How to get one and a hall storeys right

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

- 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.

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.