
Two-storey houses: projects and ideas
The construction of a residential building with two floors is the most appropriate solution. In its favor is the fact that you can get a fairly large usable area, while using a small part of the land plot. This fact often encourages the construction of two-storey buildings in private sectors in urban areas, where there is not so much land to build a chic one-story mansion. In addition, the terrain features do not allow you to accelerate to majestic three-, four-storey structures. In the article we will talk about what are the projects of modern two-storey houses, and consider their advantages.
Advantages of two-storey houses
In addition to significant space savings, two-storey houses have a lot of other advantages. Unlike single-storey buildings, where a considerable part is occupied by corridors, two-level ones can be planned in such a way as to get the maximum number of functional rooms. If the house is located outside the city, an amazing view of the surrounding expanses will open from the windows of the second floor.
Facades of two-storey houses allow you to use more architectural techniques, combine finishing materials, which looks much more beautiful, and a variety of roof shapes gives a significant flavor.
The two-level building allows you to zone the space into day (living room, kitchen on the ground floor) and night (bedrooms on the second floor) zones.
Building materials
The choice of materials for the construction and cladding of the house is the key point on which the longevity of the structure, aesthetic beauty, as well as a comfortable stay in it will depend. Most often, materials such as:
A brick that will make a surprisingly strong, sturdy house, in which a comfortable microclimate will be constantly maintained. The disadvantage is a large weight that requires a solid foundation, as well as a relatively long construction period;
Ceramic blocks – allow you to build a reliable energy-efficient house, but it will require additional cladding;
Lightweight concrete is the most popular modern material, which has practically no disadvantages. The house is being built fairly quickly, has excellent thermal insulation, but since the material absorbs moisture well, it is necessary to build a high-quality foundation of monolith or concrete slab;
Wood is an environmentally friendly, “breathable” material, thanks to which a constant circulation of oxygen in the room is ensured. Wooden houses have high thermal insulation characteristics and aesthetic appeal. However, wood is exposed to weather conditions, therefore it will require periodic treatment with special means;
Frame technologies, as well as other various combinations that, in addition to high technical characteristics, have a very beautiful appearance, such as chalet-style houses, where wood and stone are perfectly combined.
Ideas for the layout of a two-storey house
Modern trends strive for a competent rational layout of functional space with a minimum number of walk-through rooms. Most often, the layout provides for the location of common areas on the first level, and private rooms on the second. For example, downstairs you can equip a kitchen, dining area, living room, bathroom. The presence of a terrace looks very convenient and beautiful. It can be open or closed, but in any case it gives an excellent opportunity to get closer to nature during a lunch tea party, evening gatherings or celebration. You can also find projects where a guest room or a bedroom for elderly family members is placed on the first floor, which is quite difficult for them to move to the second level.
The upper floor, as we have already said, is a space for personal use rooms. Bedrooms and children’s rooms are located here. A good solution would be to organize an additional bathroom, especially if the family is large (most often it is placed in approximately the same part of the house as on the ground floor – it is more convenient to bring communications).
A good solution would be the construction of a basement, on the territory of which you can organize storage or use it for more functional premises, for example, a gym, laundry, billiard room, kitchen. To do this, even at the construction stage, you need to take care of laying communications.
Modern projects of two-storey houses
To date, there are a large number of projects of two-storey houses. By choosing a typical project, you can partially save costs, and an individual one gives you much more opportunities to build a house that will meet all the requirements of a particular family. Next, we will consider the most interesting options for building modern, rational, comfortable housing.
Two-storey house with an attic
The organization of an attic is an excellent solution that allows you to get additional square meters of living space instead of an under–roof closet, which, as a rule, eventually turns into a shelter for household uselessness. In addition to the beautiful exterior, gable roofs with windows facing the sky give a lot of room for various design solutions in the design of the interior space. Having taken care of laying all the necessary communications (wiring, heating, ventilation), you can equip a spacious dressing room, bedroom or a cozy children’s room here. Often attics are supplemented with balconies to admire the surroundings from a height.
Two-storey house with a flat roof
A flat roof of a two-storey house in our region is not often found, although in the west such buildings are very appreciated for their beautiful design and the opportunity to get additional space. Such buildings look great in minimalist directions, loft styles, high-tech. On a flat roof, it is possible to organize a recreation area by installing appropriate furniture, design a garden, a sports ground or even a swimming pool. This is a good option for buildings with a small house territory.
Domed two-storey houses
The original spherical buildings surprise with their beauty, unusual shape and ergonomics. In most cases, they are built by the frame method, followed by finishing with plywood and facing material. Such structures are quite spacious and practical, and a round base copes much better with natural disasters (gusty winds, earthquakes) than rectangular structures. Domed houses can also have additional architectural elements – balconies, terraces, garages – and amaze with their non-standard design. The interior space is organized according to the same principles as in ordinary buildings, and the furniture will have to be made to order so that it organically fits into the interior with rounded walls.
Two-storey house in the style of a chalet
Chalet-style houses have an attractive and unique appearance. This direction of architecture originated far away in the Alps with their harsh climate, strong winds and snow drifts, which was directly reflected in the architectural features of the buildings. The chalet-style house has special features that make it difficult to confuse it with other buildings: a massive sloping roof with large protrusions, under which a balcony is often located, panoramic windows, a powerful foundation. Such houses, as a rule, have a stone basement or ground floor, on which a wooden structure is being built. Natural materials should also be present in the interior design: solid wooden furniture, fur coverings, leather upholstery, etc.
Two-storey house with garage
A garage is almost an obligatory attribute of suburban life, and it will be much more rational to attach it to the house. This will provide additional convenience of movement; in addition, a workshop is often equipped here, so if you need any tool for housework, you can easily take it by going to the garage room. Since the garage occupies one level, its roof can also be used, for example, by a terrace or balcony.
Two-storey house with panoramic windows
Another excellent solution for modern buildings. Large windows make it possible to let a lot of natural light into the room, which is typical for today’s interior design rules. Since glass has low thermal insulation properties, it is necessary to take care of the purchase of triple-glazed windows, as well as the organization of a high-quality heating system. It is worth noting that houses with panoramic windows are more suitable for suburban areas that are not burdened by the neighborhood with other buildings, otherwise there will be a need to arrange a high fence or buy dimensional curtains.
Duplex
The construction of a two–family house – duplex – has its own characteristics. Here, the entire space is divided into two autonomous territories, each of which has its own communications. Families can have a common spacious garage area for several cars or one large hall. The entrances are most often separate. Outsiders married couples or one large family of several generations can live independently in such a house.
Two-storey house with bay window
The original convex part of the structure cannot leave anyone indifferent. This architectural element has been used in the construction of houses for centuries, as it has a high aesthetic value. In the interior, the bay window zones provide an additional area on which dining or living areas are arranged. In two-storey houses, bay windows, as a rule, are decorated with a single structure on two floors, which gives a classic touch of grandeur.
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Two–storey houses – photos and projects
In our photo gallery you can get acquainted with a large number of projects of two-storey houses made in various styles. The photos will also show pictures where houses have additional functional architectural forms, their placement methods. Enjoy watching!