Building a house is one of the biggest decisions in life. For many Sri Lankan families, a two storey house is the best choice. It gives you more living space on a smaller piece of land. In this guide, we cover modern two storey house designs that work well for families in Sri Lanka.
Why Two Storey Houses Are Popular in Sri Lanka
Land prices in areas like Matale, Kandy, Gampola, and Akurana keep going up. A two storey house lets you build more space without buying a larger plot. Here is why Sri Lankan families love this option:
- Save money on land - Build up instead of wide. A 2,000 sq ft house on two floors only needs a 1,000 sq ft footprint.
- More privacy - Bedrooms upstairs stay away from street noise and visitors.
- Better views - In hilly areas like Kandy, the upper floor gives you beautiful views of the hills.
- Room for the future - As your family grows, you already have enough rooms.
- Good resale value - Two storey houses hold their value well in the property market.
Popular Two Storey Design Styles in Sri Lanka
Here are the most popular design styles that Sri Lankan families love.
Modern Minimalist
The most popular style right now. It uses clean lines, flat roofs, large windows, and simple shapes. White walls with dark or wood accents give it a stylish look. This style is also budget-friendly because it avoids complex details.
Contemporary Sri Lankan
This style mixes modern design with local touches like arched entrances, decorative balcony railings, and clay roof tiles. It fits well in areas like Matale and Akurana where families want a modern home that still feels connected to local culture.
Colonial Inspired
Colonial style houses have wide verandas, tall columns, and symmetrical windows. This style needs more space but looks grand and impressive.
Box-Type Modern
Box-type houses use flat roofs and rectangular shapes. The flat roof can be used as a terrace or for solar panels. This design is practical and costs less to build.
Ground Floor vs First Floor: Layout Tips
Good room placement makes a big difference in comfort. Here is what works best for each floor.
Ground Floor Layout
The ground floor is your shared space. Keep it open and welcoming.
- Living room - Near the main entrance, open to the dining area.
- Kitchen - At the back, close to dining. Keeping it slightly separate helps with cooking smells.
- Guest room - Useful for elderly parents or guests who cannot climb stairs.
- Car porch - At the front with easy road access.
- Bathroom - At least one on the ground floor is a must.
First Floor Layout
The upper floor is your private family space.
- Master bedroom with attached bathroom - Best position with good views and ventilation.
- Children's bedrooms - Two or three depending on family size.
- Family balcony - Great for evening tea and fresh air.
- Study room or home office - More families now need work-from-home space.
- Common bathroom - Shared by the other bedrooms.
Important Design Features to Include
These features make your home more comfortable and practical.
Car Porch
Design it to fit at least one car and a motorcycle. A covered car porch gives you a sheltered entrance during rain. Some designs place the car porch under the first floor balcony, which saves costs.
Balcony
A balcony adds beauty to the front of your house and gives you outdoor space upstairs. In Kandy and Gampola, a balcony lets you enjoy the cool hill country breeze.
Ventilation and Natural Light
Good ventilation reduces the need for air conditioning and saves electricity. Place windows on opposite walls for cross-ventilation. Large windows on the east and south sides bring in natural light without too much afternoon heat.
Staircase Design
Place the staircase in a central location so it is easy to reach from all rooms. A width of at least 3 feet is comfortable. Add handrails on both sides for safety.
How 3D Design Helps You Plan Your Dream Home
At Unicon Construction, we create detailed 3D designs that show you exactly how your home will look before we lay the first brick. With a 3D model, you can see your house from every angle, check room sizes, try different colours, and get your family's feedback before building starts.
This saves money because you make changes on the 3D model instead of during construction. See examples of our 3D house designs in our project gallery.
Cost Range for Two Storey Houses in Sri Lanka
The cost of building a two storey house depends on the size, materials, and finishing quality. Here is a general guide based on current prices in the Matale, Kandy, and Gampola areas.
| House Size (sq ft) | Basic Finish | Standard Finish | Premium Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 - 2,000 | Rs. 12M - 16M | Rs. 16M - 22M | Rs. 22M - 30M |
| 2,000 - 2,500 | Rs. 16M - 20M | Rs. 22M - 28M | Rs. 28M - 38M |
| 2,500 - 3,500 | Rs. 20M - 28M | Rs. 28M - 40M | Rs. 38M - 55M |
Note: These are rough estimates. The actual cost depends on your location, soil condition, design details, and material choices. Contact us for a free, detailed estimate for your specific project.
Tips for Choosing the Right Design for Your Family
Here are simple tips to help you decide.
- Think about your family size now and in the future. Plan for extra rooms now. It is cheaper than adding them later.
- Match the design to your land. A narrow plot needs a different layout than a wide one. The direction your land faces matters for sunlight and ventilation.
- Set a realistic budget. Know your total budget before designing. A good builder will help you get the best design within your budget.
- Visit completed houses. Seeing real houses gives better ideas than just pictures. Ask your builder to show completed projects.
- Plan outdoor space. A small garden, drying area, and service area at the back are all important in Sri Lankan homes.
- Plan for water and electricity. Include space for a water tank, meter board, and proper drainage in your design.
- Get professional help. An experienced construction company like Unicon can help you avoid mistakes and build a house that lasts for generations.
Build Your Dream Two Storey Home with Unicon
At Unicon Construction, we have helped many families in Matale, Kandy, Gampola, and Akurana build beautiful two storey homes. We handle everything from 3D design to final construction. Our team understands local building conditions, climate, and what Sri Lankan families need in a home.
Whether you want a modern minimalist design or a more traditional look, we can create a custom plan that fits your land, budget, and family needs. Every project starts with a free consultation where we listen to your ideas and give you honest advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a two storey house cost in Sri Lanka?
A two storey house costs Rs. 12M-16M for basic finish (1,500-2,000 sqft), Rs. 16M-28M for standard finish, and Rs. 22M-55M for premium finish depending on size. Costs vary by location and materials chosen.
What is the best layout for a two storey house?
The best layout has living room, kitchen, dining, guest room, and car porch on the ground floor. Bedrooms, family balcony, and study room go on the first floor for privacy.
Is a two storey house more expensive than a single storey?
Per square foot, a two storey house costs slightly more due to the staircase and structural requirements. However, you save on land cost and foundation area, making it more cost-effective overall for the same living space.
What house design style is most popular in Sri Lanka?
Modern minimalist is the most popular style, using clean lines, flat roofs, and simple shapes. It is budget-friendly and looks stylish. Contemporary Sri Lankan style mixing modern design with local touches is also very popular.
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