Learning the Mediterranean House Plans
What is the first thing that crosses your mind when you mention the Mediterranean?
To most, it is sun soaked patios that overlook sea-blue horizons, tiling roofs gleaming under the sun, and the welcoming feeling of a home that was made to live in. This spirit is reflected in Mediterranean house plans, which render the classical style of architecture of the coasts of Europe in buildings that have proven to work in any climate, be it Florida or California or Arizona or any other state.
Expectations of a Mediterranean Home Plan
Mediterranean house designs generally go between 2,500 and 9,000 + square feet, but most popular designs fall between 4,300 and 5,000 square feet. They are the homes that are made to have fun, to be comfortable, and to be connected to not only your environment, but also to people that you love.
There will be generously sized floor plans ranging between 3 to 6 bedrooms, multiple full bathrooms and large living areas that create a blurry boundary between the indoors and the outdoors.
In contrast to smaller home designs, the Mediterranean designs do not have outdoor living as a secondary feature, but rather an element that is central to them. The floor plan includes central courtyards, wraparound patios, covered verandas, and balconies- they are not nice options, these are also necessities in the life the home brings.
The Lifestyle: Reason why home owners prefer the Mediterranean designs
The Desirability of the Mediterranean Life
When you get attracted to the Mediterranean house plans, you must have a certain philosophy with regards to home: this should be a place of gathering, of escape out of the mundane world, and of affiliation with the beauty of the surrounding nature. These houses are doing great at providing such a vision.
Classic Beauty That will Never Go out of Style
There is no doubt Mediterranean architecture has lasted centuries, and not in vain, in Italy, Spain, Greece, and other countries. The style is defined by combination of classical proportions, elegant details and also by being cozy and appealing at the same time sophisticated.
Mediterranean design is so timeless and it cannot be compared to fads. This style of architecture is as appealing whether you are constructing the house of your dreams or considering how it will be sold.
The Focus on Indoor-Outdoor Living
Home, in the Mediterranean culture is not a four-walled structure, but it goes out to courtyards, patios and gardens. This philosophy is reflected in modern Mediterranean house designs.
They are characterized by huge windows flooding interiors with natural light, multiple door leading to the exterior spaces and considered transition between interiors and exterior. This design style suits a person who is a homeowner and entertains a lot, works at home, or simply desires to be as much in touch with nature and the changes of the seasons as possible.
Environmental Impact, Natural Materials
The traditional Mediterranean houses make use of natural materials such as stone, wood, tile and plaster which naturally age and acquire character. These materials are also natural insulators and they make homes cooler during summer and warmer during winter.
People who live in houses like these like the fact that the Mediterranean style is compatible with eco-friendly construction and classic as opposed to the fashionable design.
Constructed with Comfort and Entertainment
Mediterranean plans have huge kitchens, spacious entertaining spaces and various outdoor living spaces, which are designed with gatherings in mind. It could be a family dinner at any moment or a garden party, these houses suit the small and big outings equally well.
Major Architectural Characteristics of the Mediterranean Style
Knowing the signature features of Mediterranean design will allow you to know which features hold the most importance to you--and inform the customization decision that you make in case you decide to make a change to a plan.
Stucco & Plaster Facades
The characteristic feature of the Mediterranean architecture is the white or cream stucco. In addition to its beautiful design, stucco has an practical use, it reflects sunlight and therefore the interiors are cooler during hot seasons.
The timeless appearance is also smooth which gives other elements of design such as wrought iron and climbing vines a beautiful canvas.
Terracotta Tile Roofs
The Spanish clay tiles are not onlyconsidered beautiful, but they are also performance-driven. They are also shaped in a curved form to enable rain water to pass freely and form little air pockets giving them natural cooling.
The terracotta colors are very warm and rich, so the roofline itself is rich and authentic, which is an immediate curb appeal.
Arches in Doorways & Windows
These arches, whether big or small, are functional and ornamental, with the larger arches forming a courtyard, and the smaller ones nearer to the windows.
They produce the visual continuity in the house and remind the classical proportions of the European architecture. Arches can also be used to make creative interior transitions as well as provide depth to exterior elevations.
Wrought Iron Details
Stylized wrought iron can be found in all houses of the Mediterranean- in window grilles, balcony railings, gate designs and in the light fixtures.
The details are complex, and they are very stylish and charming, but they do not lose the relationship with the traditional craftsmanship of the home.
Courtyards and Mid points of living.
A central courtyard, or a room outside, enclosed by the living quarters of a home, is a feature of many Mediterranean plans.
This architecture promotes natural ventilation, the need of making a point of entertainment, and the feeling of privacy amidst heavy traffic. In those houses that do not have a full court, large patios and verandahs perform the same purposes.
Natural Materials & Finishes
Medieval interiors are typified by stone and terra cotta, beams of wood and ornamental tile.
Over time these materials acquire a patina that gives them the richness and warmth that cannot be produced by newer materials. The impact has been to achieve an everlasting elegance as opposed to vintage style.
Individualization & Construction
Turning Your Mediterranean Home into a Special Place
The ability to customize is one of the biggest strong points of selecting a pre-drawn Mediterranean plan.
No matter whether you would like to change the master bath plan, include a wine cellar, alter the courtyard, or rearrange the bedroom rooms, alterations would enable you to shape the design without losing its fundamental nature.
General Requests of Customization
-
Having outside space (enlarging a patio, changing a courtyard design).
-
Alterations to interior design to fit a contemporary kitchen or open-plan living.
-
Bonus spaces, home offices, guest suites Adding or removing rooms.
-
Customizing the design to suit your lot and climate.
On our site, it is possible to request a change by clicking a button on the shop page of any plan. Our team will collaborate with you to present you the changes that will not cause damage to the architectural integrity of the design but still address your needs.
Construction Regulations and Environmental Concerns
The Mediterranean architecture is very adaptable in most climatic conditions, however, the local building codes differ considerably.
Structural changes may be needed in coastal regions, areas vulnerable to earthquakes or deep fall of snow, and in areas with high wind speeds.
The good news? Mediterranean styles, with their thick walls, solid construction, and traditional proportions are well adjustable to such needs.
Your local building department will have a list of things that will be required in your area before making your final choice on the type of plan you are going to utilize.
In case our team could assist in some coordination with structural engineers in order to make sure that your Mediterranean house will not break any local codes but will still be able to preserve its classy image.
The Cost to Build an Understanding
The price of a Mediterranean house construction is affected by numerous factors: complexity of the design, selection of materials (stucco or other finishes, choice of tiles, etc.), location, construction costs, and site prerequisites.
Estimate the cost to build an actual estimate of your location: at Archival design, you can have a cost to build estimate of any Mediterranean plan. Here's how:
-
Visit any plan on our website
-
The Get Your Estimate button is located at the bottom.
-
Complete the form and state what you would like and the zip code.
-
A fully-built cost estimate will be sent to you by email.
This tool takes into consideration regional material and labor differences providing you with the realistic image of your investment.
Mediterranean House Plans Incorporated
Here are our most popular Mediterranean house plans and all of them have a different twist on this classic style. These bestsellers demonstrate the variety and adaptability of the Mediterranean design.
Mezzano House Plan #O2148-H
These features give it a total living area of 4,403 sq ft, 4 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths and 1 Half Bath, 4-Car Garage and 1 Story.
This is a luxurious one-story estate that has the best of Mediterranean style. The plan is equipped with an area of 4,403 square feet of carefully decorated living room that allows the maximum possibilities of entertaining and preserves cozy areas of family life.
Key Features:
-
Great room with high ceiling, spacious.
-
Gourmet kitchen Opening to dining areas.
-
Master bath which is spa like.
-
Several outdoor entertainment areas (patios, verandahs).
-
Vehicle or hobby garage- 4 cars.
-
Anterior in exquisite stucco and tile roof.
Why It’s a Bestseller:
This plan is a luxury that is not overly large. The open-plan room is spacious and bright and the numerous outdoor spaces make the entertainments to be quite hassle-free. The 4-car garage is ideal when the builders or people have vehicles, collections, or hobbies that need specific space.
Grand Two Story Estate - The Magnolia House Plan #AP7139-A
Sum total Living Area 4,730 sq ft 3 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths 1 Half Bath 4-car Garage 2 stories.
This two-story Mediterranean house offers drama and practicality to those who want to have vertical living in the most dramatic way.
The area of 4,730 square feet is divided into two levels to establish specific areas of entertainment (main floor) and family retreat (upper floor).
Key Features:
-
Breathtaking two-story foyer with arched roof.
-
Large entertainment areas at main floor.
-
Secondary bedrooms and guest quarters, up the stairs.
-
Large-scale outdoor lifestyle on a variety of levels.
-
3-car orange (4-car visible) garage.
-
Architectural detailing and wrought iron railings all over.
Why It's a Bestseller:
This plan is ideal where the family spends a lot of time playing poker in the main floor and retiring to their own spaces up the stairs. The zoned design ensures functionality because the two-story design offers architectural drama and presence.
Luxe One-Story Villa - El Sueno House Plan #O2086-A
Living Area: 4,948 sq ft 4 Bedrooms 4 Full Baths and 1 Half Bath 3-Car garage 1 Story.
The end-all-be-all of the Mediterranean single-level lifestyle, this 4,948 sq ft villa features all the bedrooms at-grade, with no staircases allowing the most room possible on the floor.
It is ideal in multi-generational families, or in families where accessibility and entertainment are of utmost importance.
Key Features:
-
All bedrooms are on a single floor, four of them.
-
Master suite is lavish spa-like.
-
Kitchen with ample prep space of Chef.
-
Various separate amusement areas.
-
Focal point in the courtyard or garden.
-
3-car garage
-
Wide, welcoming facade (128'-3")
Why It’s a Bestseller:
One story Mediterranean plans are gaining more and more popularity with buyers who desire grand entertaining areas without having to go up and down a staircase. The open space of 4,948 square feet is relatively spacious enough to accommodate everyone, and the one-level design makes daily living easy and keeps the spirit of the style open and flowing.
Serrano House Plan, O2145-A.
Totaling Living Area: 4,386 sq ft 4 Bedrooms 4 Full Baths + 1 Half Bath 3-Car Garage 1 Story.
This 4,386 sq ft one-story is another remarkable alternative with a perfect balance of spaciousness in the living and compact detailing.
The plan demonstrates how the Mediterranean design can be used to bring out luxury by using careful proportion and classy finishing instead of the much square feet.
Key Features:
-
Open plan primary residential zones.
-
The formal and informal entertainment areas.
-
Primary suite featuring master bath that is luxurious.
-
Secondary bedrooms with ensuing bathrooms.
-
Various outdoor living areas.
-
Original Mediterranean architectural ornamentation.
-
3-car garage
Reasons why it is popular:
As illustrated in this plan, Mediterranean elegance can be used in different sizes. Its 4,386 sq ft provides sophistication and entertainment-ready rooms, without the hassle of larger estates giving it an ideal option to downsizers or those who want, high sophistication in departments of elegance rather than the maximum square feet.
Buy Your Mediterranean Dream Home
We have compiled 78 Mediterranean house plans at Archival Designs and each of them is intended to replicate the warmth, charm, and life-style charm of the European coastal houses.
You can choose the Italian Renaissance trimmings, the Spanish Colonial appeal, the Greek Revival proportions, and something that will appeal to your vision.
Ready to Find Your Plan?
-
Take a look at our entire Mediterranean line to discover designs, dimensions and the cost.
-
Filter by square footage with our convenient filters (2,500-3,000 sq ft, 4,000-5,000 sq ft, 6,000+ sq ft)
-
Consider floor plans and 3D view of every design.
-
Ask about a cost to build estimate of your location.
-
Take into account making the changes to suit the particular needs.
All of our plans in the Mediterranean include the professional blueprints that are ready to submit to your builder or local building department.
And in case you do get a plan that you adore, but just needs a few changes, a new layout of a courtyard, or a change of exterior features, our design team can make it to your liking.
The Mediterranean style of living is awaited. Together, we should create your dream home.
