We look at three double storey houses with balconies and how each design supports the growing preference for elevated indoor–outdoor living.
When people search for something specific, they are rarely just browsing floor plans, they’re either expressing a need or a lifestyle preference.
For many families, that preference centres on how a home connects with light, fresh air and the outdoors, even when space or site constraints lead them to build upward. The question then becomes how to maintain the outdoor connection that’s so central to Australian living.
That’s often where interest in features like balconies comes in. When living zones or bedrooms shift to the first floor, a balcony restores that sense of openness, not just offering views but creating a place to step outside and experience the breeze, the morning light or the evening air.
Unlike large windows, which provide outlook, a balcony provides engagement. Much like a ground-floor veranda, it becomes a natural extension of the living zones, making elevated spaces feel connected, not contained.
The key features of ideal double-storey house plans
This emphasis on outdoor-indoor living aligns with how contemporary family living has evolved. Families want homes that work harder for them: flexible zones, spacious bedrooms, and outdoor living areas that don’t depend on block size.
A balcony linked to an upper-level living area or master suite becomes an additional “room,” supporting lifestyle without expanding the house width or compromising the floor plan.
Design also plays a major role. A well-considered double storey facade with balcony adds a modern twist to classic two storey house designs. And for sites with potential views, coastal, rural, treetop, or district, a balcony transforms the first floor from a circulation space into a destination.
This is where elevated indoor–outdoor thinking becomes essential. Connection to light, airflow, and the outdoors doesn’t stop at ground level. Homes that achieve this seamlessly typically include:
- Balconies integrated into key living spaces, not tucked away
- Orientation to maximise sunlight and breezes
- Stacker doors or large windows that extend first-floor living zones
- Floor plans that support family lifestyle across both levels
- Forms that bring function and aesthetic appeal together
In regions where outlook and natural surroundings shape everyday life, these elements become foundational, not extras.
Hamlan’s approach to double storey home designs is built around this very idea.
Our double storey houses with balcony
Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast, Hamlan’s double storey house designs emphasise capturing views and enhancing lifestyle with natural light, views, and airflow.
Many of our Aspect Range homes place the main living area on the first floor to take full advantage of the environment, with balconies that make these spaces truly usable.
Below, we look at three Hamlan double storey houses with balconies and how each design supports this growing preference for elevated indoor–outdoor living.
Kalimna 240
Balcony area:
- Deck/balcony: 16.8 m²
The Kalimna 240 offers the largest balcony of the three, a generous space that extends from the first-floor living zone and takes advantage of elevated views. Its inverted layout positions kids’ bedrooms and the rumpus downstairs while placing the kitchen, meals, living zone and master suite on the first floor.
With its spacious deck, the Kalimna delivers a strong balance of outlook, functionality, and indoor–outdoor balance, ideal for families who value both connection and privacy.
Kennett 239
Balcony areas:
- Front balcony: 4.8 m²
- Rear balcony: 10.3 m²
The Kennett 239 is designed to maximise views with a first floor that can pivot in 6-degree increments to align the home with coastal or rural outlooks.
Perfect for families wanting more space upstairs, this design positions the open-plan living, meals and kitchen zones on the first floor with direct balcony access, along with the master bedroom, which also opens onto a balcony.
Two bedrooms, a large rumpus and storage areas are located on the ground floor, supporting a functional and balanced family lifestyle.
Kennett 256
Balcony areas:
- Main balcony: 5.1 m²
- Rear balcony: 11.8 m²
A larger variation of the Kennett design, the Kennett 256 retains the pivoting first-floor layout, allowing homeowners to fine-tune their orientation for the best views.
With its balconies connected to both the open-plan living zone and master bedroom, this home elevates everyday living with meaningful outdoor interaction.
Flexible options, from garage extensions to ensuite reconfigurations, support a range of family needs.
Bringing elevated living to life
Selecting a double storey house with a balcony is as much about lifestyle as it is about layout. It’s about how you want to experience your home each day: the flow of natural light, the ability to step outside from upper-level spaces, and how design supports the rhythms of family life.
But the right design is only one part of the equation. You also need a builder who understands the relationship between orientation, views, local landscape and everyday living, a builder who can translate these considerations into a two storey home that ticks all the boxes.
For families seeking a home that brings elevated outdoor–indoor living to life, the synergy between thoughtful design and build quality becomes essential.
