DESIGN MASTERCLASS

Designing a house with one and a half storeys can be tricky, yet done well, this style of home can offer fantastic living spaces and also overcome certain planning issues

WORDS: NATASHA BRINSMEAD

One-and-a-half-storey houses have so much to offer their owners and can often be the ideal solution for those struggling to overcome strict planning rules. That said, this can be one of the most difficult house styles to get right. Also sometimes referred to as dormer bungalows, these properties usually provide generous living spaces on the ground floor, with bedrooms located in the roof space. They are often created from existing single-storey properties by those seeking extra space without extending outwards.

However, they are also commonly built from scratch and can be both traditional or contemporary in their appearance.

WHY ONE AND A HALF STOREYS?

There are a number of reasons why people might choose to opt for one-and-a-half-storey homes as opposed to two-storey houses or bungalows. Very commonly, the decision is taken due to planning restrictions that limit the height of the house you can build. This might be because local planners are keen that the new building ties in with the scale of surrounding houses or that nearby properties are not overlooked.

Proving that one-and-a-half-storey homes do not have to be traditional in their design, this striking contemporary house has been clad in sealed-seam zinc and cedar and features an unusual sloping roof.

IMAGE: UNIQUE HOMESTAYS

STEPPING OUT Using a dormer with French doors, leading out to a balcony, far left, is a great idea on this style of house — this beautiful design is by Border Oak.

HEAD SPACE If you plan on locating a shower room within the upper storeys, ensure there will be adequate headroom — as shown below.

IMAGE: (FAR RIGHT) JEREMY PHILLIPS

In other cases, bungalow renovation projects mean creating a one-and-a-half-storey home out of the existing building by converting the loft space into habitable space and building in new dormers. This is a great, cost-effective way to extend a bungalow without having to use up garden space.

And, finally, they are also a great option for those looking for a home that will see them into their later years, because most of the rooms are located at ground floor level.

Here are some design considerations to make when building a home with one and a half storeys.

ALLOW FOR LOST STORAGE SPACE

For those considering a dormer bungalow, one of the first things to take into account is how they will overcome the lack of loft storage space.

“In the first instance, think about what you want to store and design for that,” suggests Robert Wilson, architect at Granit. “If every inch matters, think about pull-out shoe racks, pull-up bike storage, slide-out drying racks, drawers under steps and under-kitchen plinths.