Building a custom home involves making many decisions before starting the project. One of the most important is defining how the house will be organised: is it better to build a single-storey house or a home distributed across several levels?
The answer does not depend solely on aesthetic preferences. The available land, the relationship with the outdoors, the family’s current and future needs, or the way they want to experience the home are all factors that influence this decision.
At KUB’S House, we analyse each project individually to find the architectural solution that best responds to each client and each plot. A single-storey house can be the ideal option for certain projects, provided that the design makes the most of its possibilities.
What does a single-storey house offer compared to a multi-level home?
A single-storey home allows a more direct relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. By concentrating the entire house on one level, circulation is more comfortable and the connection with gardens, terraces or outdoor areas can be naturally integrated into the design.
In addition, this type of home offers great freedom when organising spaces according to each family’s lifestyle. Living areas, bedrooms and outdoor spaces can be arranged to create smoother circulation adapted to everyday use.
However, a single-storey house is not always the best solution. The terrain, orientation and dimensions of the plot are key aspects that must be analysed before making a decision.
When does it make sense to choose a single-storey house?
When the plot allows for an efficient horizontal layout
Large plots usually offer more possibilities for developing a home on a single level, making the most of the available surface area to create different interconnected spaces.
In these cases, a modern ground-floor house can allow for open spaces, large glazed areas and a more continuous relationship with the surrounding landscape.
When a direct connection with the outdoors is desired
One of the main advantages of a single-storey home is the possibility for many spaces to have a direct relationship with the garden or outdoor areas.
For example, a living area that opens onto a terrace can become a natural extension of the lounge for much of the year, creating a more integrated experience between architecture and the surroundings.
When planning a home designed for the future
Designing a house without depending on stairs can be an important decision for those looking for a comfortable home in the long term.
A single-storey layout makes it possible to create more accessible spaces that can adapt to potential changes in the needs of its inhabitants.
When might a multi-storey house be a better option?
Although single-storey homes offer many possibilities, not all plots are the same.
On smaller plots, a multi-level home can make better use of the available surface area, separating daytime and nighttime areas or achieving greater privacy between spaces.
It can also be an interesting solution for sloping plots, where architecture can adapt to the terrain through different levels, making the most of views and the natural characteristics of the site.
A single-storey house can also be an exclusive design home
There is a common idea that a single-storey home is a simpler solution. However, a custom-built house can achieve a high architectural standard regardless of the number of levels.
The design of volumes, orientation, materials, natural light and the relationship with the landscape are elements that define the quality of the project.
A single-storey home can include large openings, interior courtyards, connected environments and architectural solutions designed specifically for its owners.
The key is not whether a house has more or fewer floors, but rather designing a home that is coherent with its location and with the way its inhabitants will enjoy living in it.
Single-storey house or multi-level home: aspects to consider before deciding
Before defining the layout of a home, it is important to analyse which solution best suits the characteristics of the project. The choice between a single-storey house and a multi-level home will mainly depend on the available land, the owners’ needs and the way they want to organise the space.
| Aspect | Single-storey house | Multi-level house |
|---|---|---|
| Plot size | Requires more available surface area to develop the entire home horizontally. | Allows better use of plots with less surface area. |
| Space distribution | Facilitates continuous connections between rooms without changes in level. | Allows areas to be separated, creating more independent spaces and greater privacy. |
| Accessibility and comfort | Provides greater comfort by concentrating all spaces on a single floor. | May require vertical movement between different areas of the home. |
| Adaptation to the terrain | Works especially well on relatively flat plots that allow for a horizontal layout. | Can be a suitable solution for sloping plots or sites with specific constraints. |
The final decision should respond to the specific characteristics of each project. At KUB’S House, we study each plot and each client’s needs to define the layout that makes the most of its possibilities.
The right design depends on each project
There is no single formula for building a custom home. The best decision will be the one that achieves the right balance between the characteristics of the land, the owners’ needs and the architectural vision they want to create.
At KUB’S House, we understand every home as a unique project. Before defining a solution, we study the possibilities of the plot and each client’s lifestyle to find the most suitable approach.
If you are thinking about building a custom home and want to know which solution best suits your plot and your needs, at KUB’S House we can help you analyse the possibilities of your project. Contact us and we will find the home that best adapts to your way of living.
