Small House Plans With A View To The Rear : Gallery House Plans

Small House Plans With a View To The Rear

The increasing popularity of small house living reflects a desire for simplified, sustainable lifestyles. This trend often involves maximizing space efficiency and integrating the home with its natural surroundings. Designing a small house necessitates careful planning, particularly when aiming to capture a scenic view. The rear of the property, often facing gardens, landscapes, or distant vistas, presents a prime opportunity to create a tranquil and visually engaging living environment. Effective small house plans with a view to the rear prioritize strategic window placement, open-concept layouts, and outdoor living spaces that seamlessly blend the interior and exterior.

Designing for a rear view involves several key considerations, starting with understanding the specific site conditions. The orientation of the property relative to the sun's path significantly impacts the amount of natural light and potential for solar gain. The type of view – whether it’s a lush garden, a rolling hillside, or a cityscape – will influence the size and placement of windows. Furthermore, privacy concerns from neighboring properties must be addressed to ensure comfortable and unobstructed enjoyment of the view. A successful design balances the desire for expansive views with the need for energy efficiency, privacy, and a comfortable indoor climate.

The architectural style of the small house should complement both the site and the desired view. A modern design with clean lines and large windows may be ideal for maximizing a panoramic vista, while a more traditional style with smaller, strategically placed windows might be better suited for framing specific features of a garden or wooded area. The choice of materials also plays a crucial role, with natural materials such as wood and stone often used to create a harmonious connection with the outdoor environment.

Maximizing Natural Light and the View

Strategic window placement is paramount in small house design with a focus on the rear view. Large windows, such as picture windows or sliding glass doors, can effectively frame the view and flood the interior with natural light. However, it's crucial to consider the direction the rear of the house faces. South-facing windows will receive the most sunlight, which can be beneficial in colder climates but may also require shading devices in warmer regions to prevent overheating. East-facing windows capture the morning sun, while west-facing windows receive the intense afternoon sun. The size and type of window should be carefully selected based on these factors.

Beyond simple window placement, consider the use of clerestory windows, skylights, and strategically positioned mirrors to further enhance natural light penetration. Clerestory windows, located high on the wall, can bring in light without compromising privacy. Skylights can brighten interior spaces that might otherwise be dark. Mirrors strategically placed can reflect the view and light, creating a sense of spaciousness and amplifying the connection with the outdoors.

The concept of "borrowed light" is also relevant. This involves using translucent or semi-transparent materials in interior walls or doors to allow light to filter from one room to another. This can be particularly effective in small houses where maximizing light penetration is essential for creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

Open-Concept Living and Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transition

Open-concept living spaces are a common feature in small house plans, and they are particularly effective when paired with a focus on a rear view. By removing interior walls, the view becomes accessible from multiple areas of the house, creating a sense of spaciousness and connection. An open-concept layout typically combines the kitchen, dining area, and living room into a single, flowing space, allowing for unobstructed views and enhanced natural light.

The transition between indoor and outdoor spaces should be seamless and inviting. Sliding glass doors or French doors provide direct access to a patio, deck, or garden, blurring the lines between the interior and exterior. Consider incorporating features such as a covered porch or pergola to create a transitional space that can be enjoyed in various weather conditions. The use of similar materials and finishes both inside and outside the house can further enhance the sense of continuity.

Outdoor living spaces should be designed as extensions of the interior, with comfortable seating, dining areas, and even outdoor kitchens. The goal is to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, encouraging residents to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the view.

Privacy and Sustainability Considerations

While maximizing the view is a primary goal, privacy concerns must also be addressed. Depending on the proximity of neighboring properties, it may be necessary to incorporate privacy screens, landscaping, or window treatments to ensure comfortable and unobstructed enjoyment of the view. Strategic placement of trees, shrubs, or fences can effectively block unwanted views without compromising the overall aesthetic of the property.

Window treatments, such as blinds, shades, or curtains, can provide additional privacy and control over light and heat gain. Consider using automated window coverings that can be programmed to adjust based on the time of day or the position of the sun. This can help to reduce energy consumption and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Sustainability should be a key consideration in the design of any small house, particularly when focusing on a rear view. Energy-efficient windows and insulation are essential for minimizing heat loss and gain. Orienting the house to maximize solar gain in the winter and minimize it in the summer can also significantly reduce energy consumption. Consider incorporating sustainable materials, such as recycled wood, bamboo, or locally sourced stone, to further reduce the environmental impact of the house.

Rainwater harvesting systems can be used to collect rainwater for irrigation or other non-potable uses. Solar panels can provide a renewable source of energy. By incorporating these sustainable features, a small house with a view to the rear can be both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.

Landscaping design also plays a crucial role in enhancing the view and creating a sustainable environment. Native plants that are adapted to the local climate require less water and maintenance. Planting trees and shrubs can provide shade, reduce erosion, and attract wildlife. A well-designed landscape can transform a simple view into a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.

Careful consideration of these factors will result in a small house design that not only captures a stunning rear view but also provides a comfortable, sustainable, and private living environment. The key is to balance the desire for expansive views with the practical needs of energy efficiency, privacy, and environmental responsibility.