The layout change occurred for a number of reasons. Namely, when the module shift occurred (for more information on why the module shift took place see ELEMENT Design Development: Module Shift) the fact was brought to light that perhaps the bedroom should not take up 1/3 of the total square footage. In the initial design, the bathroom and kitchen were located in the same module. This was excellent because all the plumbing could take place in a very small area saving time and money on construction and material costs. This kitchen / bathroom module was then referred to as the “Wet” module. However, to fit both the bathroom and kitchen in the same module led to a very small and uncomfortable kitchen.
Based on modern home layouts we developed the current layout in which the kitchen and living area are open to one another, making the space seem larger and more inviting. Since the home is only 500 square feet and it is to be marketed as a single family residence, we found it understandable to reduce the size of the bedroom and place the bathroom in the bedroom unit. While it may be a pain to have guests walk into your bedroom to use the bathroom, here is one way to rationalize it:
By keeping the bathroom outside the bedroom (as done in the initial design) you only have the small 12 foot by 18 foot living room area to use as entertainment space. Without a larger, more open kitchen this space will become uncomfortable with even a small number of guests. Therefore, we found it more pleasing to open the layout between the living and kitchen modules so that the house would seem more inviting and a more suitable space for entertaining guests.
The only “real” positive aspect of combining the kitchen and bathroom was (as mentioned above) the “wet” module aspect. However, by placing the larger “wet” kitchen appliances opposite the bathroom, the distance to run plumbing materials remained very short.
