In the ever-evolving landscape of home building, a significant trend is emerging – the increasing popularity of narrow and small blocks. As urban areas become denser, homeowners are redefining their priorities, seeking well-designed, efficient spaces that maximise both function and style. Clarendon Homes stands at the forefront of this trend, offering a diverse range of home designs including homes that are perfectly tailored for narrow blocks.

We spoke to Ryan Barnett, Design Manager at Clarendon Homes and Erin Rudd, Project Sales Manager at CPG Estates about the key design features and trends of narrow blocks and what Clarendon has to offer.

“At Clarendon Homes, we specialise in designing narrow block homes that are both, elegant and efficient. The result is a collection of innovative home designs that cater to the more contemporary needs of modern homeowners,” says Ryan.

Erin Rudd, Project Sales Manager at CPG estates, added that investing in narrow blocks is a way for clients to meet their budgets without having to compromise on quality and features in their homes.

“People are open to smaller lots, but they still want their home to tick all the boxes, such as ground floor bedrooms, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling tiling and more classic features you might find in a modern home,” says Erin.

According to Erin, narrow blocks have become a growing trend in the north-west of Sydney (The Gables, High Grove, Box Hill, Fairwood Rise, Rouse Hill and Marsden Park) and even more so in the south-west (Austral, Leppington, Cobbitty, and the future growth of the Bringelly area). “The smaller lots in these areas strongly attract investors and first home buyers who might not have found brand-new free-standing homes at an affordable price,” says Erin. “They also appeal to home buyers upsizing from an apartment or townhouse or a retiree looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle."

“Due to their unique layout, when designing our narrow block homes, it’s extra important to think about the architectural flow as a journey from the front to the back of the home,” Ryan says.

Clarendon’s Brooklyn 32, located at the Parklea display home in Sydney’s north-west, is a popular choice for those looking to build on a narrow block, without compromising on functionality or style.

The two-story, four-bedroom Brooklyn 32 is uniquely designed to suit narrow block widths, offers more than the typical narrow block home. On the first floor, an expansive entry foyer guides you past a secondary living area to the well-crafted open-plan space at the rear. This includes a kitchen with a walk-in pantry, along with living and dining areas that open onto the alfresco. Upstairs, a spacious parents' retreat provides a serene escape, complete with an ensuite and his-and-her walk-in robes. Separated by a leisure space, ideal for a reading nook, casual teen hangout or a study area, three nearly identical additional bedrooms complete the upper level.

“The benefit of our narrow block designs is that while they are created for smaller lots, they include everything you would have in a larger home. And all this without breaking the bank,” Ryan says. “My favourite thing about designing this style of home is that there is a lot of opportunity to create clever space-saving design features like unique staircases or interesting facades.”

The Byron 24 Display Home, located at the Cobbitty display home centre, is another popular narrow block design from Clarendon and a masterpiece that seamlessly combines modern style with practicality. The exterior showcases contemporary materials, setting the stage for an elegant interior flooded with natural light. The kitchen is a culinary haven, and upstairs, bedrooms offer comfort and style, including a master suite with ensuite and walk-in robes. The alfresco area extends the living space and is surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Erin’s top pick from Clarendon’s narrow block designs is the Waterford 27 Display Home. 

“We sell a substantial amount in Rouse Hill and Box Hill, with the Waterford being the most popular choice for people with a budget of $1.2 - $1.3m,” Erin says. 

As with all our homes, you will have access to additional inclusions and upgrade options, with scope to put your own creative spin on the finer details.

Our customers are expertly guided in selecting tailored sustainability features for their homes. Our designs incorporate various elements, including building materials and fixtures to minimise energy consumption. For those with a strong commitment to sustainability, we provide options like Smart Solar Systems, Electric Vehicle charging stations, and a selection of battery package upgrades.

At Clarendon Homes, we not only recognise this trend but actively shape it by offering home designs that elevate the living experience on narrow blocks. Discover the perfect blend of innovation, style, and sustainability with Clarendon – dedicated to the love of coming home.

The Brooklyn on display at Parklea Super Centre,

The Byron on display at Cobbitty Display Home Centre, 

If you're not quite ready to visit us in person, why not take a virtual tour of our display homes or browse through our video gallery.