What is a townhouse: comfortable housing or a big name

For those who want to live outside the city, in an ecologically clean area, away from the bustle of the city, but who do not have sufficient financial capacity to purchase a full-fledged individual country house, a townhouse is an ideal option. This is a convenient, economical and comfortable option for a residential building for families with an average income. You can learn more about what a townhouse is from this article.

A townhouse is a complex of two-three-storey houses, interconnected

Townhouse: what is it for a multi-level structure

This building is translated from English as "city house". Townhouse is a complex of multi-level apartments, consisting of two or three floors, which have common side walls. These cottages are designed in the same architectural style. Each house is an autonomous life support system and is intended for one family to live in it. It has an individual entrance, a small plot of land and a garage. What a townhouse looks like can be seen in numerous photos.

The classic townhouse has a simple and comfortable layout

Important! A townhouse can be part of a multi-format village where other real estate objects are located, or form independent villages that are filled exclusively with such multi-level apartments.

Understanding the question of what a townhouse is (the photos clearly show the options for buildings) follows on the basis of the history of the building. Such houses first appeared in the 19th century in England. The buildings belonged to families of aristocrats, including high-ranking representatives of bourgeois society. Today, middle class people can afford townhouses. This is due to the low cost, since much less materials are spent on the construction of such apartments than on the construction of a detached cottage, which is explained by the presence of common walls. In addition, the townhouse takes up much less space.

The standard layout of a townhouse includes a kitchen, living room, dining room on the first floor, a bedroom, an office and a nursery on the second.On the third floor, which is mainly represented by an attic room, there is a bedroom or a guest room. Each floor has a separate bathroom. The townhouse can have a basement. The large total living area of ​​150-300 m² allows for various design ideas.

The first level is reserved for the kitchen, living room, study, utility room

What is a townhouse: overview of building modifications

Having understood the question of what a townhouse is (the photos clearly show the appearance of the building), you can consider the existing modifications of this multi-level complex.

A lawnhouse (translated as “a house in a side street”) is a complex of two- or three-story buildings, which differ in architecture and interior decoration. Each house has its own entrance, garage and land. Such buildings form a network of lanes, as a result of which they got their name.

Townhouse for 2 families is presented by a duplex. This is a residential complex consisting of two multi-storey buildings, which are connected by one common wall. This building is intended for two families. A twin house is similar in structure and purpose to a duplex; two families can also live in it. However, such structures differ in that the first option is represented by two separate houses with different architecture, having a common wall, which reflects the projects of a townhouse for two families.

The Quad House is a multi-storey complex for four families. Villetta is a kind of townhouse. However, the building is characterized by a more original architectural design, involving the use of arches, attics, terraces and land. British houses are created strictly in the English style. The facade of such buildings is finished with terracotta bricks, giving the structure a sophistication. This complex belongs to the elite class segment.

Townhouse for 3 families is connected by common walls, but each house has a separate entrance

What is a townhouse: how it differs from home or apartments

Is a townhouse a house or an apartment? This structure combines these two concepts, however, it has distinctive features in which numerous advantages of the structure are visible. First of all, this is a relatively low cost in comparison with the price of a country house. This is due to the fact that the building occupies a small plot of land. For its construction, fewer materials are required, since adjacent houses have a common wall, roads and utilities.

The cost of 1 m² in a townhouse is similar to the prices for housing in an apartment. Also, it should be noted the reduced operating costs in comparison with the maintenance of a country house.

The living area in a townhouse exceeds this value for an apartment in a multi-storey building, but is slightly less than that of a detached cottage. This makes it possible to organize individual functional areas, spending less money on their design.

Townhouses have an individual plot of land, albeit a small area. However, this territory is enough to equip a recreation area with a barbecue, sun lounger or gazebo. There are options with a small pool.

The townhouse is gaining more and more popularity as it is a very affordable housing

In most cases, design projects of townhouses with a garage located on the ground floor are created. If there is no such room, an individual parking space is created in front of the house.

Townhouse villages are built in ecologically clean suburban areas with unique landscaping, remote from industrial and gas-polluted areas. The order in the district is monitored by the individual security of the village.

Considering the question of how a townhouse differs from a house, one cannot fail to mention the only significant drawback of the former.This is the presence of neighbors, with whom you will have to cooperate in any case in solving common issues related to the repair of the building, the improvement of the territory or other problems.

Townhouses have small individual plots near each entrance

What is the difference between a townhouse and a cottage and penthouse

Despite the fact that the townhouse and the penthouse are intended for discerning owners, the buildings differ significantly from each other. The first option is a suburban building with separate entrances for each apartment. The townhouse has a garden and a garage.

The penthouse is a mansion located on the upper levels of a multi-storey building. There are also separate entrances for each apartment, but they are located inside the building. The windows offer a beautiful panoramic view. Sometimes the project provides for a helicopter or observation deck. According to the level of comfort (based on feedback from the owners), the townhouse is not inferior to the penthouse. However, the cost of housing will be several times lower.

The cottage is a detached high-rise building, which also has its own garden area and garage. However, due to the creation of an individual project, the cost of 1 m² is much higher than that of a townhouse. Issues related to housing and communal services will have to be resolved independently, this is especially important if the house is located in a remote place.

The townhouse has a relatively small area of ​​the house itself and the plot in comparison with the cottage

Inconvenience can be created by unpredictable neighbors who are the old residents of the village, dictating their own rules and way of life in the district. With a townhouse, such a problem is excluded, since young families with a high level of income move into the house. They keep up with the times, striving for coziness and comfort.

Features of the interior design of a townhouse

When planning the design of a townhouse, certain structural features should be taken into account, which is primarily associated with the multilevel premises. Here it is important to correctly plan the territory in order to ultimately get a comfortable, convenient and practical environment.

The most expedient solution is to purchase a townhouse during the construction phase. In this case, it is possible to make adjustments to the layout of the premises, which in the future will help in the design of the future interior. When the object is put into operation, all the desired changes will need to be approved by the relevant authorities with payment for services.

The first floor is reserved mainly for premises common to all family members, in the form of a dining room, living room, hallway and kitchen, the design of which is displayed in the townhouse plan. On the second floor there are individual rooms: an office, a bedroom and a nursery. In the attic room, it is recommended to organize a dressing room, a gym, a billiard room or install a home theater in it. In the event that the family has children of different ages, you can also equip a bedroom for an older child here.

The attic is used as a home theater, dressing room or relaxation room

Useful advice! If elderly or disabled people live in the house, a bedroom should be equipped for them on the ground floor.

The exterior and interior of a townhouse (the photos clearly demonstrate this) should be made in a single stylistic direction or similar options. In this case, it will be possible to create a harmonious atmosphere. However, you should not be limited to one style when decorating the interior of a townhouse. Each level can be completed in a specific concept. It is important that there is a common thread that harmoniously unites all functional areas of a residential building into one display.

Engineering communications deserve special attention in the design of the townhouse premises.Numerous pipelines, heating radiators will have to be disguised or harmoniously fit into the overall interior. However, it should be remembered that any option that involves masking communications should not adversely affect the microclimate of the room, worsening the temperature and humidity conditions.

When planning an interior design for a townhouse, some features should be taken into account, first of all - this is the multilevel premises and vertical functionality

Townhouse projects for two families, depending on financial capabilities

A townhouse for two families is called a duplex. Both parts of the house have the same interior and exterior design. The construction of such houses is carried out on the basis of one of the typical projects of a townhouse for 2 families:

• the house has one common entrance and the internal usable area is divided into two separate living areas;
• the house has two separate entrances, which are located on opposite sides.

Important! The home plot of the duplex can be divided into two areas of the same size, separated from each other by a fence, or be common for both families.

A townhouse house project for 2 families can be developed depending on financial possibilities. Distinguish between luxury and economy class buildings. Residential complexes of the second option are characterized by the presence of a small living space. As a rule, these are one-story houses, erected from laminated veneer lumber using frame technology. The layout of the interior space consists of a minimum number of rooms: living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Layout of a townhouse with a garage for two families

Important! One half of an Economy Duplex is a mirror image of the other.

The luxury duplex is a multi-level complex consisting of two or three floors. For its construction, more expensive building materials are used with the use of frame technology, which is carried out on the basis of a townhouse project for 2 families with separate entrances. On the ground floor there are auxiliary premises in the form of a living room, kitchen and utility rooms. The second floor includes living rooms. The duplex offers a closed terrace, sauna and billiard room.

On the personal plot, you can equip a common children's playground, a recreation area with a gazebo and barbecue, or equip a pool.

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Townhouse projects for 3 families with separate entrances

Townhouses for three families are not very popular. However, there are cases when several families of close relatives wish to live under one roof, but have autonomy from each other.

Houses for three families have their own design features. There are projects of townhouses for 3 families with separate entrances. In this case, the house is represented by a block-type building, consisting of three identical parts, which can be located in one row under one roof. Each house has a separate entrance, which is located on the front or back side. In this case, the adjacent territory is located behind the house. It can be shared or divided into separate independent zones.

Townhouse projects for three families are distinguished by a free internal layout

The house sometimes has an asymmetrical, non-trivial configuration with exits in different directions from the ends of the building. In this case, the adjacent territory is located opposite the entrance to the townhouse.

Other options for 3-family townhouse projects involve one common entrance, which is usually located on the back or front side of the building. Further, a common corridor opens with three branches to individual apartments.

The construction of a triplex allows you to significantly save money.On a plot of 6 acres, a one-story block building with a length of 30 m and an area of ​​up to 300 m² can be located. In this case, there is room for a local area and a small vegetable garden.

If a two-storey building is envisaged, it will occupy an area of ​​no more than 150 m². Its length can reach only 15-20 m. The cost of a common roof and foundation will be much cheaper than for three separate buildings. The presence of common walls allows you to save not only on their construction, but also on heating the house.

Townhouse project for 3 families with garage

Important! Two-storey triplexes with one entrance allow you to save free land space by 40-45%, which contributes to the creation of an overall adjoining territory.

Features of townhouse projects for 4 families

The quad house is the newest form of housing that is gradually gaining popularity. Such a complex is designed to accommodate four families. When designing such a house, a vertical layout of the premises is used. Bearing walls are thicker than others. They are placed crosswise relative to each other, intersecting in the center. This design feature allows you to increase the level of noise insulation in the house. As evidenced by numerous reviews, life in a four-family townhouse is comfortable and convenient.

Each quad house has its own entrance, which is located on a separate side of the square structure, which provides complete independence. The maximum isolation is observed here. Massive wall structures are able to provide complete silence.

The multilevel townhouse for 4 families provides an opportunity to experiment with the style, choosing for each level the most comfortable for the inhabitants of the house

Exterior and interior finishes of quad-houses are carried out mainly with siding. This non-toxic polymer material is characterized by resistance to combustion, mechanical damage, high thermal insulation properties, durability, ease of maintenance and affordable cost. Due to the reliability and strength of the material, the facade is able to withstand any natural disasters.

The layout of townhouses for four families presupposes the presence of an entrance hall, a spacious hall, a bathroom, a boiler room, a kitchen, a living room and other technical rooms on the first floor, and rest rooms on the second. The third floor is represented by an attic room with an open plan. Some house designs provide for only a kitchen and a living room on the ground floor, while a spacious hall and lounges with separate bathrooms occupy the second floor.

Each owner of a quad house has his own plot of land, which is located at the end of the building, where you can organize an individual place for relaxation.

In townhouse projects, vertical layout of premises is most often used.

New townhouses: from which houses are built for several families

Today, multi-level apartments are being built mainly using frame technology from SIP panels. This material is a three-layer plate, which is represented on the outside by OSB-3 sheets with an inner layer of insulation, which is used as expanded polystyrene. This simple design has several advantages. The panels are mounted on the thorn-and-groove principle, which makes it possible to obtain a strong and reliable frame. To ensure a quality connection, a traditional 80 mm thick wooden beam is used.

The material is light enough. Assembled structure with an area of ​​150-200 m² will weigh only 15 tons. This will allow the construction of a lightweight, inexpensive foundation. Several people can build a house from SIP panels without the involvement of heavy equipment. The work is carried out in the shortest possible time, which usually does not exceed two weeks.

For load-bearing walls, according to the projects of townhouses made of SIP panels, slabs with a thickness of 160-170 mm are used, which are similar in terms of thermal conductivity to brickwork 2.4 m thick. The material does not emit carcinogens, resins and other harmful substances. It does not serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and the growth of fungi, and is not invaded by insects and rodents.

New townhouses are being built using frame technology from SIP panels

Townhouse construction: traditional materials for making

Some townhouse house projects include the construction of a brick building. It is reliable, practical, environmentally friendly and easy to install. The main advantage is the ability to work with it in any weather, which significantly reduces the construction time. The disadvantages include low energy efficiency and a high probability of further shrinkage. A brick house with insufficient wall thickness needs to create a layer of insulation.

Important! The brick structure is characterized by high weight, which requires the construction of a solid foundation with good bearing capacity.

Monolithic construction is the most expensive technology, which is mainly used to create the frame of the house. Internal walls are constructed from bricks or other "living" materials. Monolithic buildings, in comparison with brick houses, have less weight, which allows the construction of multi-storey townhouses.

Most often, newly built townhouses are built from environmentally friendly and reliable material - brick

Aerated concrete is used to create economy-class townhouses. The material is characterized by the presence of a large number of pores, due to which good ventilation and thermal insulation are provided with a minimum thickness and mass of walls. The main drawback of the material is its excessive whimsy to climatic conditions. It will not be possible to build a house in frost and high humidity.

As a roofing material in townhouse house projects, metal tiles are used, which need a layer of insulation. Copper-clad roofing and natural tiles will cost significantly more, but they are characterized by durability and presentable appearance. Inexpensive, but reliable material for the roof of a townhouse is roofing material.

Turnkey townhouse renovation: order of work

The arrangement of a finished house begins with the development of a townhouse design project, the cost of which is determined by the option of its execution, depending on the complexity. It provides for planning and technological solutions, as well as a general concept for the design of the premises, which is determined by the chosen stylistic direction.

The interior and exterior of a townhouse are best done in one stylistic solution, thereby creating a harmonious living environment

Here, options are developed for the layout and decoration of premises, the arrangement of furniture, plumbing equipment, lighting and decoration. A list of necessary materials, plumbing equipment and elements of the lighting system is being formed.

Particular attention is paid to finishing the staircase, which is one of the main and necessary elements of a multi-level townhouse. The design of the element should be in harmony with the overall interior design of the house.

Further, on the basis of the developed design project, repair work is carried out in all rooms. Their complexity and nature depend on the form in which the house was commissioned. If only a rough finish of the elements of the room is done, the repair starts from scratch. This is the most suitable option, since it makes it possible to carry out the layout and decoration of the apartment based on the personal preferences of the customer using high-quality materials.

The most advantageous interior of a townhouse looks in the style: minimalism, loft, contemporary, chalet, provence and country

Finished townhouse fully prepared for decorated decoration. However, if the customer does not like the layout or finishing of certain of its elements, it is possible to carry out a major overhaul with the previous dismantling, which will require significant financial costs. If a townhouse apartment has been renovated, it is fully prepared for housewarming. However, this is not a very good option, since the developer often uses low-quality material, performing repair and finishing work, which unjustifiably increases the cost of the house.

A full-scale renovation in a townhouse (photos clearly show this) on a turnkey basis includes the necessary list of facade and roofing works. Thanks to this, it will be possible not only to transform the appearance of the building, but also to provide it with reliable protection from adverse environmental factors, which will extend the period of its safe operation.

Features of townhouse design projects

The townhouse is characterized by the presence of large residential areas, which provide endless possibilities for planning and arranging the space in order to increase the functionality of the premises. Here you can experiment with planning, compositional and style solutions, choosing the most suitable option that will satisfy the needs of all family members. Thanks to computer visualization, you can see the house after renovation and furnishings, which will identify and correct all possible shortcomings.

The design project of a townhouse should be made taking into account all the requirements and features

When planning the interior design of a townhouse inside (the photos clearly display different options), one should take into account the structural features, which are due to the multilevel premises. Each apartment has 2-3 floors, its own entrance, an attic and a basement with a garage and utility rooms. The main task is the appropriate distribution of premises within the boundaries of each vertical design.

As a rule, a new townhouse has an open plan. This makes it possible to install partitions anywhere, which is determined by the configuration and purpose of the room. Particular attention is paid to numerous engineering communications. It is necessary to consider in detail how to disguise or decorate them so as not to affect their functional qualities.

Townhouses mostly have large panoramic windows through which a lot of natural light enters the house. The rooms on the second floor have French balconies. The living space is arranged around an interlevel staircase that vertically connects zones of different functionality. This element can either dissolve in the overall interior, or become dominant, defining the general concept of home decoration.

Thanks to the multi-level construction, you can safely experiment with the style of the interior. An individual design can be selected for each floor.

The newly built townhouse has a free layout and makes it possible to install partitions anywhere

Important! When combining various directions in the design of the interior design of a townhouse, the main task is to create a single, harmonious and comfortable living space.

Interlevel staircase in a townhouse: photos of design options

The staircase in the townhouse plays an important role. Its type and design can be key considerations when choosing an interior style for the entire home. It can be both as invisible as possible and stand out from the general space.

In a townhouse, the stairs are performed in one of the following options:

• a flight staircase is a practical structure that consists of one or more flights with the arrangement of an intermediate platform;
• the version on the bolts is represented by a structure in which the steps are attached to the wall;
• spiral staircases can significantly save free space due to their small dimensions, but they are quite steep and inconvenient.

Living space in a townhouse is usually built around an inter-level staircase that connects the different areas

The staircase takes up quite a lot of space, so it is rarely used, especially for small townhouses. Duplex designs involve the use of an exclusively helical structure with winders that are attached to a central post. It is this element that must be advantageously played in the interior of the premises.

If both varieties are not too preferable, designers have found an elegant solution. For this, the site is divided into two squares with a level difference equal to the step height. Another option involves a breakdown into four winder steps, which are installed on a metal frame. Thus, it is possible to preserve the space under the stairs.

Important! For the structure to be reliable, the walls that create the stairwell must not be framed.

The staircase can be made as inconspicuous as possible (for small townhouses) or dominant in the interior

The townhouse has a number of advantages that increase the demand for the purchase of this house. If you want to escape from the bustle of the city, as well as in the absence of sufficient financial ability to buy a separate cottage, a multi-tiered apartment is the most optimal and correct solution.