Building big on a large piece of land is still an Aussie dream. But acreage comes with additional considerations for those wanting to build new.
Australia’s love affair with regional Australia shows no signs of abating. It was a trend that began before the pandemic, but reached new heights thanks to a rise in workplace flexibility. After a short dip, factors like the migration boom, along with the cost of living and housing supply crises, have many seeking greener pastures once again.
Population flow from capital cities to regional areas is tracking around levels reported during the height of COVID, and 16.4% above the pre-pandemic average, according to the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI).
Building on larger block sizes means you need to look at proportionality when choosing or planning your design. With extra space, layouts should take this scale into consideration, utilising features like double-height ceilings and gourmet kitchens. But large windows, glass doors and verandahs are also essential to maintain a connection to the outdoors. Picture: Metricon
Living further out makes it easier to land yourself a block 900sqm and above. But before you attempt to build your dream home, it's important to know that building on acreage is a different beast with different considerations for success.
Characterised by grand scale and charm, acreage homes require more understanding of the surrounding landscape, utilising expansive floor plans with large windows to match, and ensuring the surrounding views are captured by clever design.
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It's all about proportions
The number one tip for building on larger blocks, whether yours is a tidy quarter acre or full-blown rural living, is ensuring that the proportions of both your exterior facade and internal layout work for the bigger block and landscape.
Get the facade proportionality right
"You need to consider a wider facade for acreage homes, tree-change customers or expanding rural families," said Adrian Popple, Design Director at Metricon, where they host free educational webinars on acreage living.
"The streetscape becomes really important, so getting the proportions and symmetry of the facade right is something we really focus on."
Wider frontages and consideration of the streetscape are the way to go for facades on acreage, as a small or narrow home on a vast piece of land will look out of place due to the lack of proportionality. Picture: Highlander by Metricon
Wider frontages provide a bigger canvas for your facade to make a great first impression, dramatically boosting curb appeal.
But it also proportionally suits a larger block of land – a small three-bed, single level home, for example, would be dwarfed by acreage and look out of place.
Additionally, the wide front and back of this style of house is ideal for large verandahs, both for the front yard and back, making alfresco entertaining a sure thing.
Use extra space wisely on your internal layout
Country or rural living means homeowners are after space – so a layout that incorporates high ceilings, larger-scaled rooms, space for activities and connection to the outdoors is essential.
Wide frontage home designs are known for their spacious, airy and bright feel. They allow for easy open-plan living and plenty of large windows or sliding glass doors, maintaining flow between the home and its beautiful natural surrounds.
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With bigger frontage, you get the luxury of grand scale, with space for everything you could need or want. To maintain the right proportions, don't forget about large windows and ceiling height to bring a light, bright and airy feel. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
"The internal layout is another key area we spend a lot of time on, making sure the home opens up to the land and that bedrooms and living areas have great access to the outdoors," explained Mr Popple.
"Getting the internal layout flowing is vital. When you’ve got so much space to play with, it can be challenging, so it’s really important that we get the proportions right and achieve that seamless integration between indoors and out."
Small or poky rooms feel out of place in acreage homes, so when planning or choosing your designs, it's important to consider proportionality and the use of space.
Likewise, when furnishing the home, small-scaled furniture may be dwarfed by spacious rooms with high ceilings. Don't be afraid of larger key pieces to anchor your rooms.
Australia's largest home builder, Metricon, is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, 15 October to give prospective new home builders insights into building on larger blocks. Experts including Josh and Jenna Densten from The Block will discuss benefits of acreage living and aspects of building a new home on acreage.
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