When planning the construction of a house, one of the investor's most important choices is the functional layout of the building. Is it better to opt for single-storey houseor for a higher frame house with a usable attic? Each of these solutions has its own advantages and limitations, which affect user comfort, construction costs and the way the interior is arranged.
In Wascovilla we are building frame housesboth single-storey and with a usable attic. We understand perfectly well that investors' needs are different. Therefore, to help you make an informed decision, in this text we describe the most important advantages and disadvantages of both solutions.
Single-storey house - comfort and cohesion of space
In single-storey homes, all rooms are on one level, eliminating the need for stairs. This is particularly important for families with children, the elderly and those who are thinking about the comfort of their home in the long term.
In order to provide the same living space as a two-storey building, single-storey houses require a larger construction area. This means that a larger plot of land is necessary, especially if you want a spacious garden. It is worth noting that a sufficiently large plot of land must be provided regardless of whether the house is built traditionally or using timber-frame or other technology. On the other hand, the lack of an extra level eliminates the need for a staircase and another storey. This can (although not necessarily) reduce costs. It should be noted that a single-storey house will not always be the cheaper option. The larger area of the roof and foundations may increase the final cost of the investment compared to a building with a usable attic.
At Wascovilla we design single-storey timber-frame houses so as to make optimum use of the available space. Models Cliff, Dune and Pearl are proposals for those who are looking for functional and energy-efficient solutions that allow comfortable living without having to divide the space into levels.
House with a usable attic - efficient use of space
Houses with a usable attic allow the vertical division of space into a living zone (on the ground floor) and a sleeping zone (in the attic). The upper storey can therefore serve as a private area for the occupants - bedrooms, a study or storage space can be arranged there.
From a construction cost point of view, splitting into two levels reduces the footprint of the foundations and roof. Which, in some cases, can mean savings. On the other hand, additional elements such as stairs or insulation of the roof slopes can increase the construction costs. In order to make the loft fully functional, it is necessary to use suitable roof windows or traditional windows in the gable walls to ensure proper interior lighting.
In the case of houses with a usable attic, architects can design the space in such a way that the building meets the criteria that allow it to be built by notification, without the need for a planning permission. This applies to both modular homesas well as those built using traditional technology. Adequate planning of the area allows the project to comply with current regulations, which simplifies the formal procedure and speeds up the start of the investment.
W Wascovilla we offer our customers modular homes Breeze and Little Breeze. The buildings differ in size and space layout. Both have been fitted with a mezzanine floor to provide additional living space.
Single-storey or with a loft? Which frame house choose?
The decision on whether to choose a single-storey house or one with a usable attic should depend on several important factors: the size and possibilities of the plot, the needs of the inhabitants, the budget and expectations regarding the organisation of the space. If you want a larger usable area while maintaining a relatively small footprint, it is worth considering the following house with a usable attic. If, on the other hand, convenience of use and the absence of architectural barriers is a priority, a better choice will be single-storey house.
At Wascovilla we design modular homes tailored to the different needs of builders, combining functionality, high quality workmanship and energy-efficient technologies. Whatever the choice, a timber-frame house is an investmentwhich guarantees user comfort, durability and a fast turnaround time. Do you have any questions? Contact us!
