Porch/hallway ideas

byrne695

Long term stalker here!
At the design stage of new build and this site has been a fantastic source of ideas.
Given build cost/energy price concerns we are vastly reducing the proposed size of our new build and are trying to maximise use of space.
We are looking to come up for ideas for an entrance porch with direct access to open plan living area or small hallway where stairs is not directly in front on entrance to the house.
Most new builds we've visited belonging to friends/family have huge hallways which to us seems a massive waste of space not to talk of the cost to heat it. In addition the vast majority of people enter the house through a rear or side entrance!
If anyone has any links, actual experience of some ideas I'd be delighted to hear.

Also is there a fire safety restriction on a stairs leading directly into a living area?

Thanks in advance.

(Meeting with architect next week just wanted to have some ideas put together beforehand)

OBrother

There are fire regulations in relation to stairs, in open plan style houses, giving distances from kitchens and external doors, your architect will advise you on these.
In terms of having a stairs opening from your living room, you need to bear in mind that while heating this room you will also need to heat the landing upstairs and this type of arrangement will cause convection currents in the room.
Think also of noise from TV's etc.
Many older houses had a stairs and one door coming from the hall and little else.
You should consider also where the ground floor toilet will be, there is also a requirement for same unless your house is quiet small.