Higher standards, higher ceilings
Reach new heights with a beautiful high ceiling
High ceilings in a family home create a feeling of space, opulence and grandeur. There is an unmistakable impression of expansiveness in a room with high ceilings, especially when you look out to the trifecta of open spaces – the dining, living and kitchen areas.
For homeowners, high or raked ceilings are a popular choice, but many home builders will sacrifice ceiling heights to save on costs - high ceilings mean more materials and more labour. But with Plantation Homes, we go higher than standard to give you a home you’ll love to live in, filled with natural light and airflow.
What is the Australian standard ceiling height?
According to the National Construction Code, the standard ceiling height for residential buildings is generally 2400mm for habitable rooms such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.
Changes in architectural trends have made raked ceilings and ceiling heights of up to 2700mm (2.7 metres) at their highest point more common as owners seek to create more space and grandeur in their homes.
Should you choose a standard or high ceiling for your new home?
The ideal height for your ceiling depends on personal preferences, your home style and of course, where you live.
Jeff Bugeja, Plantation Homes National Design Manager, says that proportion in a room is very important when considering increasing ceiling heights. Having a ceiling height of a minimum of 2570mm creates a perfect balance and equilibrium to room size, especially when taking furniture into account.
“While standard ceiling heights are governed by stud heights and plasterboard lengths, it is important to think about the ceiling heights and what feeling you want to achieve when you enter that space. For example, a cathedral ceiling or raked ceiling provides greater airflow for a more comfortable living space and an instant wow factor," Jeff said.
The introduction of a ceiling void in your home design can also add a level of opulence and splendour. Towering voids that reach the second storey ceiling in two-storey homes combined with coffered ceilings in the entryway creates a sense of style, sophistication and airiness. High ceilings combined with voids can really open up a home, offering a clear line of sight from one floor or space to another.
What are the main benefits of high ceilings?
High ceilings are a desirable architectural feature for many reasons and their many benefits extend beyond aesthetics. Here’s why it's worth considering high ceilings in your new [home design](https://plantationhomes.com.au/home-designs) plans.
1. Improved temperature control
“Homes with high ceilings tend to stay cooler as heat rises, maintaining a more consistent temperature on floor level, better air flow and more comfortable habitable spaces,” Jeff explains.
“This is especially important in tropical climates like here in sunny Queensland. The beauty of Plantation Homes designs is that they are designed to make the most of air flow through the home, especially with the great care we give in placing well-ventilated windows throughout the home.” Jeff adds.
If you have chosen a two-storey design, while you want bedrooms to be cosy, you still want to have that grandiose feeling or extra space and an airy feel.
However, it's worth noting that high ceilings alone are not enough to control temperature effectively. Other factors such as insulation, ventilation, and heating and cooling systems are important considerations you can discuss with your designer.
2. More natural light
High ceilings also offer benefits in terms of lighting. With more vertical space to work with, designers can incorporate larger windows or skylights. These features can also help save on electricity costs, as natural light can help illuminate a room during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
When considering the most important design elements for your new home build, high ceilings in living areas create a sense of openness and a contemporary feel not achievable with a more traditional style ceiling.
Combined with carefully chosen window positioning and window furnishings, high ceilings can reflect light gently, making it consistent throughout the space and helping make the room feel bigger, especially if you're working with an open-plan living room.
3. Can add value to your home
Because many Australian homes feature standard ceiling heights of 2400mm, a new home with a high ceiling gives your home a more luxurious feel. Increasing ceiling height by just 170 mm can make all the difference and of course, the higher the ceiling in your new home, the greater the sense of spaciousness.
This can be especially valuable for people looking to sell their home in the future, as the added feature can make it more appealing to potential buyers.
4. Help with noise reduction
Another advantage of high ceilings is the ability to reduce noise levels. Taller ceilings can help diffuse sound waves and prevent echoes, making it easier to carry on a conversation or listen to music without disturbing others in the house - perfect for family activities.
5. Create a visual focal point
While there are so many functional reasons why high ceilings are a great addition to your home, the way they look is still one of the main drawcards. High ceilings can provide a visual focal point, drawing the eye upward and adding a sense of verticality to the space. This can make a room feel more interesting and dynamic, creating a sense of depth and dimension that can be lacking in rooms with lower ceilings.
It also makes your space look bigger, so while your floor space size stays the same, the extra wall height will make your room feel more spacious.
What is a raked ceiling?
If you decide you want to include a high ceiling in your Queensland new home build, you’re not just limited to a flat ceiling.
A raked ceiling is a type of ceiling that is sloped or angled rather than being a flat or level surface. Raked ceilings are often used to create a sense of height and spaciousness and add architectural interest and visual appeal.
Raked ceilings are becoming increasingly popular in home designs. Raked ceiling construction emphasises beautifully inclined angles. The additional height makes them an ideal complement to a modern dining or open plan living area. They're also more practical and a less controversial design choice than a vaulted ceiling which tends to appear more cluttered.
Thinking a high ceiling or raked ceiling is a must-have in your new home? Visit a Plantation Homes display centre and chat with our friendly team.
