From poky to wow!  We’ll show you how to get the most from building on a narrow block – to turn your home into more than you ever thought possible.

A narrow block where it is much longer than it is wider at street frontage, usually means the house will be long and narrow.  A long house while not bad, means it will be a long dark hall with rooms off the hall – think hotels.  Not exactly conducive for modern, family living.  You can do so much better.  We’ll show you how.

A narrow width, is harder to design but remember, it’s not impossible.  In fact, with some careful thought to design and making use of the positives of your block, you sure can have the dream custom home.

Things to look out for when building on a narrow block

Let’s begin your design process by considering some of the elements inherent with a narrow block and those that need attention during the planning stages –

• Privacy

A narrow block most often comes with neighbouring properties looking over parts of your property.  When designing pay attention to where you place living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms.  The placement of windows, and landscaping can certainly overcome these issues.

• Flow

Bad design can make the home feel like a dark long cave.   Many builders will say open plan is the best and yes, generally open plan is great but careful consideration of the flow of traffic is warranted.  While it may be tempting to plan an open plan house, pay attention to the flow of traffic through the room and the house.  If people will be walking through the middle of your family room, it may limit the useable space you have available.

• Light

Getting natural light with neighbours close by, needs careful consideration and good design.  Look at high ceilings, high windows or sky lights, to bring in more light or if privacy is a concern.

• Garage

To open the frontage and give you more space for garaging, you can design a garden path down the side of the block, which leads to your front door and large foyer.  Inset one of the double garages to soften the abruptness of double garage doors.

Alternatively, you can consider tandem parking which gives you more internal space or if your block has access at the back or is on a corner this can be used for parking.

What are your building regulations for a narrow block?

The next step we recommend is to check the building regulations to work out your building zone on the block.

Draw up these elements –

• Setback from each boundary

look at how close you can build to the boundary – front, sides and back – to determine the house footprint.  It doesn’t necessarily mean you will use it all but gives you the space from which you can plan your custom home.

• Building height and number of storeys

Can you have an extra high roofline?  Can you build two storeys to add more space?

• Percentage of the land you can build on

Also called, floor space ratio (FSR), gives you the percentage of land you are permitted to build on.  Look at what is classified as inclusions and exclusions, as each council has different considerations.

• Neighbour impact

Check the requirements around privacy, amenity, light and views from neighbouring properties.

• Parking provisions

These include access, the required number of car parking spaces, and their location on your property.

Always consult with your architect.  Communicate with them exactly what you would love, like and the non-negotiable elements of your new home, so he can incorporate as many as possible in the design.  Remember, building will always have an element of compromise.  If you are specific with your needs and wants you CAN get the house of your dreams.

Designing a custom home for a narrow block

We’ll show you how.  Consider these design elements to open a narrow block.

1. Courtyard

This is a popular feature and rightly so. A courtyard helps to break up a long house, plus it creates a beautiful view from several rooms.  It brings in natural light and fresh air and can provide some privacy to the rooms from neighbouring properties.

The courtyard works well off the main living areas as it blurs the lines to nature.  You can also have a courtyard off a bathroom or main bedroom but keep an eye on privacy.

Make them big, or small, close them in or open at the top, play around with the space to create your little oasis of relaxation.

2. Freestanding staircase

If you are building a second storey, a freestanding staircase will add light and curiosity to a long dark hall and create more open space.

Use open treads, and glass balustrades to give the feeling of floating and lightness to the staircase.

3. Voids

Voids are a great way to break up boxes, straight walls and long passageways. Even something simple like light boxes within walls can make such a difference.  This is where an architect can use his skill and creativity to truly add attention, change the mood of the rooms and open the space when land is limited.  Look up and take your voids to a new level or incorporate some clever design space to create nooks, storage and purpose use spaces.

3. High ceilings

Higher ceilings will always give a room a grand appearance. Not only that, allow you to install larger windows to bring in more light – double bonus!

3. Landscaping

Incorporate some clever landscaping to help you break up long sections of the house or to use for extra privacy if you were not able to overcome it through the design. Go beyond plants and shrubs, look at beautiful timber divides, water features, and paving to add extra interest to spaces.

Our friends over at James Hardie have some great suggestions for using their cladding when building on a narrow block.

Have we given you enough design ideas to get you thinking about building your beautiful new custom home on a narrow block?  If you need help, we are only a call away.  Our team of architects, builders and designers are happy to help!

Call the SBR team on 1300 676 166 or contact us here.