Designing a Laneway Home: Tips and Ideas
Maximizing Space
A laneway home, also known as a coach house or a granny flat, is a compact dwelling, typically built at the back of a regular-sized lot. As such, space is limited, and it is essential to maximize every inch available. Employing a skilled architect or designer familiar with space-saving solutions can go a long way. Consider incorporating wall beds, pocket doors, Murphy-fold doors or partitions to create versatile spaces that can transform a room from a bedroom to a home office, or a living room to a dining room, in minutes.
Building a Functional Kitchen
A functional kitchen is invaluable in any living space, and a laneway is no exception. However, offering the functionality of a regular-sized kitchen in a compact space is a challenge. Maximizing space, again, is vital, and so is smart storage. For instance, instead of regular kitchen cabinets, consider installing pull-out pantry cabinets or vertical storage systems that can keep utensils and appliances off the counters. Installing a pull-down faucet instead of a bulky regular faucet can also help create more counter space.
Restrooms and Bathrooms
A laneway home usually features one or two restrooms and at most one bathroom. As such, it is essential to utilize the available space for maximum functionality. Space-saving toilets, compact tubs, and shower combos-tubs are some of the options to consider. Also, don’t overlook smart storage solutions, such as recessed medicine cabinets, and mirrored vanities, which can provide ample storage for toiletries and other items. Proper ventilation through an exhaust fan is crucial, given these small spaces and the challenge of controlling humidity.
Exterior Design
A laneway home may be compact, but that doesn’t mean it can not be aesthetically pleasing. Work closely with a designer to come up with exterior and interior designs that make the house stand out. A well-designed exterior can help blend the house into the larger lot and integrate it seamlessly with the existing property. Consider exterior wall finishes that complement the main house, both in color and texture, to create a harmonious look on the property.
Adopting Sustainable Features
While designing a laneway home, adopting various sustainable features can reduce your carbon footprint and create a healthier living environment. Consider utilizing eco-friendly materials for the construction, such as bamboo, salvaged wood, or reclaimed materials. Incorporating natural lighting and installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures can also help cut energy consumption. Roof-mounted solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green house roofs are other innovative solutions to consider when designing a laneway home. Want to deepen your knowledge on the subject? Visit this external source we’ve selected for you, containing supplementary and pertinent details to broaden your comprehension of the subject. Laneway Housing https://www.granddesignbuild.com/services/laneway-housing.
In conclusion, designing a laneway home presents several challenges, but it also provides opportunities to maximize functionality, incorporate sustainable technologies and create beautiful, space-efficient spaces. By working with experienced professionals, homeowners can create beautiful and functional laneway homes that make a perfect addition to their property while also offering an opportunity to generate extra rental income.
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