Types of residential building designs in Nigeria
The various types of residential buildings in Nigeria include bungalows, duplexes, flats or apartments, terraces, semi-detached, detached, and penthouses.
Bungalow buildings
Commonly known as single-story or single-family houses, are simple building designs with only one floor and no basement attachment. Bungalow residential buildings, which are the most common building type in Nigeria due to their low construction, ease of maintenance, and functionality, exist on their own or next to each other.
A detached bungalow stands independently, meaning it doesn’t share walls with another building, is within an open space, and is usually very private.
The semi-detached bungalow shares a common wall in the middle that joins another bungalow to themselves, each with its own entrance and living space.
Diagram showing a bungalow with the floor plan
Duplex building
A house with at least two floors or two separate units that are positioned on top of each other within one structure is known as a duplex. Another common name for duplex buildings in Nigeria is a two-story building or two-family house.
In Nigeria, this type of design accommodates one family but consists of two or three floors connected by a staircase. A duplex, defined globally, consists of two units with separate entrances, internally connected by a staircase. Each unit has its entrance, ensuring privacy for individuals. The main types of residential buildings grouped under duplexes include stacked duplexes, side-by-side duplexes, duplex apartments, and twin homes.
The duplex building type creates comfort, a balance of affordability, and rental income for an investment opportunity, and this design can be in detached, semi-detached, or terraced form.
Diagram showing a duplex building
Terrace
it’s sometimes referred to as terraced houses, representing a set of houses sitting next to each other in a row, sharing side walls with the neighbouring units. It consists of two or three floors, each with its own entrance and outdoor space. Most terraced buildings are replicas of each other positioned side by side to each other. Terrace buildings in Nigeria are often called row houses, townhouses, cluster homes, or terraced houses.
They are becoming popular for offering modern, affordable homes suited to middle-income earners. As an investment or living option in urban areas, terrace homes provide consistent quality and style.
Blocks of flats or apartments
This type of housing primarily appears in urban areas, where single buildings accommodate multiple families or individuals. Apartment buildings stack separate homes on top of and next to one another. Each flat has a separate, self-contained space having its bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms, usually owned or rented by different families.
They arrange in a vertical layout, maximizing land use. Privacy is lower compared to other building types because residents share common amenities like parking and a staircase.
Block of flats or apartments 3d view
Penthouse
A penthouse is a luxurious residential building unit located in an apartment found on the highest floor of a building. It’s designed with unique floor plans, amenities, a private terrace or balcony, and a landscape view. It’s located in urban areas with high-rise buildings and is more expensive than any other unit in the same building because of its luxurious features. The various types of penthouses include simplex penthouses, duplex penthouses, and garden penthouses.
Factors influencing Residential Building Design in Nigeria.
Understanding the factors that influence residential building choices is crucial for homeowners, architects, and developers. These factors include climate, social and cultural preferences, economic conditions, technological advancements, building codes, and land scarcity.
Climate
Sustainable designs that address climate challenges enhance energy efficiency and reduce reliance on artificial cooling. Proper window placement and orientation reduce the need for artificial lighting and create a comfortable living space. High ceilings, cross ventilation, and reflective roof materials naturally cool homes by addressing temperature and heat.
Social/cultural
Nigeria consists of multiple ethnic groups, each with its own special choice of space usage, family structure, and privacy. In this case, people consider proximity to work, school, and basic amenities. Others include: the size of a house, special needs like the use of ramps for physically challenged, and personal choice.
Economy
The economic status plays a very important role as it will determine what type of residential building suits your budget, balancing the cost with quality and sustainability.
Technology Advancement
Smart technologies in residential buildings, such as automated lighting, temperature control, and security systems, are getting more popular, especially in high-end homes. Accumulation of these technologies into residential building design will not only enhance functionality but also increase property prices.
Government Regulations and Building Codes
Complying with national and local building rules and regulations helps to ensure safety, sustainability, and consistency. The building codes in Nigeria set out regulations for buildings like structural stability, fire safety, and sanitation. Not abiding by these regulations can result in the demolition of the building.
Local governments impose zoning regulations that dictate land use, building height, density, and setback distances. These laws influence whether an area is suitable for single-family homes or high-rise apartments.
Land scarcity
Cities like Lagos and Abuja, due to their densely populated area and land mass, have a scarcity of land. Limited space forces the use of vertical construction, such as high-rise buildings and duplexes, to maximize land use. Factors such as the high cost of land, limited availability of plots, and increasing demand for housing led to the rise of compact. multi-story buildings like duplexes, terrace houses, and apartments. Residential building designs are becoming more innovative with a blend of aesthetics to accommodate more homes on smaller plots of land.
Conclusion
When choosing the best Residential Building Designs in Nigeria, remember that your decision depends on various factors, including lifestyle, budget, location, climate, and cultural preferences. In terms of affordability and simplicity, bungalows remain a good choice because they provide low maintenance and functionality. If the important considerations in your building are space and luxury, a duplex building gives comfort with multiple floors and privacy, making it an ideal choice for larger families or rental income opportunities. For urban dwellers looking for modern living at a relatively lower cost, terrace houses and blocks of flats are optimal, maximising land use while still offering crucial amenities.
