Showcasing creativity on a small plot of land
Showcasing creativity on a small plot of land
Nirwono Joga, Contributor, Jakarta
Growing enthusiasm for property has sent the price of land and
houses soaring, making people's dream of owning a big house with
a large yard difficult to realize.
In the end, many people have to be satisfied living in real
estate complexes with uniform house designs and space
limitations.
With some creativity, a house in a limited plot of land with a
standard design can be transformed into an ideal home without
sacrificing a healthy and environmentally friendly home concept.
Several factors, like optimal use of space and land, as well
as efficient use of building materials, should be taken into
account to create a comfortable, but healthy home.
In a small house, optimal use of space is essential. Space can
be added, combined, or removed depending on the owners' needs.
For instance, the front yard can also serve as a carport,
living room, children's playground or garden.
At present, a living room is no longer as important as it used
to be as more owners spend leisure time outside the house.
Nowadays, this room functions as a family room or even a dining
room.
Limited time also means many prefer a clean kitchen that
becomes an integrated part of the dining room as many families
now favor ready-to-cook food that is easy to prepare.
A special bedroom and bathroom are usually provided for house
maids, who still play an important role in many houses here.
Rooms for them are usually located to the rear of the house, near
the laundry room.
In some houses, however, the maids' rooms are placed in the
front part of the house near the laundry room and wet kitchen,
which are separated from the main house by a wall. The rear part
of the house is, however, reserved for an open dining room and
master bedroom with garden view.
If your house is built on a small plot of land, do not feel
disheartened, as an impression of space can be provided through
the use of lots of doors, windows and ventilators.
Floor and walls must also be in tune with the interior,
preferably in bright colors or earth tones, not only to give an
impression of space but also brightness and a natural atmosphere.
The family room, study and children bedrooms can be placed on
the second floor and the number of bathrooms should be limited,
depending on need.
Despite space limitations, it is important to ensure there is
as much open space as possible. Basic building at the ground
floor should not exceed 60 percent of the entire plot of land.
This arrangement does not only ensure comfort but also helps in
maintaining a green environment.
In order to conform with this requirement, the trick is to add
a mezzanine with brown-polished wooden floor and planks. Though
its construction will involve additional cost, this concept is
economical, given that building materials continue to rise in
price every year.
Maximum use of sunshine will also help to minimize use of
energy. This can be done by providing wide openings -- doors,
windows and skylights -- to ensure that you do not have to use
electricity for lighting during the day, or electric fans and air
conditioners.
A proper ventilation system will ensure fresh air flows into
the house. Cross-ventilation requires that doors, windows,
ventilators and skylights are placed facing each other so that
there will good circulation of air and to avoid stuffy air being
trapped in a particular room.
The ceiling must also be at least 3 meters high. Upper
ventilators may be made close to the ceiling, while the lower
ones should be close to the ground. If the air circulates freely,
the house will feel cool, despite the scorching sun.
However, if you rely on air conditioners, it is recommended to
open your windows and doors in the morning to allow sunshine and
fresh air to warm up the rooms and allow fresh air to get in.
In building a dream house, expensive materials do not always
ensure artistic quality. With rapid technological progress, you
can browse through choices of building material to your taste.