Independent homes

Stair and landing Circulation Design for Independent homes

Give people and equipment a route that remains usable during normal work, arrivals and cleaning.

Explore the ideas
Entry corridor leading toward a dining area beside a glass-front cabinet
Entry inspiration: a clear approach and shallow landing storage.

Plan in this order

  1. Map separately who enters, what they carry and where they turn or pause.
  2. Move stopping points out of through routes, especially beside doors and intersections.
  3. Put the largest regularly moved item on the plan and trace the full trip, including both ends.
Worked example

Guests entering a home cross the path of someone carrying food from the kitchen to the dining area.

Place the arrival pause beside the entry rather than in the direct line through the home. Test the route with a coat being removed and a tray carried at the same time.

How to test it

Run two movements at once during the test walk. Note which person must stop, reverse or step into another activity.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Keep the stair landing free of storage and provide a clear view of each approach.
Detail
Use continuous hand support and low-glare lighting at both ends and along the steps.
Trade-off
Under-stair storage adds capacity but can constrict the stair approach.
  • Walk the stair with hands occupied
  • Check lighting and head clearance
Wood display partition between an entry-side passage and living room
Entry inspiration: a permeable divider that softens direct sightlines.

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Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Living area with a glass partition beside a television wall
Entry inspiration: glazed separation that preserves borrowed light.
Living room seating group with a clear approach from the front of the room
Arrival inspiration: keep the first route into the room open.

Related design guides

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