To me it looks like a wasted space that will be used as a circulation/walk through space. Furniture, if any will be difficult to place.

The solution by your father is heading in the right direction. Better to have it as a space like a bedroom, extra study or activities rooms but yes, actually make it a room so it can take on various uses in the future.

If you don't need the space you could just delete it altogether reduce the house size and save quite a bit of money!

Hi, thanks for the feedback, I did say to my dad that he is heading in the right direction. I can see his point. It's not easy designing a home!

Hi Patricia - the original design provides an open space and because it's really only shared with the kids bedrooms and bathroom, by default it will be a thoroughfare but also act as shared study/activity area that's easily accessible. The recommendation in red, really closes the south end up and I agree with you, creates unnecessary dark hallways. You'll also feel comfortable sharing that space with the kids while they're playing - can do some folding of laundry. Whereas if it's hidden away, it will rarely be used.

allways better to consider the whole house including outside areas rather than small sections, post the rest of the plans to invite suggestions

My 4 kids are all teenagers now, but when they were little we had a rumpus/activity room down a hallway, a bit like in your plan. The toys were kept there but the kids NEVER played there! It was too far from where I was! Young children like to be around their mum and the lego/books/colouring-in stuff/whatever always got dragged to wherever I was - kitchen, office etc!

There is no one size fits all for family houses, but here is what I have observed. The first things you need are a decent sized family bathroom, and a decent sized laundry. Never underestimate the laundry size!
Small children always want to be near you, so a playroom will just be a toy storage room. By the time they get to primary school and start having homework they need to be near you to do it. They also still enjoy being where you are. By the time they start to be more independent their bedrooms will be their sanctuary, so a larger size with plenty of storage will be more useful.
Two living areas is ideal, but not essential. The main one will be where the family gathers to do whatever takes their fancy, where you will find all the toys and activities. Set up some desks for activities/homework etc. The other would be useful for a grown up sanctuary (the good room!!!) - this is the one that is not essential.

So looking at your plan in my opinion, I would ditch the activity area and pay more attention to a bigger bathroom and laundry, and bigger bedrooms if that is an option.

Hi,

Thanks all for the feedback. Certainly agree with making the laundry and family bathroom bigger. The house is already 411 sqm, I'll see if we're within budget once the costings come through. I think I will the use as an office with a desk at the northern wall and come up with a toy storage solution. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks again :)

attached variations for consideration...measurements are only approximate as original floorplan numbers are not easy to read