Single Storey House Design

ABOVE: On the right plot – and with the right designer – the single storey form can provide perfect living accommodation and still make a fine architectural statement.

You hear more about bungalows being demolished and replaced than being built anew these days. There is, however, most definitely still a place for the bungalow, both in its traditional and contemporary incarnation — indeed, some of the most exciting and innovative new homes of recent years have taken a low-rise, single storey form, full of light-filled spaces with tall ceilings and easy access from all rooms onto outdoor decks and gardens.

Single storey homes present their own specific challenges for designers. In particular, once a bungalow becomes more than one or two rooms deep and wide, it becomes increasingly difficult to ensure that all spaces have sufficient natural light and space-efficient access. The simple solution appears to be to design a long, thin floorplan that is only one, or at most two rooms deep, with lots of windows; but the challenge then quickly becomes one of providing access to each room via anything other than a windowless central corridor. Unless these fundamental design challenges are clearly understood, and appropriate design solutions found to overcome them, the result can be grim and impractical — and very expensive to put right.

The rise and fall of the bungalow

It is ironic that the bungalow is now considered dated, suitable only for the elderly, the infirm, or the wrecking ball, because it started out as a phenomenon — an exciting new building form that swept the country and much of the world from the late 19th century through to the 1930s.

The concept of a less formal style of house with a free-flowing floorplan, and easy access onto gardens, verandas and terraces captured the imagination of a population ready to throw off the stifling conformity of the Victorian era.

Early bungalows were typically built by wealthy middle-class families, often by the sea as holiday homes or weekend retreats, and the style quickly became synonymous with a carefree lifestyle. Increased affluence amongst the growing middle classes and the evolution of the suburbs saw the construction of thousands of bungalows, often in the Arts & Crafts style with arched doorways, bay windows, overhanging eaves and large chimneys.

Some, however, were in the exciting new Modernist style, using white-painted reinforced concrete walls, large metal framed windows and flat roofs. Sadly, if it was its generous plot size that in part gave rise to the popularity of the bungalow, it was also in part responsible for its downfall.

The spread of the bungalow along the roads out of every town in parts of England soon got the landed classes concerned that eventually every road would be developed — and so they put a stop to it, forming the Council for the Protection of Rural England, and eventually confining the masses to existing settlements with the 1948 Planning Act. Decades later, the rising value of those large, well-located sites has outstripped the value of the bungalows standing on them, and they are gradually being replaced.

Ease and cost of construction

The popularity of the bungalow was in part due to its simplicity to build. Some of the first pre-cut timber frame house kits were for bungalow designs and they were quick and cost-effective to construct. You can still buy the timber frame for a modest two bedroom bungalow for around £20,000. Most package companies offer standard bungalow designs and Potton even has a division specialising in bungalows.

You can expect to pay more on average per m² to build a single storey house than one with more floors, however. This is simply due to the relatively high ratio of foundation slab and roof per square metre of living space – two of the more expensive elements of construction – compared to a multi-storey house.

“These days you have to scaffold all the way round a new building, even if it is only single storey,” says architect Phil Bixby of Constructive Individuals, which gives practical training to many DIY self-builders. “So two storeys doesn’t add significantly to the complexity.”

Advice from the Experts

"Avoid excessive corridor space"

Neil Stephen of Dualchas Architects (01471 833300, dualchas.com), based on the Isle of Skye and in Glasgow, has been responsible for helping revive the traditional Scottish crofting cottage, giving the form a contemporary twist. He advises those looking to build a new home based on a traditional form to look at the width to height ratio, and the balance of the doors and windows. In terms of layout, Neil likes houses that are one room deep, allowing light into the main rooms throughout the day. “Try to avoid excessive corridor space and use high volumes to make the rooms feel spacious and airy,” he says.

"Use ceiling heights and be creative"

Award-winning architect Nicolas Tye (01525 406677, nicolastyearchitects.co.uk) suggests that the single storey form relies on creativity to be successful. “The roof form is very important and in particular guttering details are critical. Create interesting forms — courtyards, cantilevers and projections. Most of all, consider using higher than standard (2.4m) ceiling heights to add interest. Single storey gives as good a chance as any other house form to think outside of the box and make new forms of architecture which challenge the norm.”

"Pay more attention to the roof design"

Beverley Pemberton of Design & Materials (0845 404 0400, designandmaterials.uk.com) is one of the UK’s most experienced one-off house designers. When designing a bungalow she always avoids creating long dark corridors and takes the opportunity to bring in light via the roof wherever possible. She also ensures the floorplan separates the sleeping areas from living areas for privacy. “Externally, avoid creating a boring look by adding projections and features,” she advises. “Greater attention to detail is required with the roof design and covering, as it will be more dominant than on a two storey design. Introducing angled walls can add interest, as can opting for taller ceilings. Vaulted ceilings can enhance the feeling of space.”

ABOVE: Specialising in Bungalow Design: Potton Homes’ bungalow range includes a collection of standard designs starting at 120m² up to 260m², all of which can be adapted. Design features include the potential to create open plan, double-height living spaces with mezzanine floors and galleries, and attic bedrooms. Build costs range from £1,100-2,400/m².

Single Storey Self Builds:

• A Contemporary Green Home by the Sea
• An Eco-friendly Farmhouse with a Swimming Pond
• A Spacious Single Storey Self Build

Further reading:

• Single Storey Case Studies
• A Guide to Designing Bungalows
• The Essence of Good House Design