So, you’ve found the perfect location to build your dream home. The only catch… The lot is narrow. It’s not uncommon as the population around Brisbane increases the house lots are becoming smaller. As lifestyles change, the way we live is also changing and while narrow lots can appear to be not ideal, it can work in your favour as you become more creative with the design and aesthetics of the home to work within the site constraints.
While it is true that a narrow lot can come with its own unique challenges, there are plenty of narrow house designs and elements you can incorporate into your home to maximise the potential of the space so it not only looks beautiful but is functional and luxurious as well.
Read on to discover how you can maximise your home's potential with the right narrow house designs perfectly suited to your narrow lot.
Maximise your vertical space
A small or narrow lot means you are limited to how much you can expand out, but this doesn’t mean you can’t expand up and maximise the vertical space you have available. A two storey house design would work well in this scenario and can give you ample space for you and your family to spread out and grow.
Not only can you incorporate two storeys into your narrow house design, but there may be potential to add a rooftop terrace or attic space to increase the home’s footprint even further.
The home’s layout is very important when designing a narrow lot home, but there are plenty of ways you can make smaller spaces feel much bigger than they are. High ceilings and mezzanine levels, for example, can give your home an open and spacious feel. Reconfiguring the layout to allow for more open-plan living can also make your home feel open and airy.
By thinking vertically, you can transform a narrow footprint into a spacious and elegant home that feels anything but cramped.
Consider the layout of the home carefully
When it comes to narrow house designs, careful consideration of the layout is well worth the effort in the end. The beauty of building a custom home is the free range you get with your internal design, and an expert home designer can help you maximise the potential and not only give your home an open and airy feel but also allow your home to flow easily.
With narrow house designs, there is very little room for error with the layout. The key is to make the best use of the amount of space you have available and consider all elements to ensure you are maximising every inch of the home.
It pays to work closely with your custom home builder and building designer around the design stage to make sure the layout and end design of your home is well thought out and works with your family dynamic and lifestyle.
Incorporate storage wherever you can
In the quest to maximise living spaces, storage can be something that is often overlooked or sacrificed in a narrow home design. Storage, however, is something that both you and future owners of the home will be thankful for particularly in narrow homes.
We’d even go as far as saying that storage is crucial for keeping your home clutter-free and maintaining a spacious feel. Even though storage is a functional element of a home, our homes do feel more spacious and high-end when there is plenty of well thought out storage.
Some ways you can incorporate storage into your narrow house design include:
Using custom-designed and custom-built storage solutions. This includes built-in cabinets, shelves and storage benches that work in tight and small spaces.
Hidden and discreet storage solutions such as under-stair storage, hidden cabinets, integrated appliances, bins and hampers.
Utilising the space in the garage and roof cavity to accommodate storage for larger items that aren’t used regularly.
Investing in quality furniture pieces that can be multifunctional or allow for internal storage can help your home maintain an open look and feel.
Maximise natural light in narrow house designs
Windows and skylights are something else to consider carefully when designing your home on a narrow lot. In order to not feel squashed in and to make your home feel much more roomier and airer, carefully placed windows and skylights will help immensely.
Not only consider the placement of your windows and openings but also consider the size. Floor-to-ceiling windows can give the illusion of more space and allow much more light into the home. Large sliding doors can also give your home a sense of space by completely opening up the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
It should also be mentioned that when planning the window and door openings in a home, especially in narrow house designs, the neighbouring lots need to also be taken into consideration. If there are existing houses in place, you want to make sure your windows are not looking directly into your neighbour’s windows or private living areas.
Your builder and building designer will be aware of all the approval requirements and town planning restrictions when it comes to designing your home and can advise you on the best options when it comes to window placement and room configurations within your new home.
Create multifunctional indoor/outdoor spaces
Integrating indoor and outdoor spaces is another key to maximising the space and luxury feel in narrow house designs. Indoor / outdoor living is one of the best ways to add extra living to your home and create spaces that are highly adaptable as your family grows or your lifestyle changes.
By putting thought and consideration into your outdoor space, considering how it will be used primarily and working towards creating a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces, you may find this may end up being one of the main things you love about your home.
There are a wide range of options when it comes to outdoor living and your outdoor space can be designed to easily adapt to the seasons, making it a usable space all year round. This is particularly handy when Brisbane and Queensland offer up some of the best weather no matter what time of year.
Incorporate new products and technology for privacy and quiet enjoyment
Don’t forget to think about technology when it comes to designing your narrow house design. While all the modern gadgets and appliances cannot add extra space to your home, they can give your home that extra quality that adds to the overall sense of luxury.
Modern technology is designed to make our lives easier and this can only enhance your home, regardless of size. Automated gates, doors and lights are just the start of digital integrations that can give your home a luxurious modern feel. Adding security features, timed heating and cooling options, automated blinds and privacy screens can also contribute to the comfort and convenience of your narrow lot home.
Of course, existing products in the market that are proven to enhance your home privacy and soundproofing should also not be overlooked. This includes, but is in no way limited to, insulation, double-glazed windows, solid doors and privacy screening. Adding these elements to your home will not only make your home more comfortable for you and your family, but it will go a long way to good neighbourly relationships.
Consider your design finishes carefully
When space is limited, every detail counts, and incorporating quality fixtures, finishes and materials into the home can make all the difference. Luxurious interior design elements can make a narrow lot home feel sophisticated and high-end.
Consider using classic materials such as timber and natural stone alongside bespoke finishes to elevate the overall aesthetic of the home. Carefully selected fixtures such as tapware and light fittings can also contribute to the style you want to achieve in the home while maintaining a luxurious feel.
An interior designer can be a wise investment when custom-designing a narrow home. Researching carefully the builder you choose to build your home can also help immensely. If you know what look and feel you want in your home, finding a builder who has experience in that style can save time and stress trying to express exactly what you want to achieve.
Finding the right builder to build your narrow house design
Along with the above considerations when it comes to narrow house designs, choosing the right builder can also help to understand local regulations and zoning laws is crucial. Engage an experienced local custom home builder who specialises in narrow lot luxury homes to ensure the vision you have for your home is realised.
Ready to custom-build your dream luxury home or discuss narrow house designs? Get in touch with Line and Form Custom Homes who can provide design advice for narrow lots and help you navigate the entire process to create a stunning, luxurious home tailored to your specific preferences.
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