Efficient design and layouts for smaller houses

Small houses can feel much larger when equipped with a thoughtful design and layout. Opening up the limited space and adding flexible elements that allow for comfortable group gatherings and function 
is essential. Thinking of the spaces in volumes and materials as opposed to square footage, makes for efficient design. Additional attention to exterior design proportions and visual focal points help create a small house design that can easily compete with its larger counterparts.

Establish flex spaces and eliminate frivolous space
Flex spaces are rooms that can be used for more than one purpose to save space. An office or study can easily double as a guest room when designed properly. Incorporating a large shared open area at the heart of the layout also allows for eliminating rarely used square footage interspersed throughout that space. This multi-purpose area, featuring the kitchen, dining room and living room, becomes the central gathering area. This approach eliminates formal space you would rarely use in favor of areas that transform into the room you need at a moment’s notice.

Pay attention to the details
Designers must pay close attention to sight lines and volumes to create a space that feels large without a huge footprint. Strategically placed windows and ceiling heights help designers create these innovative sight lines to fill out the space.

Windows
When creating small homes, the placement of windows becomes an art form. Designers focus on creating a window rhythm that speaks about the home’s purpose and aesthetics. The windows must open up the sight lines while improving the exterior design in measurable ways. When placing windows, designers must also pay close attention to how light and heat from the sun enter the home.

Light fixtures
Light fixtures work magic to brighten up a particular area of the house, or create ambience in others. Bright spaces feel larger than dimly lit spaces. Lighting is crucially important to how a space “feels”.

Construction material selection
With the design of a smaller home, more thought and research can be assigned to the acquisition and installation of high-quality materials. Since your home will have a smaller footprint, the countertops, flooring and other materials made of the finest materials and craftsmanship will give the small space a high quality feel .

With the right approach, a small home can easily outperform houses many times its size – and contain better materials and design elements. If you would like to learn more about designing and building an efficient small home,  download and enjoy our eBook   about building the right custom home to suit your needs.

Ready to start designing your new custom home? Reach out to a Project Director to schedule a Complimentary Consultation.