would be great!

Oct 2, 24 1:49 pm  · 
1  · 
Non Sequitur

sword canes are very illegal up here. Not sure on the legalities of a sord cane tho. Depending on the season, you may find folks walking around the snow/ice with red plastic canes filled with booze.

Oct 2, 24 1:58 pm  · 
2  · 
OddArchitect

They're both illegal in most US states. ;) I could of bought one in Prague though.

Oct 3, 24 6:08 pm  · 
 · 
OM..

A double height space will make the living area feel special. Based on the ached window you chose, it will also make the space feel grand- perhaps, like the heart of the home. Conceptually this contrasts nicely with the adjacent spaces which will feel cozier and in comparison. So nothing atypical from my point of view. 

If you have any questions asked them to show you the space in another way (section or perspective) and to provide some reference images of similar built projects. 

Oct 2, 24 11:21 am  · 
 · 
graphemic

I feel like I'm missing something. Your description and question doesn't make sense to me.

The whole room will be unfurnished... you can do what you please, what is the issue of there being space between the table and the couch?

There is a window already... you want more windows?

Please someone tell me what I'm missing... why did OP include the second floor plan??

Oct 2, 24 12:42 pm  · 
 · 
natematt

English is clearly not their first language based on the terms they use (for example eating room). At the other comments above point out, the OP is talking about the double height space above the living room, which is between the bedrooms on the second floor, hence the second plan.

Oct 2, 24 12:46 pm  · 
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graphemic

Yeah, but then why are they talking about windows and a TV? Why would the double height influence the TV??

Oct 2, 24 1:26 pm  · 
 · 
natematt

tv in portrait? haha

Oct 4, 24 12:57 pm  · 
 · 
natematt

like other comments above, I get the basis for a double height space, but I'm not that keen on the application here, it's too small relative to the rest of the room, I can't imagine it feeling right... but I'd ask your architect to explain it. 

Oct 2, 24 12:48 pm  · 
1  · 
archanonymous

Just based on the plans I think the proportions are going to be really weird... I would want to see a model of the space, or at the very least a section through it with some furniture so I could understand the ceiling heights and scale.

Oct 2, 24 1:20 pm  · 
3  · 

This was my thought. Double height is fine, but the proportions are off.

Oct 2, 24 1:39 pm  · 
4  · 
lacalr

Not to be that guy, but a north arrow would be helpful here. I tend to want to feel a little more enclosed/less stimulated by my surroundings when watching TV, so if that's the main purpose of the space I would opt for no window. I'm assuming the window in the plan is what you would like to add? I would also worry about glare which is why knowing north would be helpful. 

Oct 4, 24 10:07 am  · 
1  · 
t a z

It's A Trap!! [Team Fortress 2] [Sprays]

Is this the return of Hobby Architect?

Oct 4, 24 6:21 pm  · 
4  · 
pj_heavy

I refuse to believe these drawings are prepared by a professional… no comments on the layout (what is that ? 

Oct 4, 24 9:40 pm  · 
1  · 

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