Secondary Environments

Many projects present added complexity when the client requests that “secondary” or special use environments be designed into their primary use vision. 
 
With the clear trend to focus more and more activities on one primary site, the opportunity arises for creative design challenges.  One of the simplest is the dedication of part of the residence to business activities: the home office.  With the advancements of more efficient electronic capability, many individuals telecommute for a company as employees of a business located elsewhere.  Independent contractors (owner operators, the self-employed, etc.) are no longer limited to renting an external office.  The stigma of “working out of one’s home” simply no longer exists.
 
Interior space planning and design professionals have met this challenge.  Designing secondary environments within or adjacent to a primary residence requires unique management strategies for both designer and client.  The needs and patterns of family life must be weighed in consideration of the sound, concentration and privacy factors essential to an appropriate workplace.
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This cozy mini theatre satisfied a movie buff who likes to entertain friends at home with favorite old films – and no parking or crowds!

Many a garage has been converted in pursuit of the convenience of working adjacent to one’s home – and the elimination of commute stresses.  However, the floor plans of contemporary homes, condos, rental properties and hotels now routinely include consideration for areas that have flexible use potential.
 
The typical “secondary” environment is a home office.  But by no means is it the only!  Game and recreation rooms have been brought to elaborate levels in some residences; the pool has been brought indoors, the pool tables and video games have gained preliminary importance like the kitchen, den and laundry room. 
 
Simply accommodating extra activities in the spare bedroom or the end of the living room, are old remedies!   Spaces are now preplanned at construction stage for secondary uses from the get-go.  The wiring for special needs, Internet capability, required lighting or plumbing are built in with activities flexibility in mind.
 
An important hobby may be formally acknowledged and require an area that takes it out of the shed and into the main structure.  Movie buffs might include mini theatres within their residence.  Health enthusiasts often dedicate a room to fitness and all its paraphernalia (getting the exercise bike and weights out of the bedroom).
 
It certainly takes forbearance to have a home office in the extra bedroom, close to the traffic patterns of kids and pets.  Believe it or not there are ways to improve what presently exists, as well as exploring not-so-obvious alternatives!  (It might be as simple as creating an external door, soundproofing, and eliminating the inner access.)
 
The evolution and acceptance of secondary environments is a path most of us can relate to.  The formal development of an area called “the family room” was a giant step – differentiating formal dining from everyday meals and family group activities.   Music and instrumentation was comfortably segregated at some point.  And so it gradually went from “make do” to “dedicated space.”
 
Whether your secondary environment is a detached structure or carefully planned space under the main roof, designing such aspects into your project vision can bring many rewards.   It is easy to calculate the long-term benefits of an office at your residence.   Convenience is just one.
 
Your design professional will explore such alternatives with you whether your project has business or residential focus; and whether it involves conversion of existing space or new construction.   Designing to the clients’ special needs presents many creative alternatives to explore.
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