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Granny Flat Floor Plans

Designing a Great Granny Flat Floor Plan: An Architect’s Perspective

Simon Perkins
April 20, 2025

Great Granny Flat Floor Plans: An Architect’s Perspective

A well-designed granny flat does more than maximise space — it enhances the way we live, work and unwind in smaller, smarter dwellings. At Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes, we focus on floor plans that are as efficient as they are elegant, grounded in architectural thinking and tailored to the realities of Australian sites.

How Big Is a Granny Flat, Really?

Most granny flats in Australia range from around 37m² to 74m² (roughly 400 to 800 square feet), depending on local council rules and block conditions. The challenge? Fitting all the essentials — living, dining, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom — into a compact footprint that still feels open and liveable.

Each of our models begins with a core layout, but every one is flexible. From The Popstar’s streamlined, rectangular plan to The Wedge’s clever use of angular geometry, we design with adaptability in mind.

Granny Flat Floor Plans
The Wedge Granny Flat Floor Plan, by Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes

What Architects Consider in Small-Space Design

Designing a small space means making every square metre work harder — without sacrificing beauty or comfort. Here are some of the key principles we use:

1. Open Plan Living

Removing internal walls between kitchen, living, and dining zones opens up the space and brings in more natural light. It also creates flexibility in how the space is used day to day.

2. Multi-Use Spaces

In smaller homes, every room needs to earn its keep. Think: a desk that doubles as a dining table, or a living zone that transforms into a guest area when needed.

3. Integrated Storage

Joinery is key — from under-bed drawers to floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, clever storage can keep your space tidy and feeling generous.

4. Natural Light and Ventilation

Orientation, window placement, and glazing size are carefully considered to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. Skylights and highlight windows can bring in light without compromising privacy.

5. Indoor–Outdoor Flow

Access to decks or courtyards can effectively ‘extend’ the living space, making small interiors feel larger and more connected to the landscape.

Granny Flat Floor Plans
The Popstar Granny Flat Floor Plan by Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes. Simple and versatile.
What Do All Great Granny Flat Floor Plans Have in Common?

Despite their differences in style, the best floor plans share a few things:

Take The Edge, for example — the 2-bedroom option — its central outdoor deck can act as a natural division between sleeping and living zones. Or The Loft, which adds verticality through a spiral staircase and mezzanine bedroom, freeing up the ground level for everyday living.

Granny Flat Floor Plans
The Edge  Granny Flat Floor Plan - 2-bedroom - by Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes
Granny Flat Floor Plans
The Loft Granny Flat Floor Plan, by Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes - Ground Floor
Granny Flat Floor Plans
The Loft Granny Flat Floor Plan, by Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes - Loft Level

Adapting a Floor Plan to Your Site

One of the most common questions we’re asked is: Can this layout be adjusted to suit my block? And the answer is — absolutely.

Here’s how we typically adapt plans:

Our Popstar and Wedge models are great examples of this. The Popstar’s linear plan is ideal for backyard boundary lines, while The Wedge can be nestled into awkward corners or tapered sites where traditional rectangles just don’t fit.

Granny Flat Floor Plans
Reorientation options for The Popstar Granny Flat Floor Plan. Here, shown also in Elevation and Isometric view. This could be done to maximise views, natural light, or obtain privacy, for example.

Granny Flat Floor Plan
Clustering option for The Wedge Granny Flat Floor Plan, when multiple are placed on a larger site.

The Takeaway

When it comes to granny flat floor plans, great design is about more than ticking boxes — it’s about delivering comfort, flow, and a real sense of home in a compact package. At Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes, we combine architectural expertise with flexible thinking to ensure every layout we design feels generous, no matter the size.

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