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.