Custom Home Designs That Maximise Narrow Brisbane Blocks
Brisbane’s inner-city suburbs are full of character—but they also come with tight lot sizes. If you’ve bought a skinny block, you might be wondering how to make the most of your space. The good news? You can still build your dream home. You just need the right design.
Why build on a narrow block?
Land is limited, especially in established suburbs like Paddington, Red Hill or Bulimba. Narrow blocks offer access to great schools, cafes, and transport—without the sprawl. That’s why custom homes on narrow blocks are becoming more popular across Brisbane.
But these builds come with a few challenges:
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Limited frontage
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Strict setback rules
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Overlooking and privacy concerns
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Maximising light and airflow
The key is working with a builder who understands how to design for these blocks.
Smart layout = better living
Designing custom homes for a narrow block means thinking vertically and creatively. Here are a few smart features:
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Open-plan living areas to stretch the feeling of space
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Void spaces and skylights to bring in natural light
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Multi-storey layouts to separate living from sleeping zones
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Sliding doors and courtyards to create indoor-outdoor flow
Think about what you really need. Do you want a garage or is off-street parking enough? Would a rooftop terrace give you more usable outdoor space?
Common mistakes to avoid
Not every design suits a skinny lot. Here’s what to watch out for:
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Using a cookie-cutter plan not made for your block
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Poor window placement that blocks airflow or privacy
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Wasted hallway space
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Cramped rooms without functional layouts
Custom homes for narrow blocks need a tailored approach. That’s why early design input is so important.
What local councils expect
In Brisbane, you’ll need to follow zoning rules, setbacks, and height restrictions. That includes things like:
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Maintaining privacy for neighbours
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Managing stormwater runoff
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Meeting character overlays (especially in older suburbs)
A good builder will work with your architect or designer to ensure your custom home meets council expectations.
Poyntz Construction can help
At Poyntz Construction, we specialise in building custom homes on narrow blocks across Brisbane. We’ve helped families build up (not out), create light-filled spaces, and maximise every square metre of their lot.
We understand the rules, and we know how to design homes that are liveable, functional, and approved.
Looking to build on a narrow block?
Talk to the team Poyntz. We’ll help you design a home that fits your land and your lifestyle.
Explore our custom home builders page to see how we bring custom homes on narrow blocks to life.