Compact Homes: proof that bigger isn’t always better

Compact Homes: proof that bigger isn’t always better

The world is getting smaller. Well, no actually, it’s not. With the growth of urban populations worldwide, space is at a premium – leading to land and accommodation prices rocketing everywhere. Not only that, but the cost of running a larger home and garden are also moving out of reach for many within the middle-class range of affordability.

Invariably, those seeking more affordable homes are young couples beginning their life together, single-headed households, and retired persons who are often on their own. But whether starting small or scaling down, there are many ways to adjust your living space and your lifestyle to create affordable comfort, and nifty ways to save money in the process. The growing trend today is for smaller – a trend dictating designs for the future.

The growing change

The number of single-person households is on the rise – and even with many new smaller units, housing is struggling to keep pace with demographic changes. Not only are households smaller, but their profile is different. Today, most women work. Also, many are marrying later, and having children nearly ten years later than their parents did, so the demand for single accommodation is ever on the rise.

In addition, changing lifestyles and choices have led to a rise in the divorce rate. There is an increased number of single-parent families, mostly headed by women. A typical family – a married couple with young children – is not so typical anymore, and this decline of the ‘traditional family’ has led to the need for different sized homes, driven by both personal circumstances and financial constraints.

Opportunities for architects

Where we work, live, and enjoy recreation is becoming more meshed. Designs for living today are geared to avoid the long commute. The modern concept of combining offices, residential and retail space, with recreation facilities such as restaurants, sports centres and cinemas, is influencing the planning of urban dwellings. The challenge for city expansion lies in the need to be more compatible with the way people want to live – while effectively absorbing an increasing population without congestion.   

But it is one thing to live in a smaller space – and another to be comfortable in it. Fresh ideas are needed to make this option efficient, convenient, private and snug. While an apartment can be squeezed to the size of a caravan, people actually want their micro-space to look and function like a home.

Clever ideas for space saving

For the last couple of decades, the approach to the problem has mainly encompassed dividing old houses and once fashionably large apartments. Often these structural alterations could compromise the building – leading to health and safety hazards – a situation that has added to the current flurry of creative new designs for one and two-person households.

Ingenious changes include:

• Kitchen, dining and living room areas combined in a way that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Image Source: pexels.com

• Scaled-down, adaptable furniture, that does double duty providing storage space along with function – beds with drawers beneath, likewise tables and chairs. And staircases that double duty as bookcases or cupboards.  

Image Source: pexels.com

Also see this video, where a bookstand is turned into a doublebunk bed in less than a minute!

• Beds that fold away, leaving living space uncluttered. Double and treble bunks for children that drop down to form a couch during the day.
• Kitchens that make use of every available space while shrinking the area. The thinking is that people cook less and eat take-away more, and convenience stores are everywhere, so there’s no need to install acres of cupboard space – the monthly shop, especially for younger, single people, has become a daily dash.
• Nifty new kitchen gadgets that are both functional and save space
• Bathrooms should be purely functional space. Showers can be built over sit-baths. Cupboards and shelving can be utilised everywhere in a bathroom to specifically provide towel and linen storage, even under a raised bath.

Image Source: Houz

• Storage boxes save an incredible amount of space – particularly if you switch and store clothing seasonally. The market in attractive, useful storage options has grown exponentially and there are many choices in colours and styles to suit your needs.
• Flat screen televisions allow for wall mounting, freeing up areas normally taken up by tables and cabinets.

Image Source: pexels.com

The comfort of small

• Most people living in smaller spaces profess to be happier. They feel less cluttered and experience more freedom, no longer possessed by too many possessions. Insurance premiums take a dive.
• There’s less maintenance – and what there is, costs less.
• There is a saving on rates, water (no large gardens) and electricity – heating is usually less necessary and a small amount can heat the entire home.
• Designs include more lighting in the form of window positioning and interior lighting, including the use of more neutral colours for décor and furniture – and living in a brighter space generally makes people feel happier.
• The rise of the outdoor ‘room’ has made people aware of the value of open spaces, leading to growth in the development of small enclosed patios, brightly decorated or with braai areas included.
• There has even been growth in the trend for outdoor art such as paintings and statues, achieving a pleasing décor that provides comfort between a small interior and a compact facilitated outdoor experience.
• Smaller living spaces has led to increased planning for outdoor spaces where people can exercise, relax and socialise. Parks, gyms, cycle tracks, libraries, coffee shops, etc, are blended into these new designs so that there is greater interaction between private space and outside entertainment. Tiny homes are encouraging people to become less insular and more outgoing, engaged and community-minded.

The Leapfrog Property Group

Leapfrog Property Group offers a fresh and innovative approach to buying, selling, renting and property investments, ensuring the best property deals for clients across South Africa. Our agents are qualified, trained, experienced; our approach bold and spirited, driven by heart, generosity and honesty. It is our mission to advise, eliminate obstacles and save you unnecessary expense. Trust is our watchword. And value our motto. Armed with our combined credentials, we are the bright face of excellence in the South African market. 

Find us at: www.leapfrog.co.za