Kitchen Layout in Ireland — Work Triangle, Zones, and the Open-Plan Question
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Work triangle: sink to hob to fridge. Total perimeter 4–7 m. Open-plan is the default for new Irish self-builds.
Work triangle: sink, hob, fridge. Total perimeter 4–7 m. Each leg 1.2–2.7 m. No obstruction between them. Open-plan is the default for new Irish self-builds: kitchen, dining, living in one space. Easier for family life; harder to keep clean (cooking smells, noise). Zones: prep (sink), cook (hob), store (fridge, pantry), serve (worktop, dining). Each zone needs 1.0–1.5 m of worktop. Most Irish self-builds use an L-shape or a U-shape with a peninsula, opening onto the dining and living areas. A separate utility room (for the washing machine, dryer, and second sink) keeps the noise and mess out of the main kitchen.
TL;DR
Work triangle: sink, hob, fridge. Total perimeter 4–7 m. Each leg 1.2–2.7 m. No obstruction between them.
Open-plan is the default for new Irish self-builds: kitchen, dining, living in one space. Easier for family life; harder to keep clean.
Zones: prep (sink), cook (hob), store (fridge, pantry), serve (worktop, dining). Each zone needs 1.0–1.5 m of worktop.
When this matters most
You're at design stage and need to plan the kitchen layout.
When this doesn't apply
The kitchen is in.
Frequently asked questions
What is the work triangle in a kitchen?
The relationship between sink, hob, and fridge. Total perimeter 4–7 m. Each leg 1.2–2.7 m. No obstruction between them. The principle minimises steps during cooking.
Is open-plan kitchen the standard for Irish self-builds?
Yes, the default for new builds. Kitchen, dining, living in one space. Easier for family life; harder to keep clean. A separate utility room helps with the noise and mess.
What is a kitchen peninsula?
A connected worktop that extends into the room, often with a breakfast bar. Common in open-plan kitchens. Provides extra worktop and storage; doesn't block the room like an island would.
Sources
Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, Kitchen design. https://www.riai.ie/
Frequently asked questions
What is the work triangle in a kitchen?
The relationship between sink, hob, and fridge. Total perimeter 4–7 m. Each leg 1.2–2.7 m. No obstruction between them. The principle minimises steps during cooking.
Is open-plan kitchen the standard for Irish self-builds?
Yes, the default for new builds. Kitchen, dining, living in one space. Easier for family life; harder to keep clean. A separate utility room helps with the noise and mess.
What is a kitchen peninsula?
A connected worktop that extends into the room, often with a breakfast bar. Common in open-plan kitchens. Provides extra worktop and storage; doesn't block the room like an island would.
When this matters most
You're at design stage and need to plan the kitchen layout.
When this doesn't apply
The kitchen is in.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.