O level Notes : Food Technology Design - Kitchen - Morden kitchen layouts

Morden kitchen layouts

Kitchen layout is the plan, design or arrangement of equipment in a kitchen. The following are examples of kitchen layouts;

• U-shaped kitchen.
• L-shaped kitchen.
• Corridor or galley shaped kitchen.
• G-shaped kitchen.
• Circular orRound kitchen
• Kitchens with islands

Designing kitchen layouts using CAD software.

Computer aided design (CAD) involves the use of a computer software in developing kitchen layouts and designs. It is used by architects, engineers, drafters and others to create precision drawings.

Software programs are developed specifically for used in the construction industry for professional and home use. CAD has the following benefits;

• Produce very accurate designs.
• It draws to scale.
• Creates sophisticated design.
• Very efficient to use.
• enables one to see the view of the finished kitchen layout or design and make adjustments where needed.

However, CAD requires a high quality computer hardware that can be costly for individuals.

U-shaped kitchen

Equipment is arranged in a U-shape. It features three walls that are lined with cabinets and appliances. The U-shaped layout maximizes the wall space by placing cabinets and appliances against the walls.Thereby providing extra storage space. It is an efficient design that frees up floor space and, it creates an efficient work triangle by providing a practical, time efficient and safe environment. A window placed at the

'U'end makes a great spot for the sink, allowing one to look over the garden whilst washing-up, without wall units overhead. It is useful and versatile and can be adapted to any size. Another benefit of this layout is safety because it does not allow to much traffic that might disrupt work zones. Not only does this make the food preparation and cooking process less chaotic, but it also helps to prevent accidents.

However, the U-shaped kitchen is not efficient if the two legs of the U shape are too far apart as this creates long walking distance among the work sites. Use of an island will help circumvent that challenge by placing one of the work sites on it for example the sink or the cooker thereby shortening the walking distances.

U-shaped kitchen

L-shaped kitchen

Equipment is arranged in an L shape. The L-shape is a standard design for home kitchens.  It is suitable for corners and open spaces with great ergonomics. It makes kitchen work efficient and avoids traffic problems by providing plenty of counter space in two dimensions. This shape is quite efficient as it facilitates a sensible work triangle to the preparation, clean-up and cooking sites. The L-shape is ideal for any size of a kitchen.

G-shaped kitchen

L-Shaped kitchen

This is a great option if you have a huge open space. It is a version of the U-shaped kitchen layout. However, the G-shaped floor plan includes a partial fourth wall of additional cabinets. The kitchen triangle is made up from appliances from three sides, all reasonably close together.

Depending on the size of the kitchen, G-shaped kitchens can seem cramped. To make the room feel spacious, open up the wall in a nearby room and create a pass-through or a breakfast bar for the family.

G-Shaped kitchen

Corridor or galley shaped kitchen

This could be a double run with cabinets on both sides or single run galley with

cabinets only on one side. In a double run galley an efficient work triangle can be created by putting one work site, for example, the sink roughly centre opposite the cooking and storage sites. However, a work triangle is not possible in a single run galley since the three main work sites are placed on one side. Some galley kitchens have been remodelled to remove a wall and create a seating on one side of the kitchen. It is ideal for smaller spaces and one-cook kitchens. The galley shaped kitchen is also great on rectangle shaped kitchens. It can also be adjusted to any length.

The galley kitchen is open on both ends thus creating a through traffic corridor. Therefore, it is important to create enough space between the two sides of the kitchen for smooth traffic flow. However, foot traffic maybe reduced by having the kitchen open on one end only.

Double galley kitchen with two open ends

Single galley kitchen

Circular or round kitchen

Equipment is arranged in circular. Circular kitchens also known as round kitchens are not as common as the square or rectangular kitchens. The round kitchen is quite common with the traditional kitchen (bikiro or umkhulu) and this shall be discussed in detail later.

The circular kitchens allow for unusual architectural details that would be difficult to implement in kitchens of other shapes, such as bulls eye-style Island, a curved wall of windows or a dramatic ceiling design which is an eye catching element.

A well designed circular kitchen has an enclosed warm and homely feel, sometimes reminiscent of an outdoor kitchen. The curved line makes a design statement unlike other shapes. The circular or round kitchen can be varied into semicircle or curved layout.

Round or circular kitchen

Kitchens with islands

Nowadays people seem to have fallen in love with kitchens islands. A kitchen island is a free-standing cabinetry placed in the middle of a kitchen. Any kitchen layout may have an additional feature of an island. It is also ideal for large specious kitchens. It is important to keep the work triangle on one side of the kitchen to avoid the island getting in the way when one is working in the kitchen by placing one of the work sites on the islands.

Advantages of a kitchen island

• It offers extra seating space. Chairs or stools can be arranged around the kitchen island
• Additional storage space is provided under the work surface of the island.
• Kids' height appliances like microwave, refrigerated drawers can be placed around the kitchen island.
• It gives style to the kitchen.

Below are illustrations of kitchens with an island:

L –shaped kitchen with an island

U –shaped kitchen with an island