House Plans For A Narrow Lot : Gallery House Plans

House Plans for a Narrow Lot

Designing a house for a narrow lot can be challenging, but it also presents unique opportunities for creativity and efficient space planning. Whether you're working with a lot that's only a few feet wide or one that's slightly more spacious, there are plenty of house plans available to suit your needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Skinny Houses

Skinny houses are designed to fit on very narrow lots, typically ranging from 15 to 30 feet wide. These homes often have a vertical orientation, with multiple stories and a compact footprint. The key to designing a skinny house is to maximize vertical space and utilize every inch of available area. Consider staircases with built-in storage, lofts for additional living space, and balconies that extend the living area outdoors.

Shotgun Houses

Shotgun houses are a type of narrow house that originated in New Orleans. They are characterized by a long, narrow floor plan with rooms arranged in a single row. Shotgun houses typically have a front porch, a central hallway, and one or two bedrooms at the rear of the house. The open floor plan and high ceilings create a sense of spaciousness despite the narrow width.

Courtyard Houses

Courtyard houses feature an enclosed outdoor space that is central to the design. The courtyard provides natural light and ventilation, and it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as entertaining, dining, or gardening. Courtyard houses are often found in narrow urban lots where outdoor space is limited. By bringing the outside in, courtyard houses create a sense of spaciousness and privacy.

Vertical Houses

Vertical houses are designed to maximize vertical space by incorporating multiple stories. These homes typically have a smaller footprint and a more compact design than traditional houses. Vertical houses are a good option for narrow lots because they allow you to create more living space without expanding the width of the house. Consider incorporating mezzanines, split-level floors, and rooftop terraces to maximize the available space.

Other Considerations for Narrow Lots

In addition to choosing an appropriate house plan, there are other considerations to keep in mind when designing a house for a narrow lot:

Orientation: The orientation of the house on the lot is important for maximizing natural light and ventilation. Consider placing the house so that the long axis of the house runs parallel to the street, allowing for more windows and outdoor spaces on the sides.
Windows: Natural light is essential in narrow houses, so incorporate as many windows as possible. Consider using large windows, skylights, and clerestory windows to bring in light.
Outdoor space: Even though narrow lots can be limited, it's still important to create some outdoor space, whether it's a small balcony, a courtyard, or a rooftop terrace.
Storage: Storage is often a challenge in narrow houses, so plan for built-in storage throughout the house. Consider using vertical storage solutions, such as shelves and cabinets that reach from floor to ceiling.

Designing a house for a narrow lot requires careful planning and creativity. By considering the ideas presented above, you can create a home that is both functional and beautiful.