Build this modern three-bedroom house
Having limited space should never be an excuse to build an uncomfortable house. This three bedroom house has all the trappings of a comfortable, modern home. It has a living room, kitchen, dining room, two smaller bedrooms perfect for siblings with the master bedroom that has its own bathroom and built-in closet.
Two of the bedrooms share a common bathroom and a bathroom strategically located in between.
A comfortable, modern living area is spacious enough for family gatherings while the tall glass windows in the living room make it seem even larger. This house has a very spacious living, kitchen, dining room and a very big porch at the front that you can use to meet guest sit and relax on weekends.
Simon Peter Kazibwe, an architect from Royal Architects and Engineers, say this plan sits well on a 50ftX50ft plot and can constructed for Shs40m. He has incorporated exposed structural elements and use of mixed construction materials to give the house a timeless yet modern look.
Materials
Kazibwe says this plan is so flexible that it can be constructed with a mixture of glass, concrete, vinyl and wood. “This design is meant to be clean and simple so that it can be adapted to fit a number of environments and uses,” Kazibwe explains.
The architect further notes that the built-in closets and separated rooms make this house seem more lavish and comfortable.
While this design tends to be minimalist, it gives the homeowner an opportunity to be adventurous with the décor. “One of the most outstanding features of this house is the raised pillar with stone finishing. The finishing gives it a sleek and contemporary look,” he adds.
The mix of stone, glass and wood trim finishing gives this home a timeless look. The huge glass windows in the living room and glass door are a nice tie in too.
According to Wahab Mbabazi a décor expert stone can be very expensive, so to reduce costs while keeping the look of stone, some manufacturers started making stone veneers, a man-made material that is pigmented and shaped to resemble stone.
“So if one wants the stone finish look without the huge budget, the next best thing is these veneers. Many people love this finish because of its low maintenance demands; a rich and elegant look yet affordable,” Mbabazi says.
To complement the esthetics, Mbabazi recommends incorporating green leafy plants into the design to create a warm and cool atmosphere. Go for big sized plants since smaller ones might simply be overshadowed by everything else.
Chosing paint colours
The rich earthy tone can pose a challenge when it comes to deciding what paint color to use on the walls. “You do not want a colour that will get lost or will clash with your walls. Keep in mind one basic rule of thumb: the overall background tone determines the colour. The aim is to get a colour that can properly contrast with that tone or to blend with it,” explains Mbabazi.
The blush pink and crisp white paints used for this house create a high contrast against the natural stone tone resulting in a cool and warm blend. Also, white paint will lighten up the room and balance any heaviness from the darker colors on the floor.
Caution
Plant large shade trees in locations where their root systems will not affect other plants, and plan to cut them down before they pose a threat to buildings, people, or other plants.
Always plant fast-growing trees away from utility lines, homes, and driveways to minimise damage when their branches (or even large trunks) break during storms. Pay attention to the location of septic lines and sidewalks, which can be disrupted by roots.
