As land becomes more expensive and the desire for low-maintenance properties grows, blocks are getting smaller. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t have the home of your dreams.
In fact, you can have a practical and stylish home for less.
At Vision Homes, we’re masters of helping you make the most of your block, no matter how big the challenges. Here are our top design tips for maximising space on small blocks to create the home you’ve always dreamed of.
Small Blocks Require Innovative Design Choices
From boundary setbacks to neighbour impact and vehicle access, there are a lot of things to consider when building on a small or narrow block of land.
On a large lot, you can place and orientate the home how you like and have flexibility in the materials you use.
However, smaller blocks require innovative solutions to minimise wasted space, maintain privacy and provide a fully functional home.
It Starts With A Smart Layout
Great architecture can combat the challenges of a small lot. You don’t have to compromise on style or functionality by designing the home to suit the block’s unique features. The floor plan is an essential part of the puzzle.
On a small block of land, the tactical arrangement of rooms is key to fitting everything in. A home that embraces open-plan living and multi-functional spaces will flow well and feel more spacious.
The most popular way to do this is to design the kitchen to overlook the living room and dining space. A connection to outside space can also help to give the impression of more space within your property.
Use Vertical Space To Your Advantage
An obvious way to use vertical space on a small block is to maximise the home’s footprint by building a multi-storey home. However, there are other tricks to employ to use vertical space to your advantage.
High or raked ceilings make a home feel bigger and more luxurious. High ceilings draw the eye up and can help natural light penetrate rooms, making the space light and airy.
Large windows don’t take up any extra space either and they can help to enhance the feeling of spaciousness within a home.
If you have enough vertical space, you might even consider incorporating a loft bedroom or office mezzanine to create extra rooms.
Extend Your Living Space Outside
Open-plan living that seamlessly blends interior and exterior spaces will increase your home’s feeling of openness and functionality.
Tip: Find a way to have a view of the backyard from your inside living space.
While you may have only a small outdoor space to work with, don’t underestimate the power of landscaping. Even a small-scale garden or green space to escape to, such as a courtyard, balcony, or rooftop garden, can boost wellness and peace among a home’s occupants.
Get creative with your landscaping solutions. You could even try using a vertical garden to beautify the limited garden space.
Fit Storage Everywhere You Can
You can’t afford to waste any space on a small block. Space-saving storage solutions and less clutter are a must.
Be clever about using every inch of your compact home by thinking about storage during the planning and construction phase.
Build-in furniture with hidden storage, such as a bench seat in the entry or dining area. Use areas of the home that may normally go unused, such as under the stairs or by installing niches between wall studs.
In the kitchen, choose drawers over doors where possible and, in the living and dining areas, buy modular furniture that can change rooms or function as required.
Let There Be (Natural) Light
House designs that select the right types of windows and doors help a home on a small block feel bigger while still maintaining the privacy of occupants.
Clerestory windows allow natural light to flow into your space without affecting the privacy of a room. Because they are set well above eye level, they also deliver sunlight deeper into rooms than normal windows.
Glass doors or those with glass inserts can light up hallways and other naturally dark spaces, while louvres can capture cross breezes that also help cut the cost of energy bills.
Combined with neutral colour schemes and surfaces that bounce light around a room, using natural light is an easy way to help a home feel larger.
We Believe Big Things Come In Small Packages
Building a home on a small block of land can bring many lifestyle benefits and cost savings. And just because the lot is small or narrow, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on space or privacy.
At Vision Homes, we can help you thoughtfully create a home that’s just right for your block of land and everyday family living without having to sacrifice anything on your wishlist. The biggest difference between us and other small block builders? It’s our fixed price guarantee! You’ll know exactly how much your home is going to cost to build with fixed site costs and no hidden surprises.
Whether you’re building in the Hunter Valley, Central Coast or Newcastle, Vision Homes can deliver you a high-end home with quality finishes. Call us on (02) 4934 6666 to get started on your small-block build today!