1,800 sq ft Two-Storey Modern Family House – Rear Elevation Description

The rear elevation of this approximately 1,800 square foot two-storey residence presents a clean, balanced, and functional design intended for comfortable family living and strong indoor–outdoor connectivity.

The exterior features a light beige stucco finish combined with a low-slope hip roof  suitable for tropical and coastal climates such as Guyana and the Caribbean.

Ground Floor

The ground level opens to a covered rear terrace, supported by two structural columns that provide shade and protection from rain. This outdoor area serves as a flexible space for family gatherings, outdoor dining, or relaxation.

Two large sliding glass doors provide direct access to the interior living spaces, allowing natural light to enter the home and creating seamless movement between the indoor living area and the outdoor terrace.

Additional side windows ensure cross-ventilation and daylight, which improves interior comfort and reduces dependence on mechanical cooling.

An outdoor air-conditioning condenser unit is discreetly positioned along the side wall for efficient servicing and ventilation.

Second Floor

Above the terrace, the home features a full-width balcony with modern metal railing, accessible through central double doors. The balcony provides an elevated outdoor space ideal for enjoying views, fresh air, and natural breezes.

Large windows on both sides of the balcony serve the upstairs bedrooms, maximizing daylight and ventilation while maintaining a balanced façade.

Lighting and Exterior Details

Modern wall-mounted exterior lights are placed symmetrically across both floors, providing safety, nighttime visibility, and architectural accenting.

The rear façade maintains a symmetrical composition, emphasizing simplicity, structural clarity, and efficient construction — making it suitable for prefabricated steel or modular housing systems.

Overall Design Intent

The design prioritizes:

• Natural light and cross-ventilation

• Functional outdoor living space

• Simple, repeatable construction for scalable housing projects

• Durability for humid and coastal environments

The result is a practical, modern family home that balances comfort, aesthetics, and build efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale residential developments or affordable housing communities.

Rear Elevation – Engineering Drawing

Project: Two-Storey Residential House
Approx. Size: 1,800 sq ft
Building Width: ~36 ft (10.97 m)
Building Depth: ~25 ft (7.6 m)
Total Height: ~20 ft (6.1 m)

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1. Roof System

Type: Hip Roof

• Roof pitch: 4:12

• Roof ridge height: +20 ft

• Roof overhang: 18 in

• Roofing material: Asphalt shingles or metal roofing

• Roof structure:

  • Light gauge steel trusses or timber trusses

  • Spacing: 24 in (600 mm)

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2. Second Floor Elevation

Floor Level: +10 ft

Balcony

• Width: 20 ft

• Depth: 5 ft

• Balcony slab: reinforced concrete or steel deck

• Guardrail height: 42 in

Guardrail type:

• Steel posts

• Horizontal cable / metal bars

Balcony Door

Center double door

• Size: 6 ft W × 7 ft H

• Type: Sliding glass door

Windows

Left bedroom window
Right bedroom window

Size each:

4 ft W × 4 ft H

Window sill height:

3 ft above floor

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3. Ground Floor Elevation

Floor Level: 0'-0"

Covered Patio

Patio slab:

• Width: 20 ft

• Depth: 8 ft

• Thickness: 4 in reinforced concrete

Columns:

• Size: 12 in × 12 in

• Height: 9 ft

Material:

Concrete or steel column with stucco finish

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4. Rear Doors

Two sliding patio doors

Each:

5 ft W × 7 ft H

Used for:

• Living room access

• Dining/kitchen access

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5. Ground Floor Windows

Left window:
4 ft W × 4 ft H

Right window:
4 ft W × 4 ft H

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6. Exterior Wall Construction

Recommended for your SteelKeelHouse system

Wall build-up:

Exterior finish
12 mm cement fiber board

Waterproof membrane

Light gauge steel frame
100 mm thickness

Foamed cement insulation

Interior board
12 mm cement fiber board or gypsum board

Total wall thickness:

150 mm (6 in)

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7. Foundation (Suggested)

Raised slab foundation

Finished floor height:

450 mm above ground

Foundation type:

Reinforced concrete strip footing

Concrete grade:

C20

Footing size:

600 mm width × 300 mm thickness

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8. Exterior Lighting

Wall mounted lights:

• 2 lights second floor

• 2 lights ground floor

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9. Mechanical

AC condenser location:

Left side ground floor exterior

Clearance:

24 in minimum

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10. Elevation Dimensions (Typical)

Element	Dimension
Ground floor height	10 ft
Second floor height	9 ft
Balcony railing	3.5 ft
Total building height	~20 ft
House width	~36 ft
Patio depth	8 ft

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Simple Rear Elevation Sketch

           HIP ROOF
        /------------\
       /              \

     [   WINDOW ]  [ WINDOW ]
        |  DOOR  |
        |BALCONY |
   --------------------------
      |         |         |
      | SLIDE   | SLIDE   |
      |  DOOR   |  DOOR   |
   [ WINDOW ]      [ WINDOW ]

   ----- COVERED PATIO -----
       |  COLUMN  | COLUMN |
   -------------------------

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