An atrium in a house typically occupies the central part of the house, rising through several floors, often featuring a glass roof or skylight. It brings natural light, air, and openness into the interior. It must look enchanting as it is the first significant portion of the house or building people see. You might be one of the individuals who struggle with designing one.
This article will explore how to design an atrium floor plan and discuss its key characteristics.
Steps to make an atrium floor plan
Step1
Download EdrawMax desktop version and sign up with your email to get started.
You can easily download EdrawMax on Mac, Windows, or Linux.
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Step2 Open Blank Canvas for Floor Plan
Once you sign up and open EdrawMax, click on the New button in the top left corner.
Click on the Floor Plan option to open a blank canvas, specifically for making floor plans.
Step3 Add Exterior Walls
You will see a different symbol library on the left side of the screen. Click on the Wall Shell and Structure library.
Drag the “room” wall on the canvas. We will make the exterior walls using this symbol.
You can easily enable dimensions by clicking on the walls > Settings > Show all dimensions.
You can easily fix the walls into the canvas by right mouse click on the canvas > Fit to Drawing.
Step4 Draw Interior Rooms and Atrium
We are designing an atrium with three rooms, a kitchen, and attached baths. Choose walls from the library and make your rooms.
We need to make more symbols in our library to drag them on our diagram. Select More Symbols > Floor Plan > Tick the ones you need.
We have bedrooms, bathrooms, a garden, a kitchen, carpet, and tables in our library.
Step5 Add Doors and Windows
In the atrium area, we will add large windows and sliding doors to make it attractive and eye-catching.
There are different types of doors in the library. Choose the one you prefer and take advice from the engineers.
Step6 Add Labels
Adding labels on the atrium floor plan will help designers and you to collaborate when executing the plan.
Choose the Text option from the taskbar and add labels for the rooms.
Step7 Export and Share the Diagram
If you think you have designed the atrium floor plan and want to share it for execution, click on the Export icon in the top left corner and export the file in different formats such as PDF, Word, PNG, JPG, PPT, Excel, and Visio.
Click on the Share button in the top right corner and share the file link. This will allow others to view the file and edit it before the procedure.
Characteristics of an Atrium Floor Plan
Designing an atrium is like bringing a piece of the sky inside your home. But before you dive into creating one, it's essential to understand what makes an atrium floor plan truly stand out. Below are the defining characteristics that make an atrium space both functional and impactful, as well as beautiful.
Centralized Open Space
An atrium is typically located at the heart of the building. It serves as a central hub, allowing the rest of the rooms to flow around it. This open space gives your house a luxurious and expansive feel, even if the actual square footage is modest.
Multi-Level Vertical Volume
One of the most enchanting elements of an atrium is its height. It often spans two or more stories, offering a visual connection between floors and making the house feel airy and connected. It’s also what makes the atrium one of the most eye-catching parts of the home.
Glass Roof or Skylight
Natural light is a major player in an atrium. A glass roof or large skylight sits at the top, flooding the space with daylight. This not only saves energy but also makes the interior feel more vibrant and alive.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Feel
Because of the large windows and sometimes even indoor gardens or fountains, an atrium blurs the line between the inside and the outside. It creates a soothing environment, ideal for relaxation or entertaining guests.
High Visual Impact
The atrium is often the first major space visitors see when they enter a home. That’s why it's designed to leave a lasting impression. From elegant staircases to statement plants or sculptures, every element is chosen to elevate the aesthetic value.
Natural Ventilation and Airflow
Thanks to its open design and vertical orientation, the atrium supports better airflow and natural ventilation throughout the house. This helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment and reduces reliance on HVAC systems.
EdrawMax – Free Floor Plan Maker
Creating an atrium floor plan requires thoughtful planning, especially when aiming to capture the ideal balance of natural light, architectural flow, and visual appeal. However, the right tool makes it easy and time-saving. That’s where EdrawMax plays a vital role.
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Expansive Template & Symbol Library
With over 15,000 pre-made templates and 26,000+ symbols, EdrawMax enables you to create a detailed and customized atrium layout with ease. Whether your design includes skylights, open corridors, or indoor gardens, you’ll find exactly what you need to bring your ideas to life.
Real-Time Collaboration
Atrium planning often involves architects, interior designers, and homeowners. EdrawMax offers a collaborative workspace where everyone can contribute simultaneously, making teamwork seamless and organized from the outset.
AI-Powered Smart Tools
Let EdrawMax’s built-in AI assistant handle the heavy lifting. It can auto-generate structural components, suggest design enhancements, and even add labels and annotations—saving you time while ensuring accuracy.
Versatile Export Options
Once your atrium floor plan is ready, you can export it in various formats, such as PDF, PNG, Word, Excel, Visio, or PowerPoint. This makes it easy to present your design to clients, team members, or contractors.
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