DESIGN MASTERCLASS
Creating a broken-plan layout
Broken-plan living arrangements can be a brilliant alternative to open-plan schemes, but what’s the best way to design them? Here’s how to get your layout right
WORDS: NATASHA BRINSMEAD
In this self-build, a slatted timber screen creates a broken-plan barrier between the hallway and living area.
IMAGE: RICHARD KELLY
While the concept of brokenplan living is still seen as relatively new on the house design scene, it is actually an idea that has grown considerably in popularity in recent years —and for good reason. This type of layout holds many benefits compared to open-plan living, or a room arrangement that is made up of lots of smaller, separate rooms, and it is for this reason that so many homeowners are now keen to create the set-up in their own houses.
“I have no doubt that this shift towards broken-plan layouts will continue over the coming years as we make our homes work harder for our needs,” comments Ruth Lavender, a design expert at Benchmarx.
WHAT IS BROKEN-PLAN LIVING?
“When we talk about broken-plan living, we are essentially opting for alayout that could be open plan, however areas have been ‘zoned’ by semi-permanent structures, such as shelving and bookcases,” explains Claire De Pons, founder of AbFab Designer Interiors. “Broken-plan living isn’t atotal departure from openplan layouts but it does gently break them up with subtle barriers or zone-defining details that distinguish various areas from each other,” add the experts at Resi, an architectural practice specialising in extensions.
FOCUS ON THE BENEFITS
While open-plan spaces can work really well for those designing aparticularly sociable home –where there is complete freedom of movement between spaces as well as aclear line of vision that leaves no member of the household or house guest feeling excluded –they do have their drawbacks. Completely openplan floorplans can feel lacking in personality and from amore practical perspective they can be rather difficult to heat, too. They can also be noisy and give you nowhere to escape for alittle peace and quiet —essential if you work from home.