Ancillary area
An ancillary area of a building is an area that supports the function/s of the primary areas, that is, it is not part of the primary purpose of the building, but is required in order that the primary purpose can function.
Examples of ancillary areas include:
- Plant rooms.
- Cleaners’ rooms.
- ICT rooms.
- Building services rooms.
- Storage rooms.
- Circulation spaces.
In shared buildings, an ancillary area might support more than one occupant, e.g. a shared kitchen, meeting spaces, utility areas, and so on.
In residential buildings, ancillary areas include spaces which do not form part of the main dwelling directly, but nonetheless add some useful value, e.g. patio area, office, garage, conservatory, porch, utility room, and so on.
NB Planning Gateway One – Glossary, published on the Planning Portal, defines ancillary accommodation as: ‘Rooms or spaces in a building used to support the residential use, such as refuse stores, cycle stores, plant rooms and storerooms.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February