The secrets of the kitchen work triangle and its design reasoning, explained.
What is the kitchen work triangle?
Since the first iteration was devised by industrial psychologist and engineer Lillian Moller Gilbreth in the 1920s, the kitchen triangle has been a staple of kitchen layouts for decades. The model organises the cooking, preparation and food storage areas to make the most efficient use of space in a single-cook kitchen.
The work triangle solves a variety of kitchen design problems relating to ergonomics, workflow and aesthetics. By defining kitchen workspaces and clearing traffic lanes, the triangular layout ensures that whoever is using the kitchen is able to reach the stove, fridge, pantry and sink with ease. It also ensures that there’s enough space to prevent crowding.
How to design a kitchen work triangle
Although it was thought up a century ago, kitchen designers and architects still use the principles of the kitchen work triangle when designing residential kitchens.
The theory states each leg of the triangle should be between 1.2 metres and 2.7 metres long, with the sum of all three sides equalling no less than 4 metres and no more than 7.9 metres. These measurements ensure that the work zones are well spaced – neither too close together nor too far apart.
While it might be clear why long distances are a problem, it’s likely less obvious why placing zones too close together is an obstacle to efficient work. When the legs are short and the points of the triangle are too close together, drawers and doors might collide, prep spaces could be too small, and fridges may open directly onto stoves. All of which make for a less than optimal cooking experience.
Another cardinal of the golden triangle rule is that the design should avoid major traffic flow through the shape as far as possible. Ideally, the layout should create a space that allows for rotational movement between the food storage (fridge and pantry), preparation (sink) and cooking (stove) areas. Which means that cabinets and other obstacles – like kitchen islands – shouldn’t intersect any leg of the triangle by more than 30 centimetres.
Is the kitchen work triangle still useful?
A lot has changed since the kitchen work triangle was first developed. Today, there are usually multiple cooks in the kitchen, we tend to have open-plan spaces as opposed to closed-off kitchens and it’s an area where friends and family gather rather than a purely utilitarian room.
This means that there are modern developments for which the golden triangle doesn’t account. While three stations might have been standard in years gone by, our larger kitchens and numerous appliances mean that we might need more than three workspaces. Which is why many kitchen designers champion the idea of kitchen polygons; essentially, multiple kitchen triangles sewn together to create self-contained work zones within the kitchen.
The best layout for your kitchen
The kitchen work triangle is a useful tool for ensuring that your kitchen layout maximises efficiency and convenience for whoever is using the space. That said, it may not be the most functional or practical design for every kitchen. What’s most important is that you evaluate how you use your kitchen to triangulate the solution that works best for your space.
Not sure if the kitchen work triangle will work for your kitchen renovation in Cape Town? We can help you find the ideal design to ensure maximum efficiency in your space. Contact us today to set up an obligation-free consultation.
