Building a double-storey home in Perth is a major investment, but it offers a unique advantage: it allows you to double your living space while keeping your land footprint compact. The key to getting maximum value for money from a two-storey build is ensuring your floor plan actively responds to your location’s unique environment, views, and lifestyle requirements.
Traditional Layout vs. Upside-Down Living (Reverse Living)
The traditional layout of placing all bedrooms upstairs and living zones downstairs is standard practice, keeping your sleeping quarters private and social spaces connected to the garden. However, if you are building near the coast, alongside a local park, or in a hilly Perth suburb, consider flipping the script. Place your kitchen, main living area, and master balcony on the upper level, and locate the minor bedrooms downstairs. This ensures you enjoy your block’s best views and natural light during the daytime hours when you are actively utilizing the space.
The Power of the Architectural Void
A “void” is a design feature where a section of the first-floor flooring is omitted, leaving a dramatic double-height ceiling above a ground-floor living area or entry hall. While it does reduce your total upstairs floor area by a few square meters, a well-placed void above your main dining or entry zone creates an immediate sense of luxury and space. It channels light deep into the lower level of your home, turning a standard layout into a premium custom showcase.
Balcony Finishes: Glass vs. Rendered Brick
- Glass Balustrades: If you have an uninterrupted view of the ocean, river, or city skyline, glass is worth the investment. It keeps your sightlines completely open and makes your upper living zone feel limitless.
- Rendered Brick Balustrades: If your balcony faces a busy suburban street, a solid rendered brick wall offers complete privacy from passing traffic. It is also more cost-effective and cuts down on weekend cleaning maintenance.
Discover how a two-level home can transform your lifestyle by visiting our Double Storey Home Designs page.