Ask the Builder: Design 55 Skippy – Small Home, Smart Living | 2 Bedroom House Plans Australia
Discover how a well-designed 55m² home can provide comfortable living, practical spaces and an affordable starting point for your next building project.
When planning a new home, bigger isn't always better.
With rising construction costs, increasing demand for affordable housing and more
Australians considering downsizing, compact house designs are worth a closer look.
At Australian Floor Plans, we believe good home design is about making every square metre work for you.
That's why we're introducing Design 55 Skippy, a practical two-bedroom small home with a simple layout, comfortable living spaces and outdoor decking.
Whether you're considering a downsized home, a holiday retreat, an investment property or a compact home on your own land, this design provides an excellent starting point for planning.
Introducing Design 55 Skippy – 55m² of Practical Living
Design 55 Skippy is a single-storey, two-bedroom home designed to offer everyday comfort without unnecessary floor space.
Design Specifications
Design Name: 55 Skippy
Home Type: 2 Bedroom Small Home
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Living Area: Open-plan living
Kitchen: Practical compact kitchen
Bedroom Storage: Built-in robes
Outdoor Living: Decking areas
Total Area: 55.0m² (approximately 592 sq ft)
Overall Width: 12.0m (approximately 39 ft 4 in)
Overall Length: 4.64m (approximately 15 ft 3 in)
Its long, narrow footprint makes it an interesting option for sites where building depth is limited, subject to local planning requirements and setbacks.
A Two-Bedroom Layout That Makes Sense
One of the advantages of Design 55 Skippy is its straightforward internal arrangement.
The two bedrooms are positioned at opposite ends of the home, with the main living area located centrally.
This arrangement provides separation between sleeping areas while keeping the living spaces easily accessible.
Both bedrooms include wardrobe storage, an important feature when planning a smaller home.
The kitchen connects directly to the living area, creating a practical space for everyday activities.
A centrally positioned bathroom and laundry area help keep essential services within a relatively compact section of the building.
For a home of this size, careful furniture placement and storage planning are particularly important.
Outdoor Decking – Making a Small Home Feel Larger
One of the appealing features of the Skippy design is its outdoor decking.
A well-designed deck can provide additional space for relaxing, enjoying a morning coffee or entertaining visitors.
For smaller homes, outdoor living areas can make a significant difference to how the property feels and functions.
Ask the Builder Tip:
Before finalising your design, consider which direction your deck faces.
I
n many Australian locations, a north-facing outdoor living area can provide useful winter sunshine, while appropriate shading helps reduce unwanted summer heat.
Also consider privacy, prevailing winds and the connection between the deck and internal living spaces.
A little planning at this stage can make your outdoor area much more enjoyable.
Five Building Tips for a Small Home
After many years working in residential construction, I've found that small homes can be just as challenging to plan as larger houses.
With limited floor space, every design decision matters.
1. Get Your Furniture Sizes Right
A bedroom may look spacious on paper, but once you include a bed, bedside tables and wardrobe access, the available walking space can quickly disappear.
Before committing to a design, check the actual dimensions of your furniture.
Pay particular attention to door swings, wardrobe access and circulation space.
2. Keep Plumbing Locations Practical
Bathrooms, kitchens and laundries can represent a significant part of the construction budget.
Keeping plumbing fixtures reasonably close together may help reduce pipe runs and simplify installation.
Design 55 Skippy places the kitchen, bathroom and laundry in the central section of the home, making this an important area to review when obtaining preliminary plumbing quotes.
3. Plan for Natural Light and Ventilation
A smaller home benefits greatly from well-positioned windows.
Natural light can help make rooms feel more open and welcoming.
Where practical, consider window placement that encourages cross-ventilation and reduces reliance on mechanical cooling.
Remember that the best window arrangement will depend on your site's orientation, climate and neighbouring buildings.
4. Don't Underestimate Storage
Storage is often one of the first things overlooked in compact homes.
Consider built-in wardrobes, full-height kitchen cupboards, laundry storage and furniture with additional storage capacity.
The aim is to provide enough storage without overcrowding the living areas.
5. Obtain Quotes Before Committing to Construction
One of the most useful steps you can take is to discuss your proposed design with builders and suppliers before paying for complete construction documentation.
Preliminary quotes can help identify whether the design suits your budget and whether modifications may be worthwhile.
This is where concept house plans become particularly useful.
Why Start with Concept House Plans?
Many people make the mistake of investing in detailed construction drawings before they have properly reviewed their design or obtained preliminary building costs.
Our concept house plans provide a more affordable starting point.
They allow you to:
Review the overall home layout and room dimensions.
Discuss the design with your family or builder.
Consider modifications to suit your lifestyle.
Obtain preliminary building cost estimates.
Explore different construction materials and finishes.
Plan your budget before committing to full construction plans.
Concept plans are intended for preliminary planning and discussion. They are not approved construction drawings or a substitute for engineering, site-specific design and building approvals.
Can Design 55 Skippy Be Modified?
Yes. If you like the overall design but need changes, custom modifications can be discussed.
Depending on your requirements, possible modifications may include adjusting room arrangements, reviewing window locations, changing kitchen cabinetry or considering different external finishes.
Any proposed changes would need to be assessed against the building dimensions, structural requirements and applicable local regulations.
Our team can provide a separate quotation for design modifications and, where available, full construction plan upgrades.
Is a 55m² Home Right for You?
A compact two-bedroom design such as Skippy may appeal to several types of homeowners.
Downsizers: People looking to reduce maintenance and live more simply.
Holiday Home Buyers: Those wanting a practical retreat without the expense of a large house.
Property Investors: Investors considering smaller residential accommodation where permitted.
Owner-Builders: People wanting to explore a manageable building project and obtain preliminary trade quotations.
Homeowners with Additional Land: Those considering a secondary dwelling, subject to council requirements.
Before purchasing plans for a particular property, always check zoning, setbacks, site coverage, access and applicable building regulations.
Watch Design 55 Skippy – Ask the Builder
Want to see how this small home comes together?
Our Design 55 Skippy video introduces the exterior appearance, explains the floor layout and shares practical tips to consider before building.
It's a useful way to explore the design before deciding whether it suits your needs.
Watch our Design 55 Skippy house design presentation on the Australian Floor Plans YouTube channel.
Explore Design 55 Skippy and Start Planning Today
If you're looking for a practical two-bedroom small house plan, Design 55 Skippy could be an excellent starting point.
With 55m² of compact living space, two bedrooms, a central living area and outdoor decking, it demonstrates how thoughtful planning can make a smaller home work.
Whether you're building your first home, downsizing or exploring an investment opportunity, the right floor plan can help you make more informed decisions before construction begins.
Explore our house designs and concept plans today:
Australian Floor Plans – Build Smarter from the Start!
Ask the Builder is brought to you by Australian Design Services and Australian Floor Plans, sharing practical house design and building advice to help you plan with confidence.
Comments