one-story houses under 100 sqm self-build house plans Bulgaria single-level homes

One-Story House Plans Under 100m² in Bulgaria 2026

Arch. Miglena Pförtner
One-Story House Plans Under 100m² in Bulgaria 2026

Single-story living is experiencing a renaissance in Bulgaria. Whether you’re planning a retirement home, vacation property, or simply prefer the convenience of one-level living, houses under 100m² offer the perfect combination of manageable size and regulatory simplicity.

Under Bulgarian building law, homes under 100m² qualify for simplified construction requirements—meaning you can legally build without hiring a licensed contractor. This makes one-story designs particularly attractive for self-builders looking to maximize value.

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Why Choose a One-Story House Under 100m²?

Single-level homes offer advantages that extend far beyond building simplicity:

Accessibility for All Ages

One-story designs eliminate stairs entirely, making them:

  • Aging-in-place ready—no mobility concerns as you get older
  • Family-friendly—safe for young children and elderly relatives
  • Universally accessible—easy to adapt for wheelchair users if needed

Lower Construction Costs

Without stairs, upper floor structure, or complex roof framing, single-story homes cost less per square meter:

  • Simpler foundation requirements (no concentrated stair loads)
  • No need for second-floor bathroom plumbing runs
  • Reduced scaffolding and safety equipment needs
  • Faster construction timeline

Energy Efficiency Benefits

Heat rises—and in a one-story home, it stays in your living space:

  • More efficient heating in Bulgarian winters
  • Easier to insulate with consistent ceiling heights
  • Simpler HVAC routing without vertical runs
  • Better natural ventilation options

Our One-Story Plans Under 100m²

We’ve designed two one-story homes specifically optimized for Bulgarian self-builders:

House C-101: Compact Mountain Chalet (80m²)

Our smallest design maximizes every square meter:

  • Layout: Open-plan living/dining/kitchen, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
  • Style: Cozy mountain aesthetic with traditional pitched roof
  • Special features: Covered terrace for outdoor living
  • Price: €2,493 €2,168 (15% discount)

Perfect for: Vacation homes in Bansko, Borovets, or Pamporovo; retirement retreats; starter homes.

View C-101 Details →

House C-102: Efficient Family Home (97m²)

Maximum space while staying under the 100m² threshold:

  • Layout: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, open living area, utility space
  • Style: Multi-gable roof with ground-level veranda
  • Special features: Designed for future expansion potential
  • Price: €2,731 €2,375 (15% discount)

Perfect for: Small families; couples planning ahead; rental properties in Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, or Veliko Tarnovo.

View C-102 Details →

Design Principles for Small One-Story Homes

Making 80-100m² feel spacious requires thoughtful design:

Open-Plan Living

Both our designs use open floor plans that:

  • Combine kitchen, dining, and living areas visually
  • Allow natural light to penetrate deeper into the home
  • Create flexible spaces that adapt to your needs
  • Make the home feel larger than its footprint

Strategic Window Placement

Large windows facing south (in Bulgaria’s climate):

  • Maximize winter solar gain for passive heating
  • Create visual connections to outdoor spaces
  • Flood interiors with natural light
  • Reduce daytime lighting costs

Outdoor Room Extensions

Covered terraces and verandas effectively expand your living space:

  • Protected outdoor dining area
  • Additional “room” during mild weather
  • Not counted toward the 100m² threshold
  • Cost-effective way to add usable space

Site Considerations for One-Story Homes

Single-level homes have specific site requirements:

Plot Size Requirements

A 100m² one-story home needs more land than a two-story home of equal area:

  • Minimum plot: Typically 400-500m² for comfortable setbacks
  • Ideal plot: 600-800m² for garden space
  • Check local building regulations for coverage ratios (usually 20-40%)

Terrain Suitability

One-story homes work best on:

  • Flat to gently sloping sites (under 10% grade)
  • Sites where you want minimal visual impact
  • Locations where basement construction is difficult
  • Areas with high water tables

Orientation Strategy

With all rooms on one level, orientation matters more:

  • Living areas facing south for winter warmth
  • Bedrooms away from street noise
  • Kitchen positioned for morning light
  • Terrace oriented for afternoon/evening use

Construction Advantages for Self-Builders

One-story homes are ideal for DIY construction:

Simplified Structural Work

Without upper floors:

  • Standard foundation designs work in most cases
  • Roof loads spread evenly across walls
  • No complex beam calculations for floor support
  • Simpler connections throughout

Safer Construction Process

All work happens at ground level or low heights:

  • No scaffolding for interior work
  • Reduced fall risks during roofing
  • Easier material handling
  • One person can accomplish more tasks safely

Faster Timeline

Single-story construction progresses quickly:

  • Foundation to roof in 2-3 months for experienced self-builders
  • No waiting for floor curing before continuing upward
  • Weather affects fewer construction phases
  • Interior finishing starts sooner

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a one-story or two-story house cheaper to build?

Per square meter of living space, one-story homes typically cost 10-15% more due to larger roof and foundation areas. However, the simplified construction for self-builders often offsets this—especially when you factor in the value of your own labor and reduced contractor fees.

Can I add a second floor later to a one-story design?

Our plans are designed as single-story homes. Adding floors later requires extensive structural modifications that often cost more than building two stories initially. If you think you’ll want more space, consider our two-story designs or plan for a separate addition.

How much land do I need for an 80-100m² one-story house?

We recommend minimum 400-500m² for the house plus comfortable setbacks. For outdoor space and gardens, 600-800m² provides ideal flexibility. Check your municipality’s specific building coverage requirements.

Do one-story homes have better resale value?

In Bulgaria’s market, one-story homes under 100m² are increasingly popular—particularly for the retirement and vacation home segments. The self-build legality adds value for buyers who appreciate the regulatory simplicity.

Start Your One-Story Project Today

One-story living offers simplicity, efficiency, and the freedom to build on your own terms. Our under-100m² designs give you everything you need to start construction legally and confidently.

Your next steps:

  1. Compare C-101 and C-102 plans — find your perfect fit
  2. Review C-101 (80m²) for compact efficiency
  3. Explore C-102 (97m²) for maximum space
  4. Contact Architect Miglena for site-specific advice

All ready-made plans include 15% discount—the ideal time to begin planning your Bulgarian one-story home.

View All Ready-Made House Plans →

Architect

Arch. Pfoertner

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