Step-by-step Guide to Designing a HDB Home Layout

Original-Floor-Plan-4-room-HDB — This is the original floor plan of a 4-room HDB unit located in Singapore. In Singapore, a 4-room HDB refers to a three-bedroom public housing unit.

Step 1: Defining the Zoning

Zoning involves dividing a space into different functional areas based on their intended use and the activities that will take place within them. Mark out the zoning on the floor plan and define the intended use of each spaces.

Zoning-of-the-unit — (Left) Original zoning of the unit (Right) New zoning of the unit: I made changes to the zoning by converting one of the bedrooms into a dining area. This decision was based on my preference for a larger space for family activities.

Anticipate the Use

Start by anticipating how each area will be used and clearly define its purpose. For instance, you will designate the living room as a family area for TV viewing and hosting guests, while the dining area also serves as a study area for the kids.

Anticipate Use of the Space — Anticipating the Use of Each Space: Here, I start envisioning how each space will be utilized based on our family’s usual activities.

Consider Multiple Uses

It’s perfectly acceptable to have multiple uses for a single space. For example, you may want the study room to double as a guest room. However, be mindful of the room size and the furniture requirements to avoid cluttering the space.

Multiple-Use-of-the-Space — Consideration for Multiple Uses in the Living Room: Besides serving as a sofa area, the living room could also function as my study room or a piano area for the kids. However, I also want to avoid overcrowding the living room, so I’ll keep this in mind and decide when planning the furniture placement.

Future-proofing

Plan ahead and consider potential future needs for each zone. For instance, you plan to convert the study to children’s bedroom in the future. Avoid permanent built-in furniture if you anticipate changing the room’s use in the future.

Step 2: Designing the Circulation Path

Circulation paths refers to the flow of movement within a space (It’s important to understand the difference between circulation and ventilation. In this context, circulation refers to the paths people move along in a space. On the other hand, ventilation relates to the movement of air or wind within an area. These are two separate concepts that play important roles in designing spaces. So, when we talk about circulation, we’re talking about how people move around, not how air moves.) Identify the primary and secondary circulation paths by drawing them into the floor plan. Each circulation path determines the entry and exit points of the respective spaces. Introducing a new circulation path often leads to a fresh flow and layout.

Drawing new circulation path

When drawing new circulation paths, prioritise convenience that caters to your daily needs. Consider aspects like easily transferring groceries to the fridge after shopping or ensuring privacy when guests visit, and avoiding unnecessary glimpses into private areas. Aim for a straightforward circulation path with minimal twists and turns, especially for the main areas. This ensures a smooth and efficient movement experience throughout your home.

Main circulation paths

Circulation paths for main spaces such as the living, dining, and kitchen areas. These paths should be wide enough and easy to navigate.

Secondary circulation paths

Circulation paths leading to private areas such as bedrooms or bathrooms are usually secluded and may be narrower.

Consider the sequence of circulation flow

Consider the traditional flow of living → dining → kitchen, or explore alternative layouts that suit your preferences.

Interconnectivity of the spaces

Consider the interconnectivity of the spaces, for example, if you would like high connectivity between dining and living or dining and kitchen, therefore you could plan wider or all-sided circulation paths. Also consider using doors, movable partitions, curtains, or carpentry works that are designed for flexibility.

Enhancing Connectivity and Division: Consider various ways to increase connectivity between spaces while maintaining their division.

Step 3: Planning for Furniture

Furniture planning involves placing furniture and determining its orientations, especially for major pieces such as tables, sofas, TVs, and beds.

Furniture size and dimension

The size of your furniture can influence space dimensions if you’re building new walls or partitions. Conversely, room dimensions can help determine the size of the furniture. Consider using our Ultimate Floor Planning Tool that includes over 300 furniture and appliances stencils that allows you determine size of furniture in certain.

Choosing the size of dining Table — When choosing the size of dining table, it’s important to choose one that suits the space. These are my considerations: (Left) A 6-seater dining table would be a good fit, providing enough room to comfortably pull out the chairs and allowing people to move around the table freely. (Right) A 8-seater seems tight at the table end. However, most of the time, I can push the chairs at both ends of the table in, which means an 8-seater wouldn’t pose any issues. Plus, I personally prefer having a larger tabletop, so I’m leaning towards the 8-seater option.

Furniture Orientations — When it comes to exploring furniture orientations, you’ll be amazed at the different possibilities they bring to your space. Here’s my take: (Left) This option offers a comfy layout with plenty of room to move around. (Right) This option utilizes the living room space more efficiently, leaving a corner that could be turned into a mini gym or play area. The dining area stands out as its own separate space, it creates an extra layer when you approach the space from the entrance. I’d say it’s the kind of layout that designers would prefer!

Balance Furniture Size and Circulation Space

Find a balance between furniture size and circulation space. Leave adequate white space on the floor plan to maintain optimal circulation flow.

Ensuring Adequate Circulation Space: It’s important to leave sufficient space for circulation flow, as marked in grey on the floor plan.

Finishing Touches

Once the major furniture placement is finalized, move on to adding smaller items like shoe shelves or sideboards to complete the floor plan. Pay attention to the details that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of each zone.

Incorporating-Small-Furniture — Incorporating Small Furniture: Lastly, the floor plan includes space for small furniture pieces such as shoe shelves, bedside tables, or sideboards.

Conclusion

New-Layout-Design-of-4-room-HDB — My final Layout Design for the 4 room HDB unit

By following this logical and structured approach to layout planning, homeowners can create well-designed floor plans that effectively meet their lifestyle needs. With careful consideration and planning, you can achieve a clean, uncluttered home that fulfils every aspect of your lifestyle needs. And for an easier home layout design process, consider using our Ultimate Floor Planning Tool, which allows you to import your existing floor plan and start designing right away.

We understand the time-consuming process of transferring floor plans into a digital format, often resulting in frustration and inaccuracy. With our tool, you can directly import your existing floor plan and immediately start designing. Say goodbye to lengthy conversion processes and hello to instant creativity! With over 300 stencils included, you can enhance your floor plan with precision and style. Ensuring accurate furniture sizes is crucial for a successful layout, and our tool helps you achieve just that. Check it out right here!

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