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Architecture

10 elegant and functional single-story house projects

By exploring smart solutions, single-story houses reveal that living well does not depend on the number of floors – but on the quality of the spaces!

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jul 13, 2025, 10:00 AM

08 min de leitura
Rita Cruz - Palm Tree Garden. The option was to use few species and reinforce the sensation of the rigidity of the concrete building with the arid presence of the mandacaru. The landscaping also takes advantage of the beauty of the mass of Phoenix palms, the Eugenia tree, and a mass of morays. Among the professional's references are the works of Luís Carlos Orsini and also of Burle Marx.

Rita Cruz - Palm Tree Garden. The option was to use few species and reinforce the sensation of the rigidity of the concrete building with the arid presence of the mandacaru. The landscaping also takes advantage of the beauty of the mass of Phoenix palms, the Eugenia tree, and a mass of morays. Among the professional's references are the works of Luís Carlos Orsini and also of Burle Marx. (Jomar Bragança)

Single-story houses are synonymous with fluidity, practicality, and connection with the surroundings. With integrated projects, smart circulation solutions, and generous openings to outdoor areas, this type of housing entices those seeking a warm and inviting architecture — full of personality!
House of Sibipirunas Casacor São Paulo 2019

Casa das Sibipirunas, Otto Felix / CASACOR SP 2019 (Denilson Machado/CASACOR)

Next, we gathered 10 ideas showing how single-story houses can be everything but basic: they are projects that combine aesthetics, functionality, and well-being, with proposals for different profiles of residents.

1. Integration with Nature


Single-story houses connect more easily to the landscape, whether through gardens, backyards, or large openings that open the spaces to the exterior. A good project takes advantage of this benefit to create a fluid relationship between the natural and the built. Indoor gardens, generous balconies, and even bathrooms facing green areas are increasingly common resources.
suite architects tree house casacor 2018 landscaping

(Ricardo Bassetti/CASACOR)

2. Fluid and Accessible Layout


Without stairs or uneven levels, single-story houses offer greater accessibility — especially important for families with small children, the elderly, or people with reduced mobility. Moreover, they allow for a more fluid and linear layout, with smooth transitions between social and private areas. Opting for an open floor plan, with connected spaces, favors the feeling of spaciousness even in smaller homes.
Frezza & Figueiredo Architecture and Interior Design - Casa Elos,, project of CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2021.

Frezza & Figueiredo Arquitetura e Interiores - Casa Elos (Felipe Araujo/CASACOR)

3. Impressive Facades


With more horizontal structures, the facades of single-story houses need to stand out through other elements, such as materials, textures, and well-defined volumes. The use of slatted panels, exposed concrete, or natural stone can add sophistication to the appearance. Wide doors and imposing porticos also help create a striking entrance.
6,000 m² garden receives landscaping filled with species from the Atlantic Forest. Project by Flávia D'Urso, In the photo, garden and façade.

Projeto de paisagismo por Flávia D'Urso. (Fávaro Jr/Divulgação)

4. Internal Patios as Breathing Points


An intelligent way to enhance the single-story layout is to insert a central internal patio. This element can serve as a sitting area, garden, or even a gourmet space. Besides improving ventilation and natural lighting, the patio serves as a contemplation area and connection with the exterior, promoting quality of life.
Architetonika Nomad casacor paraná 2021 loft with balcony

Loft com Varanda, Architetonika Nomad / (Patrícia Amancio/CASACOR)

5. Highlighting Natural Lighting


The horizontality of single-story houses allows for the creation of generous openings, such as large windows, sliding glass doors, and strategically placed skylights. These elements increase light entry and promote energy savings. A good natural lighting also enhances the finishes and decor of the interiors.
Armentano Architecture - Between Deca Cups. CASACOR São Paulo 2025 Project.

Armentano Arquitetura - Entre Copas Deca. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

6. Multifunctional Projects


With the appreciation of living, multifunctional projects have become essential. In single-story houses, it is possible to create flexible spaces that adapt to daily life: offices that turn into guest rooms, kitchens integrated with gardens, and living rooms with home theaters are just a few examples. The important thing is that every square meter is designed to meet the real needs of the residents.
Loft Close to the Sea - Juliana Pippi - CASACOR Florianópolis 2019

Loft Pra Perto do Mar - Juliana Pippi - CASACOR Florianópolis 2019 (Mariana Boro/CASACOR)

7. Outdoor Areas as an Extension of the House


Single-story houses often feature generous outdoor areas, which can be used as an extension of daily use. Gourmet spaces, outdoor lounges, decks with pools, or gardens with fire pits are great ideas to transform the exterior of the house into well-being retreats. [caption id="attachment_193737" align="alignnone" width="4677"]Solar incidence and mountain view guide simple country house design. Project by BF+ Architects. In the photo, balcony with garden and pool.[/caption> CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.