Whether you’re restricted by planning rules or simply want a futureproofed house on one level, creating a single-storey home offers a raft of unique design opportunities, as these properties demonstrate
Turnkey project
The design of this home in East Renfrewshire was largely driven by local planning guidelines —the owners knew it would be more straightforward to get permission to build if they limited the house to a single storey. The owners, Daryl and Heather, loved the classic-style homes designed by The Wee House Company. “The entire floorplan is so well thought out,” says Heather. “The openness of the living and dining space is amazing.”
The traditional aesthetic of the house complements the rural location perfectly. “We worked closely with Daryl and Heather to design a home that would work with them as their first home, with a layout that would work in the future, when the number of occupants increases,” says Lynsey Young from The Wee House Company. Maximising the footprint of the house was essential, so some of the rooms can double up to serve different purposes as Daryl and Heather’s requirements evolve. Incorporating plenty of built-in storage was also vital. The project was delivered as part of a full turnkey package, for a fixed cost.
Contemporary creation
Edgley Design crafted the plans for this striking single-storey home, which replaces a cluster of garages that previously occupied the site. The house was designed for artists Kati and Nigel to incorporate one bedroom, a spacious open-plan living area, an artist’s studio and a garden.
The design evolved from Kati and Nigel’s decision to retain a lime, birch and plum tree already growing on the site, forming three distinct garden zones that would each become a focal point for the property.
The house is set back slightly from the street to establish a sense of privacy for Kati and Nigel. A pitched roof sits in the middle, introducing a sense of drama to the design, as well as adding scale to the internal living spaces.
The striking, asymmetric form of the house creates a contemporary feel, which is beautifully balanced by the use of traditional brickwork that mirrors the local Victorian housing stock.
Striking timber frame
Local planning policy dictated the height of this striking bungalow in Kent. “The owners, Paul and Pat, were initially averse to building a bungalow,” says John Wilkinson, senior architectural designer at Scandia-Hus. However, it was soon agreed that a single-storey home would maximise the footprint of the house by doing away with the need for superfluous stairs and hallways. “With the client’s input, a beautiful bespoke bungalow with an unusual roof design and high ceilings t
