Designing a Good Entrance

From the street to the room

An entrance has several jobs. It needs to be easy to find, comfortable to approach and practical to use. It also has to deal with rain, deliveries, security and the movement of people in both directions.

These questions take space. A canopy provides shelter while someone finds a key. A level landing makes room for a wheelchair or pushchair. A door that opens in the right direction avoids an awkward step back into the rain.

The route beyond the door matters too. A visitor should be able to see where to go. In a home, there needs to be room for coats, shoes and bags before reaching the living spaces.

Light and materials help distinguish these areas. A hardwearing floor belongs where wet shoes arrive; softer light can mark the move into a quieter room. Each choice should support the way the entrance is used.

We look at entrances early in the plan, while there is still room to resolve them properly. A few extra centimetres in the right place can make a difference every day.