The Most Desired Floor Plan Element for Single-Story Homes is a "Spacious LDK"! Voices Also Seek "Construction Examples and Photos from Actual Homeowners" for Information and Support

A life completed on a single floor without stairs.

In recent years, more people have been positively considering single-story houses as an option for new construction. Their ease of household chores and suitability for aging in place are gaining attention.

However, the image that comes to mind when thinking of a single-story house can vary greatly from person to person. Some may feel a sense of nostalgia for "traditional homes," while others may have aspirations for "spacious living."

Therefore, in collaboration with Miki Kōmuten, a custom home builder in Hamamatsu City, we conducted a survey of 500 men and women nationwide on the theme of "If you were to build a single-story house."

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Survey Overview: "Survey on Images of Single-Story Houses and Home Building"

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: May 28, 2026 - June 4, 2026

Survey Target: Men and women nationwide

Valid Responses: 500 samples

Questions:

Question 1: What image comes to mind when you hear the word "single-story house"?

Question 2: Please tell us the reason for that image.

Question 3: If you were to build a single-story house, which floor plan elements would you "definitely want to include"? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 4: Please tell us which element you would prioritize the most and why.

Question 5: Do you have any concerns about the floor plan or living environment of a single-story house? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 6: Please tell us which concern you feel most strongly about and what that specific concern is.

Question 7: What kind of information and support would be helpful when considering or building a single-story house?

Question 8: Please tell us the reason for that.

*In principle, values are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.*

■ 28.8% Responded that their image of a single-story house is "old-fashioned/traditional house image"

First, we asked about the image that comes to mind when hearing the term "single-story house."

The most common response was "old-fashioned/traditional house image" at 28.8%.

This was followed by "seems to require a large plot of land" at 14.4%, and "seems to allow for a relaxed and spacious lifestyle" at 13.4%.

Here are some of the reasons given for these images:

Respondents who said "old-fashioned/traditional house image":

* Because I don't see houses like that. (20s, Female)
* Because of the traditional design. (20s, Female)
* I like Kominka cafes, so that's the image I had. (20s, Male)

Respondents who said "seems to require a large plot of land":

* Because an acquaintance's house is like that. (20s, Male)
* If the land isn't large, the house will be small. (30s, Female)
* It feels like you can't secure the necessary number of rooms without a large site. (30s, Female)

Respondents who said "seems to allow for a relaxed and spacious lifestyle":

* Since there's no second floor, the range of movement is limited, so there are no unnecessary circulation paths, allowing for a relaxed feel. (30s, Male)
* Because they are often located in relaxed scenery, and I can have my own space. (30s, Female)
* Since it's long horizontally, there's no need to go upstairs, so I can relax. (40s, Male)

Those who responded with an "old-fashioned/traditional house image" seem to have impressions based on buildings they see in daily life or their preferences, such as traditional designs or Kominka cafes. Those who responded with "seems to require a large plot of land" are influenced by the scale of houses they know or their imagination of the land area needed to secure the number of rooms.

Those who responded with "seems to allow for a relaxed and spacious lifestyle" are focusing on the reduced circulation paths and spaciousness brought about by the absence of a second floor and the horizontally expanding layout.

■ 43.4% Responded that the most desired floor plan element is a "Spacious LDK"

Next, we asked what floor plan elements people would want to include if they were to build a single-story house.

The most common answer was "spacious LDK" at 43.4%.

This was followed by "walk-through circulation" (a layout that allows you to walk around) at 23.8%, "study/workspace" at 18.8%,

and "walk-in closet" at 18.0%. This indicates a high interest in spacious common areas and ease of movement.

Here are some of the reasons given for prioritizing certain elements:

Please tell us which element you would prioritize the most and why.

* Laundry area. I think a laundry space is necessary. (20s, Female)
* Since there's no second floor, I want to make it wider horizontally. (20s, Female)
* Study. I want a space where I can refresh. (20s, Male)
* Pantry. It allows me to hide the signs of daily life. (20s, Female)
* I want to complete my life within a spacious LDK. (30s, Male)
* I want to include plenty of storage. I'm the type who can't throw things away. (30s, Female)

It is clear that the desired elements for a single-story house floor plan vary depending on lifestyle and daily usability. Voices prioritizing spaces related to ease of chores and adjustment of living appearance, such as laundry areas and pantries, suggest an awareness of daily circulation and storage convenience.

On the other hand, many opinions expressed a desire for a comfortable living environment and personal relaxation time, such as spacious LDKs, horizontally expanding spaces, and study/workspaces. This indicates a desire to design single-story house floor plans considering both "living convenience" and "comfort/relaxation."

■ 32.2% Responded that their concern is "whether they can secure a sufficiently large plot of land"

Next, we asked about concerns regarding the floor plan and living environment of a single-story house.

The most common concern was "anxiety about securing a sufficiently large plot of land" at 32.2%.

This was followed by "security concerns" at 25.2% and "lack of storage space" at 21.8%.

Here are some of the specific concerns mentioned:

Please tell us which concern you feel most strongly about and what that specific concern is.

* Since it's a single-story house, there's nowhere to escape. (20s, Female)
* Space 확보 (securing space). I wonder if it won't be too small. (20s, Male)
* Since there's no second floor, I have to make it wider. (20s, Female)
* For a single-story house, if the land isn't large, the house will inevitably be small, so I'm concerned about the price. (30s, Female)
* I'm worried about sunlight. I'd be anxious if there wasn't enough sunlight during the day depending on the season. (30s, Female)
* Security is the biggest concern. How to ensure privacy and incorporate our wishes. (30s, Female)

Two main concerns emerge: "land size" and "security."

Since single-story houses spread horizontally, they tend to require a large plot of land.