While the word bungalow is commonly associated with homes that only have one floor, single storey timber frame home ideas push the boundaries of what is possible when you opt to have just one floor of living space.
And regardless of what drives the need for a single level floorplan, this doesn’t need to limit you in terms of what can be achieved.
From vast vaulted ceilings through to contemporary pavilion style properties, we’ve rounded up 10 single storey timber frame home ideas that prove you don’t always need a second floor when choosing a timber frame construction.
1. Build two if you can’t build double
The owners of this single storey timber frame home idea had originally wanted to build a two-storey home. But, early meetings with the local planners meant they had to re-think their plans. As the building was in close proximity to a listed building, they were advised a double storey wouldn’t get approval as it risked taking prominence over the listed property.
Working with Welsh Oak Frame, they were instead able to design a single storey timber frame home that gave them the living space they needed, along with spectacular views thanks to the large, glazed gable end.
And, even though they weren’t able to build a double storey home, they were able to build two buildings. The latter took the form of a triple garage with a guest apartment above, freeing up the main build for personal use, but still providing guest accomodation when needed.
2. Single storey timber frame homes can be contemporary too
The beauty of a single storey timber frame home is that the removal of a second floor makes them a prime opportunity to build the contemporary home of your dreams.
“Renowned for their versatility and accessibility, single-storey homes are a firm favourite across the UK and remain the preferred property type for a significant number of self builders,” says Derek Dawson, managing director of Scandia-Hus.
“The advantages of single-storey living appeal widely, extending from young families to the older generation, but they have design advantages too,” he adds.
“With fewer internal load-bearing walls, the layout of a bungalow can be made largely open plan, and beautifully bright interior spaces can be created as a result,”
This property from Scandia-Hus, constructed from a timber frame is pavilion-like in its appearance, featuring a white rendered exterior, paired with a flat black roof and large back aluminium framed sliding patio doors, offering an instant connection between indoors and outdoors.
Derek is Managing Director of Scandia-Hus and originally joined the company as an apprentice draughtsman. He is passionate about providing self-builders with a high quality product and exceptional customer service.
3. Take advantage of the height and add a mezzanine level
This beautiful home in the Cotswolds began life as a badly converted barn and, under vision and careful design direction by architects McLean Quinlan, was transformed into an elegant, contemporary country residence.
Fergus Stuart, sales project consultant at Carpenter Oak explains how.
“The project reimagined the structure as a generous family retreat: at its heart sits a dramatic 9-metre-high green oak frame, handcrafted and installed by Carpenter Oak, creating a striking central volume that blends structural presence with calming, open space.
“Inside and out, the architecture balances scale, warmth, and simplicity. The exposed oak frame supports wide, airy interiors under an oak-boarded ceiling, resulting in a home that feels bold whilst offering comfort, character, and a deep connection to its landscape.”
The beauty of a vaulted ceiling, a common feature in many single storey timber frame homes is of course that it gives you extra height. And, while it’s not alway needed, or indeed enough for a full second floor, it certainly gives options for the addition of a mezzanine that’s perfect for a snug or small home office idea.
Fergus has spent his career to date in the timber industry, and has worked at the Scottish yard of Carpenter Oak since 2008. Starting as an apprentice carpenter, he spent 7 years learning the craft of timber framing and working across some landmark projects. In more recent years Fergus has spent time in sales, design, estimating and project management, gaining an overview of projects from concept to realisation, with an approach firmly rooted in an understanding of making and erecting timber structures. Taking particular enjoyment in guiding clients and architects through this process, Fergus is now sales lead for the business, and part of our senior leadership team.
4. Embrace the immediate connection to the outdoors
Much the same as when designing any type of self build, choosing where to spend your budget on a single storey oak frame home is about figuring out your priorities, and allocating monies accordingly.
In some cases, such as this property from Carpenter Oak, it can mean looking at options such as hybrid structures can be ideal
“This new build home in the country is a bespoke oak-frame residence that brings together rustic charm and contemporary living. Set in a rural landscape, the home has a carefully crafted structural hybrid oak frame where the oak frame features in the open plan kitchen diner and living room only,” explains Fergus Stuart.
“Choosing a hybrid-frame was a more affordable way of having impressive living areas, without the cost of an oak frame throughout the building,” he adds.
“The large patio doors in the kitchen-diner open out onto a sunny terrace, allowing for indoor/outdoor living, and the home maximises natural materials, delivering a residence that feels warm, solid, and in harmony with its surroundings.”
5. Make your entrance a feature
If you’re considering a single storey timber frame home idea, take the opportunity to make your entrance a real feature.
Without a second floor over-shadowing your front facade, you can add an oak frame porch that celebrates the materials your home is constructed from. As well as providing excellent shelter from the elements, it also adds instant kerb appeal to your home.
Just be sure to avoid any porch mistakes when considering the size, height and how you will use your porch.
6. Clad your timber frame home in brick and top with a tiled roof
Although some single storey timber frame home ideas celebrate the material they are constructed from, others choose to building using timber vs masonry for other reasons.
“Some clients prefer them as they remove the danger of stairs, ensuring the safety of young children,” explains Derek Dawson, “and having all rooms on one level means everything is within easy reach for parents.
“With only one floor, bungalows are also easier to clean and maintain, both inside and out,” he adds, “with tasks such as window cleaning, gutter clearing, and roof inspections simpler to perform than on two-storey properties.
“Or, if there are restrictions on ridge heights on a plot of land, a bungalow or chalet design can be the ideal solution,” says Derek.
In this instance, it may be that you then prefer to switch up the external cladding ideas for your home, with brick and a traditionally tiled roof one option as demonstrated here.
7. Combine a green roof with timber cladding
The advantage of using a natural material such as timber is that it lends itself well to environments where nature prevails. Naturally warm and suitable for both traditional and contemporary homes, this single storey timber frame home from Carpenter Oak is a striking example of how engineered timber can create expansive, contemporary spaces without compromising warmth or character.
“The design, by Roderick James Architects, centres around an oak portal frame, achieving impressive open interiors and long spans, allowing the structure to feel light, airy and refined,” explains Fergus Stuart.
“This engineered approach ensures both strength and visual clarity, offering a modern interpretation of oak framing that suits the building’s lakeside context. The result is a calm, spacious building that blends performance with natural material beauty,” adds Fergus.
For an extra eco-friendly finish, consider using a green roof and combine with energy efficient features such as a heat pump.
8. Think carefully about proportions and balance
When working on the design of a single storey timber frame home, it’s still important to think about getting a balanced design and layout.
And, even if you’re choosing single storey as you’re designing a lifetime home, it doesn’t mean you need to take a long, rectangular corridor-like approach to your layout .
In this project, a U-shaped design features two gable ends, connected by a central section. Adding visual interest, it also helps create natural zones, while still giving full accessibility to every area.
9. Match your entrance to your exterior but make it easy maintenance
If you are proceeding with a single storey timber frame home idea because of current, or potential accessibility issues, be sure to also consider your driveway materials too when finalising your hard landscaping plans.
“Without having to struggle with steps on a daily basis gives those with reduced mobility confidence that they can comfortably enjoy and manage their home for years to come,” says Derek Dawson, but that only works if you take both inside and outside into account.
Choosing finishes such as a resin driveway with a modern single storey timber frame home can give you not only a sleek and stylish entrance, but also a practical and future-proof surface for years to come.
10. Look at custom build sites for your single storey timber frame idea
If you’re less interested in building a completely bespoke single storey timber frame home, and instead prefer to root yourself within a community, a custom build site may provide you with the best of both worlds.
This single storey timber frame home features all the elements of a traditional oak frame home, but in one single storey. Using the turnkey service meant the homeowners were able to still make design choices, but had the stress of building entirely from scratch themselves removed.
Plus, it was one of the first houses in the country to use AeroBarrier technology to achieve a below Passivhaus airtightness level. A mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system (MVHR), solar panels and air source heat pump, also make the home incredibly energy efficient.
Keen to find out more regarding custom build opportunities for single storey timber frame homes? Take a look at Webbs Meadow, where 13 custom build homes have redefined community living.
And, to help you understand just how much budget you might need to fulfil your dream, check out our guide to oak frame home costs.
View the original article and our Inspiration here
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