When it comes to designing a kitchen, Australian standards for kitchen design and installation are essential to adhere to. All the kitchen construction and design requirements in Australia must adhere to a strict code of conduct called the Building Code of Australia (BCA) Kitchens. The Australian government also sets out the National Construction Code (NCC) for kitchens. The Building Code of Australia states that minimum kitchen design and installation standards must meet certain requirements to ensure they are safe, comfortable and at the same time aesthetically pleasing. But what are the actual kitchen design standards specified by the Building Code of Australia? The Australian Standard AS 4386-1994 is the main governing document that sets out specific guidelines on the design, construction, and installation of kitchens in Australia. Guidelines state that all kitchen designs should include adequate space for work surfaces, cooking, and storage needs.Australian Standards for Kitchen Design and Installation
Australian Standards for Kitchen Design and Installation
The BCA also has a set of Building Code for Kitchens, which provides guidance on the best kitchen design and layout principles. The layout of the kitchen must include cooking and baking areas, storage space, preparation space, and work surfaces. The layout of the kitchen should ensure efficient and comfortable movements within the kitchen, and must also take into account potential hazards that may be caused by improper design and placement of kitchen appliances. IKEA also provides kitchen design standards in Australia for their kitchen designs. These standards ensure that IKEA kitchens are designed with efficiency in mind. The company defines and sets the standard for its kitchen designs with regards to accessibility, lighting, durability, and other standards that influence its products.Kitchen Design and Layout Guidelines
Kitchen Design Standards
The Australian Standard AS3610-2011 is another must-read document on kitchen design and construction standards in Australia. This standard provides detailed guidance on the building-related requirements of kitchen designs and construction in the country. It includes an outline of construction requirements for kitchen cabinets, kitchen appliances, bench tops, lighting, and storage areas. The standard also provides information on kitchen ventilation, and the different illuminance levels that should be adequate to ensure efficient working conditions. Design Phase Accreditation Kitchens: Australian Standard AS 4386-2015 is another essential guidebook for kitchen designs in Australia. It sets out the guidelines on how to build a kitchen such that it is safe for use and compliant with the Building Code of Australia. The guidebook also provides information on the use of safe materials and sustainable products in kitchen design and construction.Kitchen Design and Construction Standards in Australia
Building Code of Australia (BCA) - Kitchens
The primary document for kitchen design in Australia is the Primary Kitchen Design Australian Standards. This standard provides comprehensive guidance on the layout and dimensions of kitchen designs, as well as the use of ergonomic principles in the design and building of kitchens. The standard also sets out guidelines on how to assess the energy efficiency of kitchen designs and provides detailed guidance on the types of materials and products to use in kitchen designs.Guide to Designing Your Kitchen
Kitchen Design Standards: Australian AS 4386-1994
Along with the Australian Standards, there are also Standards and Regulations for Kitchen Design that must be adhered to. These standards include guidelines for the design and construction of the kitchen ceiling, walls, doors, windows, and other elements of the kitchen. The standards and regulations also provide guidance on the types of appliances suitable for kitchen designs, the placement of kitchen cabinets, and the type of cooking equipment to use in the kitchen.Kitchen Design Checklists and Standards
National Construction Code (NCC) For Kitchens
When it comes to kitchen safety, Australian standards for kitchen design and installation should always be taken into consideration. The Australian Government states that all kitchen designs must meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which includes adequate lighting, ventilation, and fire extinguishing systems as part of the kitchen design. The standard also states that smoke alarms, fire blankets, and fire extinguishers must be installed in the kitchen. Furthermore, appliances must be placed in appropriate locations, and all electrical equipment must be correctly tested and maintained to ensure it is safe to use.Safety in the Home - Kitchen Design & Safety Standards
The Australian Government and Kitchen Design
Complying with the Australian Standards for Kitchen Design
Australians have many safety standards to comply with when renovating or building a kitchen. These standards and regulations ensure that the kitchen is safe and compliant with local building codes.
Kitchen design Australian standards
specify a number of key elements to make sure that your kitchen is up to code.
Australian Stove Guidelines
According to specific
kitchen design Australian Standards
, for all cooktops and stoves, the space between the stove and the wall opposite must be at least 1.2 meters. For gas stoves, there must be at least 1.5 meters of space between the stove and the wall, and any flues must be at least 300mm from any combustible material.
Heights of Kitchen Cabinets, Sinks, Doors, and Benches
Australian Standards for kitchen design
also mandate that cabinetry, benchtops, kitchen doors, and drawers must be at a specific height off the ground. This is to ensure safety and accessibility. For wall cabinets, the heights should be no less than 600mm, and no more than 900mm. The maximum height for sinks, doors, and benches is 850mm, and the minimum height is 600mm.
Designs for Benchtops and Constructions
Kitchen benchtops also need to comply with the specific
kitchen standards and regulations in Australia
. For thickness, benchtops must be no thinner than 19mm, and there must be at least 25mm of thickness between adjoining benchtops. All benchtops must not have any sharp or hazardous edges, and all surfaces must be completely level.
Kitchen Ventilation System
And lastly,
kitchen design standards in Australia
require that all kitchens have an adequate ventilation system installed. Kitchen exhaust fans must be placed in designated areas, and carbon monoxide levels must be regularly monitored to ensure safety.
Overall, adhering to kitchen design Australian standards is an important task, and is an essential consideration when renovating or building a kitchen. Following the building guidelines and regulations in place will ensure that a safe and comfortable kitchen is built.
