The kitchen

Press, 20 October 1981, Page 23

The kitchen

Convenience, comfort and minimal waste of floor space are all key factors to a basic interior house plan. The focal point of any house is the kitchen. The design should be such that it is visually appealing and an efficient work place. On the visual aspect, good lighting is crucial. The shape of the windows can add interest to the kitchen. Basic styles of windows include: fixed pane, for small, irregularly shaped areas: sliding: casemerit, fits well into bay or bow windows: jalousie, most often found in bathrooms, closets and kitchens; awning, good where ventilation is needed in rainy weather; skylight; and double hung windows, used mainly in older homes.

Whether kitchen tools are displayed or enclosed, there should be adequate provision for storage. The kitchen should also be a separate work area and no,t used as a passageway. The risk of accidents increases when the kitchen is used as a passagewav.

In the 1920 s the work triangle was devised. Efficiency experts measured the basic movements involved in food preparation between the. refrigerator, oven and sink. Guidelines were set that these three areas should form a triangle with a minimum of 3.66 m and 6.7 m total distances between the centres. This principle, although modified, is still used todav.