What to consider when building on a narrow lot
As our cities become more populated, narrow blocks are becoming increasingly popular. If you find yourself building on a smaller piece of land, it’s essential to create a home design that takes full advantage of your block, making the most of every single centimetre, while maximising value.
Here are our five top things to consider.
1. Natural light
Narrow homes can be dark, so it’s important to incorporate natural light throughout the property. Install as many windows as possible, especially on the north-facing side, to flood your home with sunlight during the day. You could also opt for skylights in internal spaces like bathrooms.
All of these design features will allow your home to feel light, bright, open and spacious. However, the benefits don’t end there – an emphasis on natural light also reduces your reliance on artificial lighting, thereby reducing your energy bills. It also encourages ventilation, ensuring your home never feels cramped or stale.
2. Access
At some narrow sites, site access can be more difficult. If this is the case, it may incur an additional cost that you will have to consider in your budget and timelines. You’ll also need to take into account your neighbours and address any concerns they may have before you start construction. A design and construct service can address this earlier in the process, ensuring both of these elements are considered from the start.
3. Neutral colour scheme
There’s no point in emphasising natural light if the colour scheme you choose doesn’t encourage this. Therefore, opt for a palette of white, grey or blue/green, each of which will reflect light and create the illusion of a bigger space. Paired with different textures, or pops of colour in temporary furnishings and finishes, you can create a visually interesting home while also maintaining a sense of spaciousness.
4. Maximise storage
With limited space, it’s important you take advantage of every possible metre. Design flexible spaces that can be used for more than one purpose – for example, instead of having a separate study, could you integrate a nook under the stairs or in your kitchen?
Built-in storage should also be a priority, with every conceivable space used effectively. This extends beyond bedrooms – cupboards behind mirrors in bathrooms; floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and under-bed drawers can all be installed to introduce additional storage solutions.
5. Open plan living
There’s no room for pokey spaces in a compact home. A house on a narrow block needs to flow from one space to another, visually increasing the length and size of each area. This will also encourage the flow of natural light, as it won’t meet any obstacles along the way. Bi-fold doors are a great way to open up your living space further, providing a seamless transition from the indoors to the outdoors, while also allowing light in.
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Should you be looking to build on a narrow block, it’s important to partner with a builder that has experience in this area. At Adam Mason Homes we understand the constraints of building on narrow lots and have processes in place to overcome these for a smooth construction process.