8 Tricks for building on a narrow site

As populations of towns and cities expand, it has become quite common to be presented with the task of building or renovating a house on a narrow or uniquely shaped piece of land. Each site presents its own set of challenges, namely access to natural light, traffic flow and spacial constraints. But with each of these challenges comes an opportunity to create beautifully practical solutions. Here are some tips on how to tackle classic issues when building on a narrow site.

1. Know the limits of building on a narrow site

State to state and council to council, there are different regulations when it comes to just how close you can build to the properties boundaries. Some will be blessed with the advantage of zero lot boundaries, meaning you can build directly on top of the edge of the land. Other times, you’ll be restricted to building at least 900mm away from the boundary.

2. Invite the courtyard inside when building on a narrow site

Narrow sites are often left with only two natural light sources, the front of the building and the rear. Opening up the side or middle of the house creates another much-needed way for the light to filter into the home, breaking up dark interiors. Think creatively, if you’ve been limited to building 900mm away from the boundaries, use that space to further open up the courtyard.

3. Use every meter of space when building on a narrow site

When renovating or building on a narrow site incorporating a hallway into the design is a sure way to create dead space. Instead, focus on open plan designs that eliminate the need for space-wasting corridors.

4. Utilise the space in the middle of a narrow site

When creating a plan for the design of a narrow resite, it’s often easy to push everything up against the long-running boundary walls. But it’s not the only way. A narrow kitchen can benefit greatly from an island bench rather than the traditional galley kitchen. The inclusion of an island bench gives a place for non-kitchen traffic to flow and is ideal for socialising.

5. Go for built-ins

It’s simple, built-in joinery and furniture are wonderful space savers compared to their free-standing counterparts. Custom build items will maximise your floor space and allow for endless secret nooks and hidden storage.

6. Get fussy with the final details when building on a narrow site

Think about your doors and cabinets, do they use up precious space buy swinging open? Consider a sliding cavity instead.

7. Got ample height on your narrow block?

If you’ve been blessed with access to height, but not width, then use it. Raising the ceilings and doors and adding floor to ceiling windows will give the room a luxurious spacial feel all while overlooking its lack of width.

8. Light, light, light

In tight spaces, light is your best friend. Give natural light as much chance as it can to get into your home. Use wall to ceiling windows where you can, then look towards skylights and finally use mirrors to bounce the light through the space.