Introduction
A double storey bungalow combines the best of bungalow living—spaciousness and privacy—with the advantages of a second floor—additional living areas and expansive views. This design style has grown in popularity worldwide due to its perfect blend of comfort, style, and flexibility. Whether you are building from scratch or renovating an existing property, a thoughtfully designed double storey bungalow house design can offer elegance, functionality, and timeless appeal.
Defining a Double Storey Bungalow
A bungalow traditionally refers to a single-storey dwelling, but double storey bungalows integrate a second level while maintaining the feel of a ground-level home. This setup uses the upper floor for bedrooms, home offices, or recreation rooms, leaving the ground floor open and accessible for communal activities. Compared to compact two-storey houses, these bungalows typically have generous proportions, wider layouts, and landscaped surroundings.
Benefits of Double Storey Bungalow Design
Spaciousness and Privacy
One of the main attractions is the increased living space without sacrificing the single-floor lifestyle. Public zones like living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are on the ground floor, while bedrooms, private lounges, and balconies occupy the upper level. This vertical split ensures quieter, more restful private quarters.
Efficient Land Use
In areas with larger plot widths, a double storey bungalow helps maximize floor area without a sprawling footprint. This makes it financially and environmentally efficient, preserving garden space while offering ample interior accommodation.
Architectural Presence
These homes often carry a sense of grandeur. The upper level offers height and scale that enhance curb appeal without towering excessively. Many designs include grand double-height living rooms or atriums that connect both storeys visually while reinforcing openness.
Enhanced Views and Sunlight
Upper-level living spaces can enjoy better outlooks and capture natural breezes. Balconies, high-level windows, and clerestories invite light and circulation, improving comfort and reducing dependency on air conditioning and artificial light.
Lifestyle Flexibility
Extended families benefit greatly: a guest suite or staff quarters can be placed on one floor without loss of independence. Some homeowners even convert the top floor into rental units or home offices, lending flexibility to changing needs.
Design Considerations
Plot Size and Orientation
Start with your site. A wide rectangular plot supports a traditional bungalow layout, while deeper lots might require long-axis design. Orientation influences sunlight exposure, so position living areas to capitalize on morning and evening light while minimizing heat gain. Privacy screening—such as landscaping or cladding—can buffer neighboring views without sacrificing openness.
Zoning and Setbacks
Local building codes may define height limits, setbacks, and permissible floor area ratio (FAR). Double storey bungalows often face regulations that allow only certain elevations or limit second-floor area to preserve neighborhood character. Engage professionals early to optimize within these regulations.
Foundation and Structure
Supporting a second floor requires careful attention to foundations. Ground floor beams, reinforced columns, and robust floor slabs are essential. Consideration of structural glazing or large open spans may also require steel beams. These structural decisions influence cost and design possibilities.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Passive solar design principles work well with double storey bungalows. Large overhangs shade windows, light wells and skylights deliver daylight deep into the plan, and high-performance glazing reduces heat transfer. Solar panels on the second-floor roof are ideal. Materials like insulated wall panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green roofs can further elevate sustainability.
Interior Layout Ideas
Ground Floor Plan
The ground floor should feel welcoming, easy to navigate, and connected to outdoor areas. Typical layouts include an open-concept kitchen-living-dining arrangement with direct access to a terrace or patio. Additions like a guest bedroom, powder room, study nook, and mudroom near the entrance can enhance practicality. Vaulted ceilings, atriums above staircases, or double-height living spaces visually unify the two storeys and give the area a sense of scale.
Upper Floor Plan
Bedrooms and personal retreat spaces can occupy the upper floor. A layout featuring a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe, en‑suite bathroom, and balcony adds luxury. Additional bedrooms should balance privacy and access, while a shared bathroom offers flexibility. A small upper lounge or reading nook at the top of the stairs encourages informal gatherings. Balconies and terrace zones overlooking gardens enhance indoor-outdoor living even on upper levels.
Optional Features
Include a family room or media zone that becomes the household’s entertainment hub. Alternatively, a home office that taps natural light and garden views adds functionality. Fitness zones or guest suites offer even more versatility. Fitting laundry rooms upstairs near bedrooms saves trips downstairs, while storerooms under stairs optimize underused areas.
Style Inspirations
Modern Minimalist
This style emphasizes simplicity. Clean lines, large windows, neutral palettes, and minimal ornamentation define the aesthetic. Flat roofs, floating staircases, and integrated lighting bring architectural appeal. Materials like timber cladding, concrete, and glass create sleek, low-maintenance facades.
Craftsman or Classic Bungalow
Inspired by early 20th-century designs, these share similar proportions while adding character through exposed rafters, decorative brackets, tapered columns, and gabled roofs. The second level is often partially hidden by roof eaves, preserving the bungalow silhouette. Interior finishes include coffered ceilings, built-in shelving, and panelled walls.
Tropical Resort‑Style
Ideal for warm climates, this style emphasizes natural materials and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Louvered windows, deep eaves, sandy-patio connections, and landscaped gardens blur boundaries. Courtyards, water features, and outdoor dining zones enhance ambiance. Upper verandas offer shade and vantage points for views and breezes.
Contemporary Industrial
A more edgy aesthetic using exposed steel, polished concrete, open ducting, and rustic timber. Large windows, loft-like living spaces, and exposed structural elements create raw charm with refinement. High ceilings combined with minimal partitions support spaciousness and flow.
Outdoor Integration
Landscaping
A double storey bungalow has multiple zones for greenery. Plant tall trees to shade the façade and lower deciduous plantings to screen windows. Courtyard gardens around central atriums or light wells filter daylight. Boundaries defined by hedging or permeable fencing maintain privacy while connecting to the environment.
Terraces and Balconies
Upper-level balconies offer valuable outdoor retreats. Use hard-wearing decking, potted plants, and privacy screens to create intimate corners. The ground-level terrace can include pergolas, built-in planters, and seating that invites outdoor living.
Pool or Water Feature
A small plunge pool, reflecting pond, or water wall near the living area enhances the tropical feel. Poolside decks and lounging zones become focal points for relaxation and social activities.
Garage and Driveways
Attached or detached garages should harmonize with the architectural style. Widened driveways allow guest parking. Consider green roofs over garages—this conceals vehicles while adding ecological value.
Materials and Finishes
Exterior
Cladding options include bricks, timber panels, external rendering, stone veneers, and fiber-cement boards. For a contemporary look, a mix of natural and industrial materials creates contrast. Roofing may be metal, tile, or asphalt shingles; large eaves and overhangs guard against rain and sun.
Interior
High-quality flooring—engineered timber, stone, or polished concrete—provides warmth and durability. Bathrooms and wet areas should use ceramics, porcelain, and composite stone. Consider timber ceilings or feature timber wall panels for warmth. Staircases in steel or glass add a modern edge.
Lighting
Good lighting design balances function and mood. Use recessed downlights, architectural tracks, pendant clusters, and LED strips. Dimmable artificial light combined with natural light aids ambiance. Exterior lighting for pathways, façade, terraces, and landscaping builds nighttime character.
Color Palette
Interior schemes often rely on neutral tones—white, taupe, gray—with accent colours drawn from wood grain, natural stone, or furnishings. Soft pastels, deep blues, or greens work well in retreat areas. A coordinated palette helps unite the two floors.
Sustainability Strategies
Passive Design
Maximize natural ventilation via open stairs and cross-ventilation strategies. Overhangs protect windows from midday sun. Skylights and light shelves illuminate deep internal rooms efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Insulated walls and windows cut energy use. Use energy-star appliances, solar panels, and LED lighting. Roofing choices—such as cool or green roofs—help reduce heat retention.
Water Management
Rainwater harvesting systems can supply toilet and garden irrigation. Greywater recycling further reduces freshwater use. Use native plant landscaping to minimize water demand.
Materials and Waste
Select eco-friendly, low-VOC paints and certified sustainable woods. During construction, separate and recycle waste where possible. Reuse materials like timber, brick and tiles.
Planning and Budgeting
Engaging Professionals
Work with an architect, structural engineer, and interior designer for cohesive planning. Use local contractors experienced in double storey bungalow construction. The right team ensures regulatory compliance and build quality.
Staged Development
Depending on budget, consider phasing construction. Complete essential zones first and expand as finances allow. Temporary roof protections can allow continued living in parts of the house.
Maintenance Considerations
Choose durable, low-maintenance finishes. Plan for access to roofs, gutters, and exterior windows by locating ladders or scaffolding zones. Use repairable boards and allow accessibility for servicable zones.
Cost Breakdown
Costs vary by region and material quality. As a guide, budget per square metre or square foot factoring in foundation work, structure, finishes, landscaping, and fixtures. Double storey construction typically is 20–30 percent more expensive than a single-storey equivalent, but the space and design benefits often justify the premium. Ongoing operating costs—cooling, maintenance, landscaping—should also be factored in.
Real-Life Example
A suburban 350 sqm double storey bungalow might include formal living and alfresco dining downstairs, with a master suite, children’s wing, and office upstairs. Implementing passive cooling, solar water heaters, and rainwater collection resulted in a 40 percent reduction in energy bills. Natural finishes and open timber staircases created warmth and a strong sense of connection to the garden.
Conclusion
Designing a double storey bungalow is a rewarding challenge that combines elegance, efficiency, and lifestyle flexibility. By prioritizing spatial planning, architectural character, and sustainable details you can create a home that grows with your family. Integrating thoughtful layouts, indoor-outdoor connections, and modern materials will result in a timeless home that respects its surroundings and enhances daily living. Whether you choose tropical, contemporary, classic, or industrial styles the double storey bungalow remains an enduring symbol of elevated, grounded living.
