When you design a composition, you need to pay attention to what is called the “ergonomic triangle”. The three focal points of the kitchen (fridge, sink and hob) must be arranged so that when the elements are “joined together” they create a shape that is as close to a triangle as possible. If you have a linear model, it is difficult to stick to this rule; the right solution is to put the sink in the middle with the fridge on one side and the sink on the other.

Normally, wall units are mounted at between 50 and 60 cm above the work surface. This measurement, however, needs to be made in proportion to the height of the base units; the higher the base units, the shorter the distance between them and the wall units to have an ergonomic kitchen.

The standard height is 267/270 cm, but various modules exist that allow greater heights and development of the kitchen layout from the floor to the ceiling.

The standard height of a LUBE work surface is 61 cm and the distance from the wall unit bottom is 56 cm. These measurements allow a user of average height to have a clear view of the work area (worktop and back) and the storage space in the overhead wall units.

The plinth of a kitchen can be 6cm, 10 cm, 12 cm or 15 cm. This height corresponds to the height of the feet of the kitchen base units. If the composition is used by disabled people, you need to design for a plinth of 20 cm, so as to allow space for wheelchair footrests.

For a design that focuses on the needs of disabled people, you need to take account of the following:

• the space under the work surface needs to be free;
• the wall units and dish rack need to be arranged so that they are easy to reach;
• the sink must be wide but not very deep;
• induction hotplates are preferable to traditional gas rings;
• appliances need to be placed so that they can also be used by people who are seated;
• pull-out baskets are more convenient because they make it easy to see their contents;
• doors with folded or upward opening are preferable and are even better, if fitted with electric opening systems.

It is a good idea to install the wall units at 45-50 cm above the work surface, fitting them with shelves that can be lowered electrically to bring them down to the height of the worktop. The door must have a 180° opening so as to provide a clear view of everything inside the kitchen unit.