Whereas the phrase bungalow is usually related to houses that solely have one ground, single storey timber body dwelling concepts push the boundaries of what’s doable once you decide to have only one ground of dwelling house.
And no matter what drives the necessity for a single degree floorplan, this does not must restrict you when it comes to what may be achieved.
From huge vaulted ceilings by to up to date pavilion model properties, we have rounded up 10 single storey timber body dwelling concepts that show you do not at all times want a second ground when selecting a timber body building.
1. Construct two if you cannot construct double
The house owners of this single storey timber body dwelling concept had initially needed to construct a two-storey dwelling. However, early conferences with the native planners meant they needed to re-think their plans. Because the constructing was in shut proximity to a listed constructing, they had been suggested a double storey would not get approval because it risked taking prominence over the listed property.
Working with Welsh Oak Body, they had been as a substitute in a position to design a single storey timber body dwelling that gave them the dwelling house they wanted, together with spectacular views due to the massive, glazed gable finish.
And, despite the fact that they weren’t in a position to construct a double storey dwelling, they had been in a position to construct two buildings. The latter took the type of a triple storage with a visitor house above, liberating up the primary construct for private use, however nonetheless offering visitor accomodation when wanted.
2. Single storey timber body houses may be up to date too
The great thing about a single storey timber body house is that the elimination of a second ground makes them a major alternative to construct the up to date dwelling of your desires.
“Famend for his or her versatility and accessibility, single-storey houses are a agency favorite throughout the UK and stay the popular property sort for a major variety of self builders,” says Derek Dawson, managing director of Scandia-Hus.
“The benefits of single-storey dwelling enchantment broadly, extending from younger households to the older technology, however they’ve design benefits too,” he provides.
“With fewer inside load-bearing partitions, the structure of a bungalow may be made largely open plan, and fantastically vivid inside areas may be created because of this,”
This property from Scandia-Hus, constructed from a timber body is pavilion-like in its look, that includes a white rendered exterior, paired with a flat black roof and huge again aluminium framed sliding patio doorways, providing an instantaneous connection between indoors and outside.

Derek is Managing Director of Scandia-Hus and initially joined the corporate as an apprentice draughtsman. He’s captivated with offering self-builders with a top quality product and distinctive customer support.
3. Benefit from the peak and add a mezzanine degree
This lovely dwelling within the Cotswolds started life as a badly transformed barn and, underneath imaginative and prescient and cautious design path by architects McLean Quinlan, was reworked into a chic, up to date nation residence.
Fergus Stuart, gross sales challenge guide at Carpenter Oak explains how.
“The challenge reimagined the construction as a beneficiant household retreat: at its coronary heart sits a dramatic 9-metre-high inexperienced oak body, handcrafted and put in by Carpenter Oak, making a putting central quantity that blends structural presence with calming, open house.
“In and out, the structure balances scale, heat, and ease. The uncovered oak body helps broad, ethereal interiors underneath an oak-boarded ceiling, leading to a house that feels daring while providing consolation, character, and a deep connection to its panorama.”
The great thing about a vaulted ceiling, a standard function in lots of single storey timber body houses is in fact that it provides you further top. And, whereas it isn’t alway wanted, or certainly sufficient for a full second ground, it definitely provides choices for the addition of a mezzanine that is good for a cosy or small dwelling workplace concept.

Fergus has spent his profession so far within the timber business, and has labored on the Scottish yard of Carpenter Oak since 2008. Beginning as an apprentice carpenter, he spent 7 years studying the craft of timber framing and dealing throughout some landmark tasks. In more moderen years Fergus has frolicked in gross sales, design, estimating and challenge administration, gaining an summary of tasks from idea to realisation, with an strategy firmly rooted in an understanding of constructing and erecting timber buildings. Taking explicit enjoyment in guiding shoppers and designers by this course of, Fergus is now gross sales lead for the enterprise, and a part of our senior management group.
4. Embrace the speedy connection to the outside
A lot the identical as when designing any sort of self construct, selecting the place to spend your funds on a single storey oak body house is about determining your priorities, and allocating monies accordingly.
In some instances, comparable to this property from Carpenter Oak, it might imply choices comparable to hybrid buildings may be superb
“This new construct dwelling within the nation is a bespoke oak-frame residence that brings collectively rustic appeal and up to date dwelling. Set in a rural panorama, the house has a rigorously crafted structural hybrid oak body the place the oak body options within the open plan kitchen diner and front room solely,” explains Fergus Stuart.
“Selecting a hybrid-frame was a extra reasonably priced means of getting spectacular dwelling areas, with out the price of an oak body all through the constructing,” he provides.
“The big patio doorways within the kitchen-diner open out onto a sunny terrace, permitting for indoor/out of doors dwelling, and the house maximises pure supplies, delivering a residence that feels heat, stable, and in concord with its environment.”
5. Make your entrance a function
In the event you’re contemplating a single storey timber body dwelling concept, take the chance to make your entrance an actual function.
With no second ground over-shadowing your entrance facade, you may add an oak body porch that celebrates the supplies your property is constructed from. In addition to offering wonderful shelter from the weather, it additionally provides instantaneous kerb enchantment to your property.
Simply make sure you keep away from any porch errors when contemplating the scale, top and the way you’ll use your porch.
6. Clad your timber body dwelling in brick and high with a tiled roof
Though some single storey timber body dwelling concepts have fun the fabric they’re constructed from, others select to constructing utilizing timber vs masonry for different causes.
“Some shoppers want them as they take away the hazard of stairs, guaranteeing the protection of younger youngsters,” explains Derek Dawson, “and having all rooms on one degree means every thing is inside straightforward attain for fogeys.
“With just one ground, bungalows are additionally simpler to wash and preserve, each inside and outside,” he provides, “with duties comparable to window cleansing, gutter clearing, and roof inspections less complicated to carry out than on two-storey properties.
“Or, if there are restrictions on ridge heights on a plot of land, a bungalow or chalet design may be the best resolution,” says Derek.
On this occasion, it might be that you just then want to modify up the exterior cladding concepts in your dwelling, with brick and a historically tiled roof one possibility as demonstrated right here.
7. Mix a inexperienced roof with timber cladding
The benefit of utilizing a pure materials comparable to timber is that it lends itself effectively to environments the place nature prevails. Naturally heat and appropriate for each conventional and up to date houses, this single storey timber body dwelling from Carpenter Oak is a putting instance of how engineered timber can create expansive, up to date areas with out compromising heat or character.
“The design, by Roderick James Architects, centres round an oak portal body, reaching spectacular open interiors and lengthy spans, permitting the construction to really feel gentle, ethereal and refined,” explains Fergus Stuart.
“This engineered strategy ensures each power and visible readability, providing a contemporary interpretation of oak framing that fits the constructing’s lakeside context. The result’s a peaceful, spacious constructing that blends efficiency with pure materials magnificence,” provides Fergus.
For an additional eco-friendly end, think about using a inexperienced roof and mix with power environment friendly options comparable to a warmth pump.
8. Think twice about proportions and stability
When engaged on the design of a single storey timber body dwelling, it is nonetheless essential to consider getting a balanced design and structure.
And, even for those who’re selecting single storey as you are designing a lifetime dwelling, it does not imply you’ll want to take a protracted, rectangular corridor-like strategy to your structure .
On this challenge, a U-shaped design options two gable ends, related by a central part. Including visible curiosity, it additionally helps create pure zones, whereas nonetheless giving full accessibility to each space.
9. Match your entrance to your exterior however make it straightforward upkeep
If you’re continuing with a single storey timber body dwelling concept due to present, or potential accessibility points, make sure you additionally take into account your driveway supplies too when finalising your arduous landscaping plans.
“With out having to battle with steps every day provides these with diminished mobility confidence that they’ll comfortably get pleasure from and handle their dwelling for years to return,” says Derek Dawson, however that solely works for those who take each inside and outdoors into consideration.
Selecting finishes comparable to a resin driveway with a contemporary single storey timber body dwelling may give you not solely a glossy and trendy entrance, but in addition a sensible and future-proof floor for years to return.
10. Have a look at customized construct websites in your single storey timber body concept
In the event you’re much less inquisitive about constructing a totally bespoke single storey timber body dwelling, and as a substitute want to root your self inside a neighborhood, a customized construct website could give you one of the best of each worlds.
This single storey timber body dwelling options all the weather of a conventional oak body dwelling, however in a single single storey. Utilizing the turnkey service meant the owners had been in a position to nonetheless make design selections, however had the stress of constructing totally from scratch themselves eliminated.
Plus, it was one of many first homes within the nation to make use of AeroBarrier expertise to realize a under Passivhaus airtightness degree. A mechanical air flow with warmth restoration system (MVHR), photo voltaic panels and air supply warmth pump, additionally make the house extremely power environment friendly.
Eager to search out out extra relating to customized construct alternatives for single storey timber body houses? Check out Webbs Meadow, the place 13 customized construct houses have redefined neighborhood dwelling.
And, that can assist you perceive simply how a lot funds you may must fulfil your dream, take a look at our information to oak body dwelling prices.

