The process of grouping related activity areas in your home by function for convenience, comfort and compatibility is called residential zoning. Each zone of the house functions as a unit and requires specific activity areas to be placed in close relative proximity. As an illustration, you may wish to separate the master bedroom, bath and study from the children's bedrooms and playroom to provide privacy and acoustical independence. Thus, the master bedroom suite and children's living quarters would be designated as separate "zones" of the proposed plan.

      From a physical planning standpoint, the first step in zoning a residence is to review the building program and group

spaces having related activities. For example, there is a strong relationship between the garage or carport and the kitchen. All groceries and supplies for the home generally arrive by automobile and