Log and timber homebuyers can maximize the space available on smaller lots with a few innovative design ideas.
Looking at a small lot, assessing its pros and cons, envisioning the log or timber home that will occupy that piece of real estate, and coming to terms with its potential is just the beginning. Taking advantage of the available space is a key component in the construction project at hand, both inside and outside of the structure.
The story begins outside. Most homeowners are interested in building on an expansive lot with all the attributes that come along with an abundance of dirt, or at least many would expect more features and benefits with a big building site. However, there is charm, perspective, and possibility in a small lot. But just what is a “small” lot? Small is often in the eye of the beholder —or owner—and putting together a construction plan means taking what is available and making the most of it.
“That is a tough question, and solutions would be different for different areas of the country,” says Mark Elliott, vice president of Coventry Log Homes (Woodsville, NH). “There are many rural areas that require at least one or two acres of land to build, but in other areas the lot may be very small. The local building codes will determine how large a home you can build, and it may be dependent on a septic approval if you don’t have town sewer.”
The small lot development process begins with an understanding of just what is permissible according to local codes, including setbacks, septic field lines, and other considerations. Once these factors are satisfied and understood, the project can take more tangible shape. Logistics and room for workers and equipment to maneuver can dictate the pace of the construction’s progress.
“Planning ahead and thinking through the process is key with a small building lot,” says Mark. “You may need to stage some materials at an alternate location and bring to the site only what you need next. We suggest having your groundwork contractor be involved with decisions along with your general contractor for scheduling the different steps of building your home.”
Taking stock of the situation and leveraging the experience of others who have built on small lots will help in decision making. Mark suggests investing some time in visiting homes that have been completed on lots of the same or similar size as the proposed construction project. This might prompt the prospective homeowner to incorporate some design elements that would otherwise never have been considered.
From a structural standpoint, Mark says “In most cases you can go up, but there could also be local codes that regulate how tall a building can be.” Once more, it’s important to stress compliance, but when the owner and builder are satisfied that the structure conforms the progress can be fairly rapid. Believe it or not, small lots don’t necessarily stifle creativity. They inspire it!
Although proximity to more heavily populated or urban areas is one restrictor of expansive construction, others might include a site on the brow of a ridge or mountain with a panoramic view that suggests a tradeoff in space for a stunning vista. Other projects adjacent to federal land or even in a national preserve area must conform to laws and specifications.
Land usage and space utilization in living areas go hand in hand with a small lot. Positioning the home on the lot is critical for the maximization of available space. Take advantage of the view and make the most of wooded areas. They may well provide a backdrop that gives substantial depth to the surroundings. Property lines are invisible, and “borrowing” some distance and depth is a versatile tactic.
The home must be functional, and depending on the size requirement a second floor is often practical. Building upward can improve the cost per square foot while providing that loft or extra bedroom and bath that accommodates family and visitors with ease. The interior will appear more spacious with higher ceilings where possible, while the use of larger or smaller logs and timber, depending on the situation, will complement the ambience. Also, remember that utilizing glass and windows helps expand space from inside.
Open space is a major contributor to the feel of optimal living. Landscaping sets the tone for the overall picture when the project is considered in its entirety.
Framing a small yard with shrubs and trees that will create new and retain existing close and distant views contributes to an open feeling. An opportunity to attract visual lines toward a mountaintop, lake, or other focal point creates the feeling of openness and provides an expanded perspective on the surroundings. Although it may seem illogical at first, even the use of fencing or screen elements may enhance the ambience of a smaller outdoor area. For one thing, depending on the proximity of neighbors, a practical enclosure offers privacy and may easily blend into the surroundings while adding some scale to the space. Remarkably, an enclosure can often make the outdoor area seem larger.
Remember, smaller outdoor spaces can contribute to a clean, uncluttered comprehensive presentation. While the square footage itself may be limited, the use of natural features, possibly a rock formation, a stand of tall trees, or a gradual slope adds depth and distance to the site, allowing the imagination to embrace the surroundings. Some homeowners even incorporate a small stone or water feature if practical, providing a visual cue that draws the observer inward, complementing that maximized use of distance.
Consider the highest and best use of available living area. The necessity of an attached garage, for example, must be evaluated. A place to store a vehicle is nice to have, but would that space contribute better to the experience if configured for a family room, bedroom, or larger kitchen? Along with the proposed floor plan, think about furnishings, aesthetics related to positioning in the home, and the cramped or confined feeling that large sofas or bed frames might foster. Large kitchen cabinets, eat-in areas, and even bars with stools may be just right or might contribute to a closed-in perspective. Find a balance between the two and avoid clutter. Over-decorating creates an illusion of tight quarters.
The small lot can and will generate some big ideas. An old saying goes that the best gifts are in small packages, and when building on a small lot is seen as a creative springboard rather than a restriction, great things can happen in design, space utilization, creativity, and the log and timber home living experience.