A granny flat can be a profitable addition to any property, both in monetary value and mental health. If you do have an in-law living with you, both of you will likely benefit greatly from having separate spaces. Increasingly granny flats are available in eco home designs, meaning that not only is your in law self-sufficient, but so too is the flat.
There a many different designs and sizes available (mainly provided by companies specialising in both design and build) and options are able to be customised to suit your needs and space. Mostly the eco granny flats borrow a few elements of contemporary house plans, with straight clean lines and a streamlined appearance. The eco flats however differ in the materials used as well as the distinct effort made to help the structure blend into the surrounding. Colours and materials are used that complement the natural surroundings. Grey, dark blue, browns, and beiges are all colours commonly used in the building of eco homes and granny flats. Check out these awesome portable granny flats.
Structurally, an eco- granny flat differs from a traditional build in a number of ways. Builders insert two layers of insulation in all of the wall cavities and one layer on the floor. The extra layer in the wall provides greater heat retention in the winter and is cooler in the summer months. The insulation also acts as a sound barrier between rooms, making it perfect for in laws or teenagers or guests. Granny flats using an eco home designs approach often use natural materials such as corrugated steel, timber and colorbond.
These materials add to the natural aesthetic appeal of the building as well as providing air flow and temperature regulation. The design is also focused on bringing the maximum amount of natural light into the structure, with large windows and skylights being a common design feature. In the winter months however, heat can escape through the glass of large windows making the room feel cold. In eco designs, windows are double glazed, making it more difficult for heat to get in and out of the flat. Get the best ideas for eco home designs right here.
Layouts are also flexible with options for one or two bedrooms, a kitchen, laundry and bathroom depending on individual needs. The general floor plan of an eco-granny flat is generally open plan, similar to that we see in contemporary house plans. This is perfect for one or two occupants as the space is not communal and does not have a great need for privacy. In some of the smaller designs, the living and bedroom is combined, much like in a loft style apartment, with a private bathroom adjoining the bedroom. This layout works best for a single occupant that still eats meals and does the laundry in the main house. Larger layouts with two bedrooms and a kitchenette are more self-sufficient and are often leased out by the owners, offering a supplementary income source. There’s a granny flat to suit every need.
