[naimis]

I'm in the process of designing my dream house. I've attached an image of the floor plan as it stands today.


The home theatre sits in the middle where it will "waste" a minimum of outside wall space (by "waste" I mean use exterior walls where windows can't be installed). When I was dreaming up the thing, I had in mind an adjacent living room with in-wall A/V rack, with built-in shelves next to the rack making up a hidden doorway. This is similar to the theatre Monty Roberts built, as seen in the June issue of Home Theater magazine, but I had been thinking about this sort of arrangement even before I bought that issue.


The dimensions of the room were driven by the dimensions of the seating (in this case, I pulled that info from the La-Z-Boy HT seating). I went by, I think it was 2.5xDiagonal to the middle row... But judging by the viewing distance calculator on homestead.com, the room is too big.


Anyway, the current layout has a fundamental flaw - I have to walk all the way around the HT in order to go between the dining area (on the right) and master bedroom (on the left). One option would be to add a hallway behind the HT to have a complete perimiter. I don't really like this idea much.


Another alternative would be to put doors on either side of the HT so that I can pass through it when needed (and it isn't in use). I think this second option would pretty much require me to flip the layout around so the screen is on the bottom of the image instead of the top, and the chairs move, etc. Putting doors in the sides would also make the concept of a secret entrance utterly pointless... Having the chairs in the back also concerns me in terms of being able to have a raised roof to accomodate the raised seating platforms.


Anyway, if anyone has suggestions as to how to attack the problem, I'd appreciate it. I've got at least a couple of years before I start building the house, much less the HT.

 

[CPanther95]

I've seen a number of professionally designed HT's that incorporate side loading doors - and it looks like it would be nice to walk in and have the view up to all 3 rows. Most "real" theaters load from the bottom up so it still seems natural. Doors on both sides would also give you a pass through.


How much "too large" is the theater? The idea of a hidden entrance is cool as hell. Is that a sliding bookcase you're considering to enter? I would definitely (if you could rob about 4.5') re-consider a back hallway. It's a little long for just a plain hallway - so I'd reverse the theater and line the theater side of the hallway with the bookcases and the entrance. (You should have the entrance motorized so it can be opened like the secret passage on Batman - except have a bust of Hitchcock or something instead )


I can't see the dimensions, but if you could swing a hallway about 5' wide, it feels much less like a hallway.

 

[naimis]

Quote:

Originally posted by CPanther95 How much "too large" is the theater?

The current dimensions are exactly 17-5 x 30-7. Judging by the aforementioned viewing distance calculator, it should be about 70 inches shorter (around 24-9 rahter than 30-7).

Quote:

The idea of a hidden entrance is cool as hell. Is that a sliding bookcase you're considering to enter?

It wouldn't slide left/right/back/forth so much as pivot like an ordinary door. Obviously there would have to be enough of a spacer on the outer edge of the bookcase/door so that the back corner doesn't hit anything adjacent.

Quote:

I would definitely (if you could rob about 4.5') re-consider a back hallway. It's a little long for just a plain hallway - so I'd reverse the theater and line the theater side of the hallway with the bookcases and the entrance. (You should have the entrance motorized so it can be opened like the secret passage on Batman - except have a bust of Hitchcock or something instead ) I can't see the dimensions, but if you could swing a hallway about 5' wide, it feels much less like a hallway.

Heh, that's not a bad idea at all. The motorized door would be a nice touch. Maybe I could use one of these beer tap handles that I picked up but didn't quite know what to do with (I don't drink quite as much as I used to). The hallways in the current design are 4-2 (my current rat shack has "halls" 3' wide - barely enough to squeeze the video and pinball machines through).


I had been wondering what the purpose behind floating floors was, I don't suppose it's so you can run wires to the seat risers for lighting (or electric recliers for those of you with that option . Or is there another purpose. Makes me wish there were a compendium of home theatre construction techniques and issues to consider (is there already?).

 

[CPanther95]

Have you considered a professional designer? Starting at new construction, someone that knows what they are doing, could probably minimize cost and maximize effectiveness designing it from the start. You could also incorporate the cost of the whole theater including design work into the mortgage.

 

[CPanther95]

If it's a single bookcase, the front trimwork should hide any necessary gaps (if the door opens in). If you use a pin like a swinging door uses (for a bookcase, you'd need a heavy-duty "pin" ) and make the pivot point on the front right - the back right could protrude into a space left on the back side of that side of the opening. (drywall on front none on back so the right swings "into" the wall).


On the left side you should still be able to hide the gap with the front trim. The right side of the trim is flush with the side of the bookcase and the left saide is attached to the drywall and a stud backed off far enough for the bookcase to clear. If it's still too tight, you could just use some 2x2 to attach the trim to, and that will probably buy you enough space for clearance.


The goal should be left, top, and right trim flush with the bookcase but permanently attached to the wall. People will notice a seam that's head-on, but will not notice a fine seam that runs along the trim perpendicular to the line of sight.

 

[Charles R]

I understand your logic in wanting to use interior space for the theater but based on your usage being that close to the bedroom might be an (noise) issue. I know it would be for me as in my last house the theater was directly above the master bedroom. In my current house the theater and bedrooms are at opposite ends of the house (by design) and on different levels.


It just might be me too but I wouldn't be fond of having to go through the laundry and kitchen when entering the house from the garage. I would prefer an entry into the hall. I also think you could use some type of a hallway next to the living room as it would feel "funny" having to walk through a room to get to another one... especially back to another hallway.

 

[naimis]

Quote:

Originally posted by Charles R I understand your logic in wanting to use interior space for the theater but based on your usage being that close to the bedroom might be an (noise) issue.

Why is it a noise issue? If it's a cohabitation issue, it's not really an issue for me as I (currently ) plan on living on my own in this house for the rest of my life.

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It just might be me too but I wouldn't be fond of having to go through the laundry and kitchen when entering the house from the garage.

Every house I've ever lived in has had an arrangement like that - every one that had a garage, that is... In Virginia, the garage was below ground and you had to go through the basement. Never parked down there though.

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I would prefer an entry into the hall. I also think you could use some type of a hallway next to the living room as it would feel "funny" having to walk through a room to get to another one... especially back to another hallway.

I didn't like the idea of having a view down the long hallway from the front door. The motivation there is burglary-induced paranoia. Kinda like how I prefer steel doors with no windows, while just about every house in the neighborhood has glass doors with transoms.


I'm not sure what you mean about the hallway next to the living room. Where, exactly, are you suggesting it goes?


Quote:

Originally posted by CPanther95 Have you considered a professional designer?

Yeah, I have, but they get paid by the hour. Plus, it's fun to do this myself. .

 

[Charles R]

If it is only you then noise certainly would not be an issue. Regarding the hallways and or entry into them yes it is a personal like and or dislike thing.


For me it is a bad design if you walk directly into a room from the outside or room to room unless it's like a hearth room off of a kitchen. Especially since the garage entry is used so much more then the front entrance. I like the feeling I am entering the house versus sneaking through the laundry or what not room.


I have built three houses and with all of them the garage entry was off of a hallway. Much like I prefer a front entryway versus being "thrown" into the living room or some other room. To me if you enter directly into a room or have to pass through a room to get to another it feels like you "gave up" designing the house and said... OK I'll just put a room here or a door there.


What I meant about the living room is that it is turned into a hallway and a main one. To travel from one end of the house to the other you have to go through the living room.


Again for me you either have a room or a hallway. I do not feel they should be combined. I understand square footage restrictions can dedicate certain layouts along with those personal preferences.


I will admit I may be some what hall crazy... my current house has several 6' wide ones with 12' ceilings. Even the one to the lower level is 5' wide without any bends and it leads right to the middle of the lower level so you do not feel like you are going to a lower level.

 

[Charles R]

Quote:

Originally posted by naimis Yeah, I have, but they get paid by the hour. Plus, it's fun to do this myself. .

You might find they save you money per hour versus costing you. As an example I gave my builder my thoughts about a few changes I wanted and he instantly increased the size of a couple of the rooms saying it would be cheaper.


Why? Turns out the increased carpet/tile/what not cost would be more than offset by the reduced framing costs of aligning the walls with existing walls.

 

[BIGmouthinDC]

I take it you are single or at least found a women who has your same level of obsession about HT.


This is just one man's opinion.


Yet me get this straight it's a One bedroom, three bath, one theater, two car garage home. Time for a sanity check.



I'd re-think the whole plan unless you plan on living in this house until the day you die. Resale value will be significantly hindered by plunking that big cave where a great room should be. That middle room should be a great room have lot's of windows on back wall and high ceilings and stone fireplace.


I'd make the game room the HT and just put temporary covers on the windows so that another owner could convert to two additional bedrooms.

 

[CPanther95]

The full bath adjoining the master bath is overkill without a 2nd bedroom. If re-sale is a concern at all, I'd shift the gameroom back up against the MBR and add the full bath to the "office" so it could be considered a bedroom.


Either have two entrances to that bathroom(from the office and hallway) or just from the hallway, but frame the 2nd door adjoining the office before you drywall so it could be put in easily down the road.


If a new owner wants to convert the HT to a great room, that's his problem. If selling is a problem, you can always open it up.

 

[BIGmouthinDC]

Just another issue. You may want to have a preliminary discussion with a lender. It may be very difficult to get a mortgage for a one bedroom home.


One way around this will be to label the game room and office as bedrooms on all your formal plans going forward, at least then it would be considered a 3,3,2 which people can relate to.

 

[CPanther95]

2 bedroom/2.5 bath will not be a problem with the mortgage either.

 

[BIGmouthinDC]

OK My mouth is getting warmed up now.


The master bath layout leaves a lot to be desired. On a home of this scale the MB should have both an over-sized tub and a separate shower. You should be able to get to the toilet from the tub without going back thru the bedroom.


I agree with the location of that hall bath put it between the office and the game room. I'm not certain of what you are planning for that "Dressing area" space?


If you are building to impress or resale think about first impressions


You come in the front door and if you go right you get the view of this bowling alley of a hall with no windows, go left and another cave like hallway.


My suggestion is to get some help with a 3d CAD design program and do a virtual walk through. Visit some model homes and look at the bathroom layouts.


And contrary to CP's point of view, remember that for many Americans their home represents the single largest investment the'll ever make. Do it right and the resale value could help you retire comfortably. Do it wrong and you'll be a greeter at Wall Mart when you are 75.


Build your dream home with a dream theater. Don't build a dream theater with a below average bedroom and bath attached. Do it right and others will share your dream.

 

[Charles R]

Quote:

Originally posted by BIGmouthinDC My suggestion is to get some help with a 3d CAD design program and do a virtual walk through. Visit some model homes and look at the bathroom layouts.

I agree. A professional can bring out (or offer) all kinds of details that will make a dramatic difference without you losing your dream look. Such as removing the wall between the hall and dining room. It's not that large of a room to start with and it will open up the kitchen too. Along with offering an increased view of the backyard from both rooms.


They can even help with furniture placement. Such as I would have the bed facing a window versus being directly underneath one. Every morning I have a picture window view of a preserved area straight in front of me. The bath's window (and doorway to the bath) is centered with the bed without revealing the rest of the bathroom.

 

[BIGmouthinDC]

I gotta ask this question (please don't take it wrong)....... does a man who would only build a one bedroom home and plans to live there alone, really have 11 friends? Just cause you can build it doesn't mean they'll come.

 

[Charles R]

BIGmouthinDC,


I think we have picked on him enough already! Including myself.

 

[BIGmouthinDC]

OK i'll shut my big mouth up,


but, I'm beginning to think the original plan was a hoax.

 

[naimis]

Quote:

Originally posted by BIGmouthinDC I take it you are single or at least found a women who has your same level of obsession about HT.

Single. No plan to change that.

Quote:

Yet me get this straight it's a One bedroom, three bath, one theater, two car garage home. Time for a sanity check. I'd re-think the whole plan unless you plan on living in this house until the day you die.

I did already state that I planned to live there until I die. The idea was that the game room could be split into two or three bedrooms (even split into three, the bedrooms would be reasonably sized).

Quote:

Resale value will be significantly hindered by plunking that big cave where a great room should be. That middle room should be a great room have lot's of windows on back wall and high ceilings and stone fireplace.

I'll see what I can come up with... I won't put a fireplace in, in any case, as I think they're a total waste of space.

Quote:

I'd make the game room the HT and just put temporary covers on the windows so that another owner could convert to two additional bedrooms.

There's no reason the game room can't be converted into bedrooms. In fact, it'd be easier. The home theatre will probably have odd walls, columns, dropped ceiling, whatever.. The game room will be... just a room. A big room, mind you, and full of games, but otherwise a fairly ordinary room.

 

[naimis]

Quote:

Originally posted by BIGmouthinDC I gotta ask this question (please don't take it wrong)....... does a man who would only build a one bedroom home and plans to live there alone, really have 11 friends? Just cause you can build it doesn't mean they'll come.

Was there a point to this personal attack?