Bunker Floor Plan - '195sf skeptics'

We have been asked by a few of our friends to clarify how we calculated the square footage of our new finished lower level.  Not everyone has believed that our bunker was only 195sf.  For these skeptical friends, we created a quick diagram (bottom image) to show the bounds of the finished space in the area calculation.

For everyone else - click on the first image to magnify the floor plan of the bunker.  You'll notice that the only window into the bunker is on the front wall in the office - a small 24"x24" opening.  Officially this space cannot be a bedroom as this window is not large enough to act as a means of egress in the case of a fire.

An interesting design feature to the lower level is the lack of typical hinged doors.  Alternatively, we have elected to separate spaces with large sliding doors.  On the plan you'll notice dotted lines that represent the doors and tracks.  We have planned for 3 matching doors that are 5' wide and 6' tall on 10' tracks; one door hides the laundry alcove, one to the close off the office and the closet behind the laundry, and the last door closes the bath but also can close the basement from the rest of the house upstairs creating a lower level suite.  The design intent for the doors is limit the 'hallway effect' by allowing for spaces to blend and flow into one another making the rooms feel larger. The doors will be made of painted wood with translucent panels that will allow light to borrowed from adjacent spaces even when the doors are closed.  Admittedly the are unconventional and experimental.
 

We will share more design drawings of the rest of the house in later posts.  We are also going to share all of the products we have installed  - and why they were selected.  Enjoy.

Bunker Floor Plan