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.
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..
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.
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. 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.
