Collection of Standards for Residential Apartments

Where minimum overall apartment floor areas are recommended, the measurements should be internal wall-to-wall dimensions. The standards apply to units on one floor; duplexes should provide the additional floor area required to provide for stairways and landings in accordance with the Building Regulations. The minimum standards are intended to apply to new apartment developments; while it should be an objective to achieve such standards in refurbishment schemes, existing site/ structural configurations may require some flexibility of approach.

General storage

3.1 In addition to the recommended minimum room floor areas as outlined in the Appendix, provision should also be made in all new apartment schemes for general storage, particularly for bulky items not in daily use (e.g. suitcases, sports gear, winter clothing etc.).

3.2 General storage should be additional to kitchen presses and bedroom furniture, but may be partly provided in these rooms. A store off a hallway or landing will facilitate access, but hot presses or boiler space do not count as general storage. As a rule, no individual storage room within an apartment should exceed 3.5 sq metres. Some apartment schemes may provide storage for bulky items outside individual units (e.g. at basement level), and this may satisfy part of the general storage requirement.

Refuse storage

3.3 Adequate provision needs to be made for the storage and collection of waste materials, with appropriate reference to the projected level of waste generation, collection frequencies, and types and quantities of receptacles required. If insufficient provision is made, problems of dumping, odour and vermin are likely. Developers should therefore ascertain the relevant local authority requirements for waste management storage and collection.

Shared circulation areas

3.5 Shared circulation areas should be well lit, preferably with some natural light and ventilation. The apartment building should be navigable by all users, including people with buggies. Internal corridors should be kept as short as possible, with good visibility along their length. Acoustic wall and ceiling treatments should be considered. Entrances to apartment buildings should be clearly identified and welcoming; hallways should not be unduly narrow.

Daylight and sunlight

5.5 The amount of sunlight reaching an apartment significantly affects the amenity of the occupants. Dual-aspect apartments are likely to maximise the availability of sunlight, and should be the norm, but this solution may not always be possible (e.g. with corner units). Single-aspect apartments should allow the main living rooms to face south, west or east; north-facing units should be excluded. Particular care is needed where windows are located on lower floors which may be overshadowed by adjoining buildings.

Safety and security

5.10 Apartment design should provide occupants and their visitors with a sense of safety

Recommended Minimum Floor Areas and Standards

Minimum overall apartment floor areas

One bedroom	45 sq m (38 sq m)*
Two bedroom	73 sq m (55 sq m)*
Three bedrooms	90 sq m (70 sq m)*

Minimum aggregate floor areas for living/dining/kitchen rooms,

and minimum widths for the main living/dining rooms

Apartment type	Width of living/dining room	Aggregate floor area of living / dining / kitchen area*
One bedroom	3.3 m	23 sq m
Two bedrooms	3.6 m	30 sq m
Three bedrooms	3.8 m	34 sq m

Minimum bedroom floor areas/widths

Type	Minimum width	Minimum floor area
Single bedroom	2.1 m	7.1 sq m
Double bedroom	2.8 m	11.4 sq m
Twin bedroom	2.8 m	13 sq m

Minimum aggregate bedroom floor areas

One bedroom	11.4 sq m
Two bedroom	11.4 + 13 sq m = 24.4 sq m
Three bedrooms	11.4 + 13 + 7.1 sq m = 31.5 sq m