From open plan to broken plan — finding balance in modern spaces

Photo credit: Deezen.com

I've had several clients approach me recently expressing uncertainty about what to do with their large 'modern' open-plan spaces (kitchen-diner-living) - often inherited from the previous owner who developed the property in line with market demand. The consistent feedback is that the space feels too vast (yes, a luxurious problem to have) and lacks comfort and character. This is a subject that is cropping up more and more.

In recent years, we've seen a strong shift from traditional separate rooms to open-plan living in modern architecture. Now we are witnessing a distinct move towards what is termed 'broken plan living'. This interior architecture style offers a middle ground, maintaining openness while creating distinct zones. There are aesthetic, practical and psychological benefits to a broken plan, as it provides both connection and privacy.

But this architectural concept is not new. Broken plan living has been prevalent across different cultures and countries for centuries. When I lived in Hong Kong, I travelled frequently to Japan to visit a close friend who lived there at the time. During my visits, I was struck by how seamlessly this concept worked. Traditional Japanese homes with their fusuma (sliding doors) and shoji screens have embodied this architectural concept centuries before the term 'broken plan' existed. What also resonated was the Japanese design philosophy of bringing the outside in, with carefully positioned screens and partitions that frame garden views while maintaining distinct living zones.

The featured image of Japanese architect Yukawa Design Lab's Margin House beautifully illustrates this approach. The house is built around a multipurpose atrium with a tree as its centrepiece - a perfect example of thoughtful spatial design that creates a connection with nature while defining separate functional areas.

Whilst the aesthetic will be different in our future renovation, this is the approach we would like to take to spatial planning. We are currently living in a rabbit warren of rooms from which we want to move away, complete with a 1980s-style bar in the middle of the house. Our architect's brief deliberately seeks a balance - creating defined spaces with purpose and character while maintaining a sense of flow and connection throughout the home. I can't wait to share more details as the project develops and our vision for broken-plan living takes shape.