Functional design? An analysis of new speculative house plans in the UK

Rising levels of household formation, increasing construction costs and limited land availability in Britain operate to minimise dimensions in housing design. This is exacerbated by significant, comparatively rapid, changes in plan forms: a feature of house design since the inter-war years of the last century. This paper argues this endangers the functionality of speculative housing. Evidence of lifestyle changes, available in government statistical information regarding technological and social change, reinforces the drive to modify house plans. Evidence is presented to illustrate diminishing functionality of many new dwellings. Small room dimensions arising through commercial pressures and the need for new room functions are identified as significant contributory factors. It is argued that the multi-cellular design approach, currently prevalent in the British housing market, results in inappropriate room dimensions and poor functionality. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved