Planning a home build? Try these clever layout tips for a naturally comfy home!
Icy rain, howling winds, frosty feet, oh my! As the days get shorter and temperatures dip, most of us tend to bunker down at home – so it makes sense to plan your space with purpose.
The clever folks at Metricon Homes know a thing or two about thoughtfully designing homes that are not only beautiful, but also functional, future-ready and built for year-round comfort. Whether it’s the sunlight that streams into your living room on a chilly morning, or the layout that helps the whole family move through the house with ease, a well-designed home can make all the difference during the cooler (and other!) months to both your lifestyle and your environmental footprint.
Looking to level up on winter-friendly designs that prioritise comfort, efficiency and flow? Have a look at the range of Metricon home designs, and check out their tips below for inspiration.
Built for life – and living
Wondering if you should buy an existing home or start from scratch? Well, one of the biggest benefits of building a new home is that you have the flexibility to choose a home design that fits your lifestyle and is made with the seasons in mind.
Smart floor plans and energy-efficient materials never go out of style, and can make your home feel light-filled and warm in winter or cool and comfortable in high summer.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first home or you’re choosing to downsize to a smaller space – building new still lets you make smart, sustainable choices that work for your budget and the environment.
Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your home build:
- Orientation. When in doubt, face north! This is the best aspect to optimise the seasonal pathways of the sun.
- Choose solar power. Reduce your home’s carbon footprint – and those pesky energy bills.
- Make it airtight. A home where the wind can slip through badly-sealed windows, vents and doors won’t hold on to its heating (or cooling) all that well, and may need more energy to keep you comfortable.
- Insulate! It’s the most cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.
And that’s exactly what Metricon’s home designs are built around. Their home designs use passive solar principles – think large windows in living areas, open-plan layouts and clever positioning – to maximise natural light and warmth during the day. Features like insulation, smart zoning and quality glazing also help to trap heat, reducing your reliance on heating and keeping energy costs lower.
A floor plan that flows
During winter, we tend to shift how we use our space. Outdoor entertaining might take a backseat, and the kitchen or lounge becomes the new social hub. That’s where a well-planned floor plan can truly shine.
Open-plan living spaces allow warmth to circulate naturally, while private zones like bedrooms and studies offer peace and quiet when needed. With everything in the right place, your home becomes easier to live in – and enjoy – no matter the weather.
Of course, comfort is only part of the picture. How you use the space matters just as much. Ask yourself: who will be living here, and how will we use the space? Do I need multiple bathrooms, room for hobbies, or an extra nook to work from home? Will a single-storey be more practical, or is zoning better in a double-storey?
Sometimes, a little help can make planning a lot easier: as a premium home builder in Victoria, Metricon offers a wide selection of thoughtfully designed homes that cater to the lifestyle and climate of the area. You can explore their range of house designs that are tailored for both functionality and comfort.
Some land of one’s own
If you’re ready to build new but haven’t quite secured a block of land, a house and land package could be the answer you’ve been searching for. A house and land package allows you to secure a block of land along with a perfectly suited home design in a new estate – one process but two contracts.
When browsing packages, also think about how each area of the home will be used throughout the year. Will the family room get enough light during the day? Does the kitchen have an easy flow into the living space for entertaining in winter? Will the house help you keep your cool when temperatures rise? Design elements like cross-ventilation and shaded outdoor areas will serve you in summer, just as insulation and warm northern light help you thrive in winter.
Given our changing climate, it’s also important to be aware of potential environmental challenges where you’d like to live – floods, bushfires, soil erosion, extreme cold, and heat can all influence where you choose to build, and how. A bit of extra planning and research now can save a lot of grief later.
All-season design
Of course, great design isn’t just about winter. It’s about building a home that works for you in every season, keeping comfort, sustainability and style at the heart of it all.
If you’re in the early stages of planning, Metricon’s website is a great place to start – you’ll find inspiration, floor plans and details that help bring your vision to life. Being able to plan and build your own home means you have the opportunity to create flexible, thoughtful spaces that can adapt as your needs change, smart energy-efficient features to reduce your environmental impact, and timeless design choices that feel just right whether it’s July or January.
