10 Single-Floor House Ideas to Simplify Your Home’s Design

Designing a single-floor house offers a unique opportunity to create a seamless, functional, and aesthetically pleasing living space. One of the primary benefits is the ease of accessibility, making it ideal for individuals of all ages, including those with mobility issues. By eliminating stairs, a single-floor layout promotes a safer environment and allows for a more open floor plan. This openness can be further enhanced by incorporating large, unbroken spaces that flow into one another. According to a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders in 2021, nearly 60% of homebuyers prefer single-story homes, citing convenience and accessibility as key factors.

In addition to open floor plans, single-floor house designs can be simplified through strategic placement of essential rooms. Grouping high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms in close proximity reduces the need for long hallways and minimizes wasted space. Utilizing built-in storage solutions, like under-cabinet storage in the kitchen or integrated shelving in the living areas, helps maintain a clean and clutter-free environment. Single-story homes are not only more accessible but also more energy-efficient, as they require less energy to heat and cool compared to multi-story homes.

Finally, incorporating elements of outdoor living can greatly enhance the simplicity and appeal of a single-floor home. Designing easy access to outdoor spaces such as patios, decks, or gardens can extend the living area and provide a tranquil retreat right at home. Using sliding glass doors or French doors can create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, making the home feel larger and more connected to nature.

Are you seeking inspiration? Take a look at these single-floor house ideas to enhance the design of your home.

1. Loft RLO by ME Arquitetura

The first single-floor house idea to simplify your home’s design comes from Loft RLO by ME Arquitetura. This single-storey residence is designed as a pavilion to capture a life inherently connected to living outdoors. Its generous proportions blur the lines that separate the outdoors from the indoors.

Photographer: Haruo Mikami

2. House in Florida by 1100 Architects

House in Florida by 1100 Architects also has a single-floor house idea to simplify your home’s design. This single-family residence oozes casual luxury and modern simplicity, perfect for those who appreciate the balance between elegance and ease. With its thoughtfully designed spaces and effortless flow, this home caters to individuals who value both style and functionality.

Photographer: Nikolas Koenig

3. SAB House by PSV Arquitectura

The next single-floor house idea to simplify your home’s design can be found in SAB House by PSV Arquitectura. This house has a constant integration with nature in cross ventilation and interior, complying with the premise of the design: all spaces are oriented towards the north.

Photographer: Gonzalo Viramonte

4. High Desert Residence by Hacker Architects

Designed as a weekend escape, High Desert Residence by Hacker Architects has a single-floor house idea to simplify your home’s design. The design for this residence can connect the incredible Central Oregon landscape with the house building while maintaining privacy within the home at the same time.

Photographer: Jeremy Bittermann

5. House in Akashi by Arbol Design

The next single-floor house idea to simplify your home’s design comes from House in Akashi by Arbol Design. The design of this house is about eliminating the barriers between inside and outside where the hill land ranging along the castle ruins of Akashi is cut out. The use of wood material for the exterior wall instantly attracts passerby’s attention.

Photographer: Yasunori Shimomura

6. House on A Cliff by Kerimov Architects

House on A Cliff by Kerimov Architects also has a single-floor house idea to simplify your home’s design. Two parallelepipeds embedded in each other are the architectural solution for this house on a cliff site. This project also uses thermal wood that will acquire new shades and be burnt out under the influence of the sun.

Photography: Kerimov Architects

7. Gordon’s Bay House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

Gordon’s Bay House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects is a modern house that incorporates a north-facing courtyard to bring air and light into the center area of the steep. This house’s entry looks simple and aesthetic with a small garden and wooden walls.

Photographer: Robert Walsh

8. House Steensel by Bedaux de Brouwer Architecten

The next idea comes from House Steensel by Bedaux de Brouwer Architecten. The bathroom, wardrobe, bedroom, kitchen, dining area, and living room in this house merge and make an intimate, private impression at the same time. The exterior is elusive and exciting due to the high degree of abstraction.

Photographer: Kim Zwarts

9. A House for Two in Repino by Kerimov Architects

A House for Two in Repino by Kerimov Architects is built in the middle of stunning green nature with a lot of big trees. It has a modern matte exterior that looks elegant and stylish. Bringing a modern design into the middle of nature is a great idea to create a connection with nature.

Photography: Kerimov Architects

10. Oakdell Residence by Assembledge+

The last single-floor idea comes from Oakdell Residence by Assembledge+. A minimalist palette is made of stone and used for hardwood floors while plaster can echo the existing home’s qualities. This home is also designed with a thin roof plane that keeps the horizontal sensibility of the mid-century style.

Photographer: Michael Weschler

FAQs

Q: Are single-floor houses more expensive to build than multi-story homes?
A: Single-floor houses often require a larger foundation and roof area, which can increase construction costs. However, the absence of stairs and the simplified layout can offset some of these expenses, making the overall cost comparable to multi-story homes.

Q: How can I maximize storage space in a single-floor house?
A: Incorporating built-in storage solutions, such as under-cabinet storage, integrated shelving, and multipurpose furniture like ottoman beds or storage benches, can help maximize storage space in a single-floor house. Additionally, utilizing vertical space with tall cabinets or shelving units can provide ample storage without compromising floor space.

Q: Are single-floor houses suitable for families with children?
A: Yes, single-floor houses can be an excellent choice for families with children. The absence of stairs reduces the risk of accidents, and an open floor plan allows parents to easily supervise their children while maintaining a sense of togetherness. Furthermore, single-floor layouts can be adapted to accommodate a family’s changing needs over time.