Traditionally, the Australian dream has centred around big homes on big properties. But, not only is this not very good for the environment, it’s also not very practical in big cities. An alternative that we think more people should consider, though, is small lot homes. These are standalone homes that sit on very small lots—typically less than 300m2—and are often the result of a subdivision.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THEM
Small lot homes are a great middle-ground between larger homes and apartments. On the environmental front, smaller homes need fewer materials during their construction and help to reduce resource consumption. Depending on the clients’ circumstances, we might also be able to allocate more of their budget to high quality materials and design choices. This can significantly improve the home’s energy efficiency and reduce the need for repairs or replacements (which would use even more materials in the long-term). Even without great design, though, a small house will naturally require less energy to cool, heat and light the space. On a larger scale, smaller blocks will help to reduce urban sprawl and preserve the surrounding environment.
The benefits of small lot homes also extend to the people living within them. For one, smaller homes can significantly reduce the amount of time spent cleaning and maintaining them. They’re a cheaper option for those keen to have a standalone home in inner-city areas or close to amenities. Even more notably, though, is that they encourage people to spend more time outside interacting with others in the community, which is known to be incredibly beneficial for mental health.
Compared to apartments, small lot homes have the upper hand when it comes to family living. They tend to offer more privacy, are usually a little bigger, and often have space for an outdoor area. While apartments are certainly more effective at reducing urban sprawl, they’re usually not designed to the same level of energy efficiency as is possible with a custom-designed small lot home.
This small lot home comfortably fits a family of 4 on a 233m2 block.
DESIGN CHALLENGES ON SMALL BLOCKS
Small lot homes will be more difficult to build than your typical project. With a good designer, though, there’ll be a creative solution to almost any problem. Let’s look at how your designer might solve some of the most common challenges.
Natural light
Small lot homes are typically found in densely populated areas where overshadowing and overlooking issues can make it difficult to get natural light into the centre the home. Skylights are one of the most efficient solutions for this but, in single-storey homes, internal courtyards can be even more effective (and beautiful). In multi-storey homes, consider oddly shaped windows, translucent sheeting, window screens, or windows placed up high or close to the floor.
In our Martha St project, an internal courtyard makes a huge difference on the small 330m2 block.
Solar orientation
Small lot homes typically take up most of their block, leaving little room to choose where they sit. No matter what, though, you’ll want the home to sit as close to the south boundary as possible. Then try to include some large floor-to-ceiling windows to the north so the sun can help warm the home in winter and take some pressure off your heating system.
Space
To make the most of the limited amount of space on a small lot, creative design and multi-use rooms will be lifesavers. Hallways—which people rarely spend much time in—can be omitted in favour of larger functional rooms, with secret doors for more seamless design. The laundry can be hidden in a cupboard in the kitchen or under the stairs, and a spare bedroom can also act as a study or kids activity room. Give your designer as much information about your lifestyle as you can, so they can design your space accordingly. If, for example, you only host people over Christmas, they can design a room for a different primary purpose, but make sure it’s easy enough to change around when the time comes.
A secret door leads into a bedroom directly from the kitchen at Unwin Crescent.
OUR SMALLEST BUILD
On Bushy Road in Spearwood you can find one of the smallest builds we’ve done, a 222m2 home on a 200m2 block. Its simple rectangular form (which is more efficient to build) contains 3 beds, 2.5 baths, a study and a galley stacked kitchen, living, dining room and alfresco. Boundary-to-boundary design was necessary, so natural light is brought in through stunning translucent Danpalon skylights that travel down the length of the home. The laundry is tucked under the stairs, with extra storage also found here and at the back of the garage. High windows in the bedrooms avoid overlooking issues into the neighbour’s property. A secret garage door is hidden in Cedar timber, to make a feature of the two-car garage that takes up most of the street frontage. Despite the tiny block, it’s become a dream home that could comfortably fit a family of four.
IS A SMALL LOT HOME RIGHT FOR YOU?
To decide if a small lot home is right for you, try considering these factors:
Location – Small lot homes are ideal when they’re close to amenities like public transport, parks, community gardens, gyms and anything else you’d like access to on a daily basis.
Family size – Small lot homes are usually good for families of up to five people. If you have a big family, or plan to host ageing parents in the future, you’re likely better off choosing a larger block. It may even be more efficient than splitting off into multiple small-lot homes.
Budget – Your budget will play a big role in what type of home you want to live in. Small lot homes are usually cheaper than typical homes but more expensive than apartments.
Lifestyle – If you can comfortably live in a smaller space an apartment may be the more cost-effective choice. Conversely, if you want to grow a big veggie garden or need a large backyard for an active dog, you’re probably better off going the other direction and choosing a larger property.
This small lot home is ideally located near all the necessary amenities and parks in WA’s first One Planet Community in White Gum Valley.
If you’d like to learn more, or start the process of building a custom small lot home, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help you out.