How to build a well-designed house on a small plot of land

“I rarely traveled to check the status of the project, which led to significant losses due to resale or theft of materials on site. All my commitments were in town, which ultimately stopped the project,” he says.

Like Ogago, many landowners may have been lured into purchasing large plots of land far from the city without considering factors such as comfort, accessibility to work and security. However, it’s not too late to find your dream location for future purchases. Here’s a guide to help you navigate your home building journey while making the most of a smaller lot.

Seek professional advice

Above all, obtaining professional advice is crucial to the success of a project. “Consult a professional to help you design your constrained space to meet your requirements,” advises Derrick Semwanga, civil engineer. He suggests hiring an architect to create an efficient layout that minimizes wasted space.

Brian Karala, civil engineer at Vodo Construction Company Limited, emphasizes the importance of surveying the land before starting construction. He recommends marking boundaries with stones or markers and sharing the necessary dimensions with your architect.

“This plan allows professionals to make visual estimates of the terrain, ensuring that the structure is firm and durable, particularly in areas where the ground may be unstable, such as previously swampy terrain,” he explains.

Understanding the history of the area is vital; it helps professionals identify areas that have been reclaimed by backfilling, leaving soil that may be too porous for construction.

According to experts, the shape of the building has a significant impact on the efficiency of land use. For smaller plots, they recommend rectangular structures, as most plots sold are typically rectangular, often measuring around 50 x 100 feet.

“Design the project to align with the shape of the land. For example, with a rectangular plot, use more length to create adequate space around the project,” advises Semwanga.

He cautions against complex designs that can make a space feel busy and cluttered. “A design with too many corners can eat up valuable space, forcing you to use multiple areas for the same activities, like creating backyard gardens, which can overcrowd the plot.”

It is also essential to comply with legal requirements regarding spacing during construction. Experts recommend maintaining a distance of two meters from neighboring properties, with each end of the project having at least one meter of space to ensure adequate working space.

Building does not necessarily mean opting for multi-story buildings. It can also involve things like high ceilings, large windows, and open designs that create the illusion of more space indoors.

Smart choices, such as installing automated or sliding doors and windows, can reduce congestion in small rooms. For example, using large windows can bring in natural light, while sliding doors improve comfort in smaller spaces like bathrooms.

“Consider building upwards rather than outwards to maximize land use,” suggests Semwanga. He also recommends space-saving features such as built-in storage, wall-mounted lighting fixtures and high-placed windows to improve lighting and air circulation in congested areas.

Kalara advises positioning the building toward the wind and creating openings for sunlight, which improves both natural light and ventilation in rooms.

Additionally, incorporating eco-friendly materials can add life and character to your space.

“Architecture should prioritize beauty while considering environmentally friendly materials, such as quarry tiles or parquet,” he says.

Semwanga further advises against having too many rooms in a confined space, especially if it is not a multi-story building. A bedroom should ideally be at least 3 x 3 meters (around nine square metres), while a living room should be a minimum of 4 x 5 meters (around 20 square metres).

Consider multipurpose rooms that can adapt as your family grows. Instead of a dedicated study room, you can opt for a bookshelf in a quiet corner of the living room or bedroom, accompanied by a comfortable chair to create a reading nook.

Don’t waste your outdoor space

Semwanga suggests using corridors at the edges of the building for water drainage and cable management.

“In sloping areas, these corridors can effectively channel water or serve as walkways,” he notes, adding that it is crucial to avoid building inside road allowances, particularly for properties commercial.

A well-designed outdoor space promotes connection with nature. If your yard seems too small for extensive landscaping, consider floral arrangements or vertical gardens. You don’t need to rely solely on floor space; Wall and hanging planters can create a natural ambiance without taking up too much space.

Kalara encourages her clients to maintain a garden, no matter the size of the space.

“Even in a compact space, consider using small flower pots and environmentally friendly materials. It is not necessary for everything to be plastered or painted; natural stones can be effectively incorporated into walls and floors,” he suggests.