Single-Story Floor Planning
I have one story to tell…
…the story of the bungalow.
Bad pun? Certainly, but this blog post is dedicated to living in and designing a bungalow.
Before you dismiss bungalows take a look at Australian and American design, maybe you’ve stayed in a single-story holiday home there where they are very common. Single story living improved my life (I became so much more efficient at day time napping and washing). If you have a bungalow and you want to get to grips with changing the layout then this blog is for you. Also, if you’re house hunting, you should give this a read and perhaps widen your criteria to include bungalows.
I’ve openly written about the reluctance I had to buying my first bungalow on Chestnut Close, I’d wrongly stereotyped bungalows with old people and pictured dated décor and really didn’t think the bungalow life was for me. I was very wrong and quickly identified the advantages.
I was inspired by Australian design and became committed to creating a home that made me feel like I was on holiday. After two years living in a bungalow, I didn’t think I’d ever want to have a second story, so much so that when we started our house hunt in Cornwall we predominantly looked for bungalows.
Advantages of Living in a Bungalow
1. Often the plots are very generous, this gives good scope for extending without too much compromise on the outdoor space. If you can extend width ways, rather than making a deeper house, you can maximise on light. Deep floor plans can be very dark in the centre.
2. With a large plot you often find more space between properties and therefore more privacy from not overlooking your neighbours.
3. Having access and views to the garden can improve enjoyment of your outdoor space whilst making the rooms feel larger and benefitting your mental health.
4. Many people have purchased bungalows and added a second story, therefore the number of true bungalows on the market has decreased, and fewer builders are choosing to build them. The National House Building Council reported that only 2,210 bungalows were built in 2016 compared to 26,406 in 1986. However, as an aging population, there is still a demand for accessible living. This is a huge advantage for resale and can make a bungalow a sensible investment.
5. The identity of a room can change very easily. As every room is ‘downstairs’ what once was a bedroom can easily become a snug simply by changing the furniture.
6. The absence of stairs can mean that a bungalow could be your forever home as it suits your lifestyle as you age. Also, no more hoovering of stairs is a win, surely?!
7. As there’s no ‘upstairs’ rooms this gives you more options when it comes to pitched and vaulted ceilings (which by the way make a room feel very light and spacious), as well as sky lights, Velux windows and roof lanterns. Ultimately bringing in even more light.
8. Guttering, windows, and the roof are easier to access and can make maintenance simpler and cheaper; particularly if you can manage these tasks yourself.
9. Open plan living is here to stay and can be more achievable in a single-story property as there are fewer supporting walls, you don’t need to use the property the same way as a previous owner.
10. Areas with bungalows attract an older demographic, therefore neighbours are sometimes quieter and have fewer cars. There’s usually someone around to take in any parcels if you’re out too!
Now some tips on transforming one of these treasures. If you haven’t read my blog on how to start designing your home have a look there for general tips, particularly on making the most of light and existing views.
Rethinking your Floor Plan
· Start by drawing the footprint of your house, include all external walls, doors, and windows. This doesn’t need to be perfect; a rough sketch initially will be fine. Don’t include any internal walls, start with an empty shell.
· With another colour identify available space for extending, don’t forget the sides!
· Now considering the existing building and available space to extend ask yourself the following questions, think about your ideal situation, your lifestyle now and what you might need from your home in the future.
1. Where on the plot can you get the best views and access to the garden? Identify this and use it as a starting point for design.
2. From which rooms do you want to have access to the garden? For example, if you identify the kitchen and the lounge this might determine these rooms are in the back of the house.
3. Where would you ideally place the kitchen? Do you want to be able to nip to a kitchen garden for produce? Do you eat outside a lot so want quick access to the garden?
4. Are there any dark spots? Would these be best places for bathrooms and bedrooms? Or a cosy snug? Rooms that would be dark when you use them anyway.
5. If you’re having an open plan kitchen/living/diner how will you prevent cooking smells spreading to bedrooms? Will there be a small access corridor, or will the cooker be as far as possible away from the sleeping areas?
6. Is a hall required? Can you reduce unnecessary corridors? Do you need this space to get from one room to another or can you have access from your living space and have more room for ‘activities’?
7. How many bedrooms do you need for the people who live in your home? Remember these can be cleverly furnished or easily changed.
8. How many guest rooms do you need? Or can you have clever furniture for the few occasions you do have guests?
9. Where would a bathroom, or ensuite be best placed? Don’t forget the space efficient Jack and Jill bedroom option.
10. Do you need an office? Could you have a flexibly furnished room that’s a snug and an office? Or a guest room and an office? Or all three!
11. Now you’ve identified what you need to include place these rooms roughly on your footprint plan.
12. To bring to life your new single-story dream home start meeting architects and sharing your brief, they will no doubt have additional ideas and contributions to make the most of your plot.
Below are a few links for inspiration:
https://www.homify.co.uk/ideabooks/127133/brilliant-bungalow-designs-that-might-surprise-you
My key piece of advice on this topic is do not underestimate the joy you can have from accessing the garden so easily, your garden is an extension of your home and can be made even more incredible when connected to your most used rooms. In our last bungalow we prioritised garden views and access from the master bedroom and kitchen, these initial decisions determined the whole floor plan. It was idyllic waking up and being able to look straight out to the garden, a very calming way to start the day.
If you're having a bungalow design dilemma drop me an email, I'm team bungalow all the way and will be so happy to help you!
Charlotte
