CONDO LIFE
High-rise designs ideal for open, singlelevel living.
Imagine the wide expanse where accessibility to everything is an easy task. Wide open spaces in singlelevel living areas are made possible in high-rise buildings throughout Houston.
Mike Reddell, executive vice president of sales at Sudoff Companies, said most high-rises are homes that only are on one level. Townhomes and larger singlefamily homes have multiple levels. This high-rise design is perfect for many lifestyles, offering a bevy of benefits.
Floor plans vary in size for this concept in high-rises, according to Reddell. The smallest begins at approximately 1,400 square feet and the largest can be 7,500 square feet. The average size of a new luxury condominium in Houston is about 2,800 square feet.
Long gone are separate spaces — these are being replaced with high ceilings, picturesque windows, statement fireplaces, roomy gathering spaces and airy kitchens with gourmet appliances. Also say goodbye to struggling with stairs for groceries, suitcases and strollers. Singlelevel living is all about ease of living.
There are many factors making this lifestyle appealing for homeowners, Reddell said.
The first to take notice of is practicality, with the second being convenience.
“Most people who buy high-rises are currently living a majority of their time is less than their entire current home. The single-level living is convenient due to not having to traverse stairs; it is easier and less hassle. It’s very difficult to find a new home with only one story. Most homes have at least two floors, and townhomes have at least that many. The problem with living in a townhome or most single-family homes is that the homes flow much differently for entertaining and living,” he said.
Also important to note are the form and function of single-level spaces. With this design, residents are able to move from one room to the next for all types of activities including entertaining, Reddell added.
It also enables residents to program their spaces more appropriately for the way they live, he said.
“For example, people with art collections are able to create a flow, and display their art uninterrupted by having different levels. People who love to entertain are able to create a flow indoors and out and to connect spaces most appropriately without having stairs,” he said.
According to a survey by The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the demand for singlelevel homes is growing. The survey, reported in EricksonLiving.com’s article, Survey Shows Increasing Demand for One-Level Living, cited increasing requests for these roomy designs.
Older Americans and baby boomers are among those seeking this style of living. The appeal lies in greater accessibility, cost effectiveness and the benefits that appeal to the busy-life culture across the age spectrum.
Sweeping concepts and flexible space are high on the list of what many home buyers are looking for.
AIA’s firms that were surveyed resulted in 66 percent reporting that more homes are designed with an open-space layout. This accessible concept — without the inconvenience of stairs — is also what is drawing buyers to high-rise living.