As urban lifestyles evolve, incorporating the idea of a modern house with a shop attached is crucial to balancing urban living needs. Yes, it balances living and working space, where you can experience your quality of life, comfort, and luxury living. It is often referred to as “mixed-use design” in architectural trends, where you can add a working space or a shop to your modern living space. In India, the concept of a modern house with a shop attached is particularly popular in areas where owning a commercial property is considered a valuable asset.
In this Brick & Bolt article, we will provide you with more design considerations for your mixed-use design, their advantages, challenges while installing, and popular design ideas to help you make informed decisions while building your modern house with a shop.
How to Design a Modern House With a Shop?
Creating a comfortable and private living space within a commercial setup requires thoughtful planning and smart design. The key is to maintain a peaceful home environment without compromising the functionality of the shop.
Key Design Strategies:
- Separate Entrances
Ensure the residential entrance is distinct from the shop’s entrance to maintain privacy and prevent customer interference in personal spaces.
- Zoning and Layout
Use barriers like walls or screens to separate living and commercial areas.
Incorporate an open floor plan in common areas to make the residential space feel spacious and airy.
- Natural Light and Ventilation
Install large windows to allow natural light in, enhancing the interior ambience.
Use noise- and heat-reducing materials for windows to ensure a quiet and comfortable home.
- Aesthetic Choices
Select finishes and materials that inspire cosiness and warmth, such as wood tones, soothing colours, and soft fabrics.
- Practical Examples
In our mixed-use project in India, separating entrances and strategically using barriers created a clear divide between the home and shop, ensuring privacy and peace for the residents.
These thoughtful measures can help create a harmonious balance between living and working spaces in a modern house with an attached shop.
Benefits of Living in a Modern House with a Shop Attached
Living in a modern house with an attached shop offers a blend of practicality, flexibility, and comfort. The design is highly customisable, allowing you to create an open, spacious layout or add rooms as needed. You can even add features like lofts or a workshop, maximising the space for your personal needs.
Having a shop next to your living space makes daily tasks and hobbies more convenient. You can easily switch between work and home life without wasting time commuting, saving both stress and effort. You can also rent out the space to others looking to start a business.
Despite their practical design, these homes don’t compromise on comfort. They offer modern amenities like open floor plans, efficient appliances, and comfortable living spaces.
The flexibility of the structure also makes future changes easy and affordable. As your needs evolve, you can expand or modify your space without major hassle. Overall, a modern house with a shop offers low-cost luxury and long-term durability. They also have a high potential for increased resale value due to their multi-use functionality.
Challenges and Solutions
Zoning and Legal Issues
Challenge: Mixed-use developments are frequently restricted by zoning laws in India. Commercial use may be restricted in residential areas.
Solution: To guarantee zoning restrictions are followed, collaborate closely with local authorities. To stay out of trouble with the law, get the required permissions for a mixed-use site.
Privacy Concerns
Challenge: Having a store and a house together could make privacy a top concern, particularly when there is foot traffic outside.
Solution: Create distinct entrances for the residence and store. To keep private areas safe from business activity, use privacy screens and soundproofing materials.
Space Utilisation
Challenge: It might be challenging to balance living and business requirements in a small area.
Solution: Make the most of available space with clever interior design; employ multipurpose rooms, flexible furniture, and distinct areas for living and working.
Noise and Pollution:
The quiet atmosphere of the house can be disturbed by noise from customers and vehicles.
Solution: To reduce exposure to noise, install soundproof windows, utilise materials that absorb sound, and think about where the store should be located.
Traffic Management
Challenge: Residents may experience inconveniences due to overcrowding in the residential neighbourhood caused by heavy foot traffic.
Solution: To ensure the least amount of disturbance, establish specific parking spaces for customers and provide separate pathways between the business and residential neighbourhoods.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Challenge: Because of the increased use of the commercial section, a mixed-use property may need more regular maintenance.
Solution: To guarantee that the home and commercial spaces stay in good condition, use long-lasting, low-maintenance materials and plan routine maintenance.
Safety and Security:
Challenge: Security issues may arise in both residential and commercial settings.
Solution: Set up distinct security systems for the business and residential areas. For extra security, make use of security cameras and adequate lighting.
In Brick & Bolt, we are constructing a modern home with a shop attached that can flourish in India’s varied urban and rural environments by tackling these issues with careful planning and design.
Popular Design Ideas
If you are planning to build multi-storey buildings or single-floor residential spaces, you can incorporate these ideas into your project.
Front Elevation Design for Shops in Residential Spaces
The front elevation of a shop is the visual representation of its exterior, critical for defining its identity and appeal. In mixed-use buildings, the design must harmonise with the residential space above while preserving the shop’s distinct character. Large glass windows provided natural light and openness, while clean lines and minimalist elements aligned with the residential unit’s contemporary design. Distinct signage and lighting emphasised the shop’s entrance, ensuring a balanced aesthetic that supports both commercial and residential functions.
Mixed-Use Spaces Featuring Glass Partitions For Transparency
Glass partitions bring natural light into mixed-use spaces, improving mood and productivity. They maintain openness while defining distinct areas, promoting collaboration and visual connectivity. Their sleek, modern design adds elegance and professionalism, complementing the space’s dual purpose. Customisable and flexible, glass partitions maximise space efficiency for both residential and commercial needs.
Examples of Integrating Natural Elements Like Greenery into the Shop’s Design
Decorating a residential space in a mixed-use building blends natural elements with the building’s commercial character. In the Brick & Bolt project, we recommend a minimalist design with neutral tones, functional furniture, and natural light as focal points. Add warmth with soft fabrics, potted plants, and unique lighting to create a unified look. Add some indoor plants and green carpets to create a natural greenery setting within your shop in one space.
Conclusion
Are you prepared to learn more about urban living’s future? With our expertise in modern house design, Brick & Bolt can assist you in creating homes or businesses that meet your needs. Get in touch with our knowledgeable staff to talk about your project and find out how we can realise your idea while staying within your budget.
Mithali Konety