Every year, two-story country cottages are becoming more and more popular. They are universal, because they do not occupy large areas, and also allow more rational use of free space. Previously, developers did not consider them, since the cost of construction was quite high, however, as technological progress developed and the invention of modern building materials, it became possible to reduce the cost of housing, so that today almost everyone can afford such a house. Let's take a look at the best 2-story home plans imaginable.
General information
Tradition in the organization of rooms has certain advantages and disadvantages. The layout of a 2-storey house can be varied. It can be designed according to your own preferences and wishes. There are absolutely no restrictions.
During the construction process, the UK has the ability to adjust the following:
- materials used;
- size and location of each room;
- add additional buildings (garage, attic, basement, etc.).
The easiest way to think about the layout of 2-storey brick houses. They have high strength and durability, retain heat well, provide excellent sound insulation, look attractive and provide a high level of living comfort.
Pros and cons
If you are interested in the layout of a 2-storey house, then first you should consider the main advantages and disadvantages that it has.
Among the pluses are the following:
- Save space on the land. Since the residential building has a more compact size, you can additionally build a summer veranda, gazebo, garage or organize a small garden or garden.
- Great design possibilities. By turning to professionals, you can build a very elegant, interesting and attractive home that will harmoniously fit into the adjacent territory and look good with all other elements.
- Ample opportunities in the design of the facade. You can build a balcony with panoramic windows on the cottage, which will be a very good solution if you live in a region with beautiful nature.
- There are no restrictions in the interior design of living spaces.
As for the cons, they are as follows:
- The layout of a 2-storey house (photos of the interior of the buildings look just amazing) requires large financial investments forcompared to one-story buildings.
- To move between floors, it is necessary to erect ladder structures, which greatly complicates the construction technology.
As you can see, there are many more advantages than disadvantages. That is why people are increasingly looking at two-story cottages.
Main Challenges
The layout of a 2-storey house is more difficult and expensive to implement, because it is associated with many nuances. Among the main ones are the following:
- Buildings are heavy and create an increased load on the ground, so the construction of a powerful reinforced foundation is required.
- Communication systems have many branchings and require additional lines to be laid, which entails additional financial costs. In addition, a circulation pump is required to supply water to the second pump and maintain normal pressure in the system.
- For finishing the facade, the installation of scaffolding is needed.
- If children or people with disabilities live in the family, a special layout of a 2-storey house is required, allowing free and safe movement between different levels of the building.
- Additional costs for the purchase of insulation and waterproofing material.
It is worth noting that designing stairs, balconies and other structural elements also increases the cost of the project.
In addition, part of the cost goes to the development of the following:
- Building a strong foundation that can withstand heavy loads.
- Installation of stairs.
- Solving various complex problems.
- Strengthening floors.
Thus, if you have sufficient funds at your disposal, then the layout of a 2-story house (10 x 10 is the most common option) will be a joy for you. This is especially true for cases with small plots of land, on which it is simply unrealistic to place a large one-story cottage.
Two-storey residential buildings 6 x 6
This is the most economical option, which, despite the small usable area, is able to provide good and comfortable living conditions. It also suggests the presence of a dressing room, which will save space due to the lack of cabinets. The layout of the 2-storey 6 by 6 house suggests a spacious living room, which is combined with a compact but practical cooking and eating area, as well as a combined bathroom.
On the second floor there are two bedrooms, one of which can be used as a children's room. Between them is a dressing room. The useful area of the building is increased due to the glazed terrace adjacent to the living room, which runs along the entire length of the outer wall. In the warm season, it can be used as a recreation area or a meal.
Two-storey residential buildings 6 x 9
Rectangular buildings are more comfortable than square ones. In this case, the first level is completely reserved forliving room. Such a layout of rooms in a 2-storey house also implies the presence of a small kitchen and a bathroom combined with a toilet. In rectangular buildings, it is much easier to place a ladder structure.
The second level assumes the presence of three rooms. Two of them are reserved for bedrooms, and the third can be used as:
- dressing room;
- gym;
- pantry.
Depending on the wishes and preferences of each individual, certain adjustments may be made to the construction project. There are no restrictions here, so you can change the assignment of the rooms as you wish.
Two-storey residential buildings 7 x 7
The layout of a 2-storey 7 by 7 panel house is very popular because it has high functionality and practicality. It assumes the presence in the building of all the premises necessary for a comfortable stay for an average family of four. Traditionally, the first floor is reserved for a large living room, kitchen, bathroom, dressing room and hallway.
At the same time, the usable space can be expanded if several separate rooms are correctly combined with each other. For example, very often they connect the cooking and eating area. They also successfully combine a reception room with a dining room.
The building is supposed to have two porches, one of which is located in the main part of the house and serves as an entrance, and the other goes on the other side to the garden or garden. In the central area there is a dressing room, in whichwinter clothes and shoes are stored.
The first floor of a 2-storey house made in this way (the layout may be different, but more often everyone does it this way) is very practical. Firstly, in the backyard you can equip a recreation area or a garden in which you can spend time with your family or with guests for a picnic in the summer. And secondly, you can also place a playground with a carousel or a sandbox there.
The 7m x 7m residential building plan takes into account the basic needs of the modern family. Despite the small size of the house, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. A large bathroom, in addition to a toilet and a shower or bath, allows you to easily place a jacuzzi in it.
Two-storey residential buildings 7 x 8
Today, there are more and more buildings, the shape of which is as close as possible to a square, but it is not. Their plan is almost identical to the one described above, however, it has a few extra meters, providing more options for interior design. For example, they can be taken under the staircase or another bathroom can be arranged on the second level.
This option is remarkable in that a small extension adjoins the main building, which acts as a porch, on which you can install a sofa, armchairs or ordinary garden chairs with a small table, resulting in a comfortable seating area where people will gather in the evenings all family members for a cup of tea or coffee.
What other features do such layouts of 2-storey houses have? The bedrooms are located onsecond level. They are large in size, and they are separated by a hall from which you can get to the bathroom. Thus, the rooms are separated from each other, which is very convenient, since family members living together will not interfere with each other. In one of the rooms, which, for example, is reserved for the parent's bedroom, there is an exit to the balcony.
Two-storey residential buildings 9 x 9
If the family has their own vehicle, then a 2-story building with a garage is required. In this case, the building must be large, and also assume the presence of an extension designed to accommodate a car. The best option would be a house measuring 9 by 9 meters. For its construction, bricks, foam blocks and gas blocks are usually used. However, when working with these materials, it is critically important to adhere to all building technology standards.
Given the impressive size of the object, it is necessary to create a solid foundation that can withstand its weight and prevent the soil from shrinking. Otherwise, over time, the outer walls may begin to crack. All this entails impressive financial costs.
Brick buildings can be complemented with various interesting architectural elements, such as a bay window or an arch, which will give them a more aesthetic and attractive appearance.
For a more rational use of the premises in the garage, two entrances are created: the first - directly from the street, and the second - from the house. There may be several porches at the main building. It all depends on the area of the land and the specific wishes of the residents. The layout of the first level is standard. It has a large living room combined with a kitchen and dining room, as well as a bathroom.
The second floor is reserved for the parent bedroom, children's room, another bathroom and dressing room. Such a layout of a 2-storey house is good because it provides complete freedom to all residents.
What materials are used to build cottages?
Regardless of the chosen project, the construction of residential facilities can be carried out from any modern materials, of which there are a huge variety today. The most commonly used are:
- bar;
- brick;
- foam blocks;
- gas blocks;
- log.
The most common is the technology of frame construction. It allows you to implement any projects in a short time. At the same time, the buildings are durable, reliable, comfortable and relatively inexpensive. What specific materials will be used in construction is determined at the design stage, based on the wishes and financial capabilities of the customer.
Features of wooden cottages
Wood is a traditional material used to build country houses. It is natural, environmentally friendly and safe, and also has excellent performance characteristics. In addition, this material perfectly retains heat, which allows goodsave on home heating.
Wooden cottages look very attractive, so the interior space of the rooms can be left unfinished. Most often, people prefer to leave rooms in their original form, because they look natural and filled with a special atmosphere and home comfort.
Besides naturalness, wood has a low weight, so when building buildings, it is not necessary to strengthen the foundation. Enough even the usual staircase is not too deep base. As for building materials, logs and solid or glued beams are most often used.
Two-storey cottages with an attic and a veranda
If you want your home to have an attic space and an additional open or glazed seating area, then in this case the correct layout for a 2-storey house 10 x 10 meters is required. As practice shows, such projects are among the best in terms of functionality, practicality and comfort of living. If a garden is planned on the land plot, then it is also possible to equip the building with a basement for storing the harvested crop.
Regardless of the project, the main area is a spacious living room and kitchen. The latter can be both classical and combined. The dining room adjoins the veranda, the transition to which is carried out through a separate exit. Thanks to this, it will be possible to use it not only in the warm, but also in the cold season, provided that it is glazed.
The purpose of the attic space can bevarious. It is used both for storing various things and objects, and for arranging bedrooms.
In addition, very often the attic is assigned to the following:
- guestbook;
- billiard room;
- gym;
- office, etc.
Projects of 2-storey houses (10x10 layout provides great opportunities) can be different. But, regardless of this, any of them suggests that the first level must have a reinforced structure in order to withstand a large weight load. In order for the level of security to be sufficiently high, it is necessary to take all calculations very seriously.
Thinking through the layout, you should take into account many nuances. This is especially true of the attic. In most cases, it is used as a main or guest bedroom, as well as a children's room. To make the attic space as comfortable as possible, you need to build a suitable roof. The most common in the construction of two-story cottages are the following types of roof structures:
- single slope;
- gable;
- broken line.
The second option is more preferable, because it is much easier to build and requires less financial costs. As for the first and second floors, their purpose is determined by the preferences of the future owners of the house. Traditionally, on the basement there is a large living room, in which you can also build a fireplace to create more comfort, a cooking and eating area (can be combined or separated), as well as a full bathroom with a toilet. Second floorallocated for an office, guest bedroom, dressing room and children's room. You can get into all the rooms from a long hall that runs through the entire building.
Conclusion
Naturally, the layout of a 2-storey house can be absolutely anything. In terms of its functionality, practicality and rational use of free space, it is in many ways superior to that of one-story residential buildings. However, in order for the project to turn out not only good, but also reliable, it is better to entrust its development to professionals. Fortunately, today there are a huge number of developers offering many options for ready-made layouts and developing them from scratch. The main thing is to realistically assess your financial capabilities so that you have enough money to build your own house or country cottage.
