PHRC Webinars

Open Concept Floor Plan Considerations

5/13/2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

Instructor: Rachel Fawcett (Housing Affordability Specialist, Pennsylvania Housing Research Center)

Handouts

Link to Webinar: https://psu.zoom.us/webinar/register/4617237518694/WN_FbXbaG3uQvyhfoiLdh5alw

Description

Tune into this session to learn about open concept floor plans in residential construction. You will gain an understanding in how to effectively assess if an open concept floor plan is a good choice for a home and its occupants. We will begin with an overview of the history on the concept and when it rose to popularity in the United States. Next, the session will address common uses and overarching goals for an open concept floor plan in the overall function of a home. Finally, we will discuss opportunities and challenges for the builder and occupant that should be considered when designing an open concept floor plan.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the history of the open concept floor plan for residential construction in the United States as compared to traditional floor plan design.
2. Recognize common uses and overarching goals for an open concept when designing a home for the occupant.
3. Highlight the opportunities in an open concept including flexibility in spaces, increased natural lighting, greater social interaction, and more for the end user versus a traditional floor plan.
4. Discuss potential challenges for this concept such as the functionality, MEP systems, acoustics, and structure of the space, which may add increased installation and construction costs.

Cost

Free to attend; $25 for continuing education credit in live webinar

Credit Hours

Live Webinar: 1.0 PA L&I Contact Hour, 1.0 PA PDH for engineers, 1.0 AIA LU|HSW, 1.0 ICC Contact Hour (0.1 CEU)

Tags: 2024-25