Narrow blocks are becoming increasingly common in major Australian cities. Sometimes narrow blocks are a result of a subdivision of an existing lot. Sometimes developers create smaller parcels of developed land, with some as small as 10m wide. Clever narrow block house designs should make use of light and room placement to get the best use of your square metres, speak to your builder on your next visit and incorporate these tips to make your new pad look bigger.
1. Open Plan Living
We cannot stress how important this is for narrow block designs. Typically comprised of kitchen, living and dining room, the absence of internal walls allows more light to enter the house. Maximise the open area by choosing a floor plan that opens up onto an alfresco, and you will have a perfect social space for family and entertainment.
2. Light-Filled Designs
The more natural light you can invite into your house, the more spacious it will feel. Narrow homes can feel dark and gloomy when it is built tight against the fence line. Integrate additional windows for lots of natural light, especially the north-facing side of your home. If privacy becomes a concern, you can always install transparent window coverings after the build. Skylights and highlight windows are for letting the light in, making any room feel instantly bigger and brighter.
- Tip: Choose a neutral or off-white palette that reflects light to keep your living area spacious and inviting.
3. High Ceilings
Opt for ceilings 2.7m or higher if possible, and even a small room will look way larger due to the vertical space. Skillion roofs are ideal if you can stretch your budget.
If you are building a double-storey home, consider voids above your living area or kitchen. Not only do you create an instant wow factor, but it also gives you that awesome bright, airy feel to the room.
4. Eliminate Underutilised Space
A hallway is a prime example of wasted space in a narrow block home. Although an open floor plan helps to keep walkways to a minimum, they are usually inevitable in narrow blocks. The best way to optimise this space is to have it against the outside wall of the house so that you can install massive windows or fixed glass panels along the length of the hallway. Plant some hardy and luscious plants (such as Ficus elastic or prickly pear) outside and you will have an ever-changing piece of art by bringing the outdoors in.
- Tip: Install cavity sliding doors rather than a traditional door that opens in and out – they will keep the hallway open and clean.
Be realistic with how many rooms you need. The more rooms you put in a narrow block design, the longer the house becomes or the smaller the rooms get. If you are unlikely to be using that formal lounge or media room at least once a month, either ditch it altogether or consider having a multi-purpose room instead.
- Tip: If you want to have more than three bedrooms, it’s best to go for a double-storey design.
5. Garage Space for Narrow Block
There are different ways you can tackle the limited frontage on a narrow block. One option is to design your entrance on the side of the house, where you have a garden leading your visitors to the entrance and allows you more room to create a grand entryway.
Tandem garage provides greater street frontage, and to an extent more internal space to play with. This is best suited to those who use one car more than the other. Alternatively, you can go for a rear garage if you’ve got a corner block or two street access, with the added benefit of kerb appeal.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Buying Vacant Land
There are many creative ways to make a narrow block work for a growing family. Look out for coffee tables and ottomans that double as storage inside, or couches that double as a sofa bed. Install a vertical garden if you’ve been dreaming of your veggie patch. Be mindful that build costs can creep up when you start to customise the design, so speak to your builder on economical ways to make the most out of your block.
Narrow Block House Designs in Victoria
Narrow Block House Designs in New South Wales
Narrow Block House Designs in Queensland
Narrow Block House Designs in Western Australia
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Zoe Langenberg
Zoe is passionate about coffee and interior design. You can find her most weekends exploring an art gallery or devouring a good book.
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