Trends in two storey house plans

Two storey house plans are more than just plans – they're a space or a set of spaces that reflect the way we interact and use our leisure time. What people want from a two-storey dwelling can change, and this begs the question – what do people want right now?

"The integrated kitchen, family and dining area that has been designed as the hub of the home where all the action takes place is really popular," says Jeff Bujega, design manager at Metricon. "This space has a direct view to an outdoor room (a type of spacious, enclosed deck) which is perfect for entertaining or relaxing at any time of the year."

Upside down houses

Jeff says that many clients are going for the 'upside down' house – particularly those who live in coastal areas. "The kitchen is located upstairs and there are a number of formal and informal living areas on both floors of the home. 

The children's bedrooms are situated downstairs and the master is upstairs at either the front or the rear, depending on the house type," he says. 

Other two storey options

Other fashionable options include private parents' retreats that feature a spacious master suite and opulent ensuite, and 'secondary' or additional master suites. Children's bedrooms with ensuites or those with two-way access to a central bathroom are also appealing.

A range of materials is being used for two-storey homes. What a client chooses is largely determined by their budget and the location of the house. Options include matrix (a 'grainy' stone or brick), external tiling, render (plaster), 50 mm bricks and split-face bricks (bricks that have a rough, stone-like texture).

"When building a home, you usually select two or three materials that complement each other. If the home is modern, you may choose render and matrix, and if the design is coastal you may use weatherboard and split-face render," says Jeff.

Challenges of two storey house plans

He says that the main challenges that come with designing two-storey homes are ensuring that the ground floor and the first floor complement one another, being able to build them in a cost-effective manner, and making them as practical and liveable as possible.

"We live in a time where people enjoy entertaining at home, so it is very important to ensure that each member of the family is happy to live in a home that has a number of indoor-outdoor living areas and private space," says Jeff.

To find out how you can get the right two storey house plans for your home, talk with an architect in your area: