A compound house is a residential property having multiple separate homes within the same enclosure that is surrounded by a wall, fence, or hedge. It’s just like a community under one roof where families, friends, and neighbors live side by side behind the same wall or gate.
In this blog, we will explore the whole about a compound home, its benefits, the difference between a compound and a normal house, and some exciting ideas.
What is a Compound House?
A compound house or a family compound (enclosure) is basically a group of buildings within a shared enclosure. Each building is surrounded by a wall or fence. The universal design accommodates multiple generations or branches of a family living in a single property.
However, the family compound includes multiple houses, such as a main house with its kitchen, bedrooms, and living areas. But accompanied by guesthouses or suites, arranged around communal areas like courtyards, pools, gardens, or communal hangout spots.
You can think of it as a mini-neighborhood where every house just belongs to your family. So, it is just like a hybrid between a communal village and a private estate, a combination of keeping privacy with togetherness.
Benefits of a Compound House
A thoughtfully strategic structure, smart design, and balance between shared and private living spaces make compound houses an appealing housing option for those who have extended families. Here are some benefits of compound home dwellings.
1: Multiple Homes in One Property
A house compound typically includes multiple houses and living spaces enclosed within a shared boundary wall. All the houses can differ in size and design, from small rooms to fully developed homes. However, the whole property has a connecting driveway and pathway that join the homes.
2: Layout Arrangements
A compound house design for personal and shared use. Every house has its own entrance for privacy while having shared spaces like central courtyards, gardens, or common parking areas. However, if you want to organize your home as per your needs or add a new compound later for new family members, then you can build another home in the gardens or side areas.
3: Privacy for Everyone
Each home has its own entrance, living space, and private rooms, so you can enjoy quiet time whenever you need it. People can experience both the feeling of living inside a community while also having their personal spaces.
4: Safe and Secure
In compound homes, people live with those whom they know. So, it is a secure and private space wrapped in a community where kids can play freely, seniors feel supported, and everyone looks out for each other.
Difference Between a Normal House and A Compound House
At first glance, a normal house and a compound house both look the same. But let me be clear to you that they are not. Here are the differences between them:
| Normal House | Compound House |
| One home on a single property and barrier-free | Several homes on a single property are separated by a wall or fence. |
| Space just for a single-family | Space for a big family, friends, and guests to live near homes |
| Perfect for a single-family | Perfect for big or multigenerational families |
| Limited shared spaces | Shared courtyards, gardens, and gathering areas |
| Privacy but more independence | Balance of privacy and everyday connection |
| Owned by one family or individual | Owned by one person or multiple owners |
Well, a normal house is good for you if you want to live on your own with a single family. However, a compound home is the best option for people who have big or close-knit families, multi-generational households, or those who want a legacy property.
Family Compound House Ideas
Do you want to know how to build a family compound where family can stay close but still have space to breathe? Building a new house takes time, but you can make it pleasing and flexible as per your lifestyle. Here are some family compound layout plans and ideas to help you build a legacy property.
Classic Family Compound Layout
Do you have a big family? You want the whole family to live nearby. A classic or multi-family compound layout is ideal for big families who want a mix of private homes and shared spaces. In this family compound, the owner of the property lives in the main house surrounded by the private cottages for individual families and a guest house. All this is connected by the shared amenities like the kitchen, pool, fire pits, garage, and garden.
The Urban Family Compound
Do you want to make a family compound without leaving the city behind? You don’t need acres of land to create the urban family compound. It would be best to opt if your family wants to live together without leaving city life. This tiny compound house design is in a duplex, triplex, or townhouse-style apartment. Each family has a private apartment under one roof with private entrances and shared spaces like courtyards or rooftops.
Tiny House Village Compound
If you have a small family, a tiny house compound is perfect for close but independent family living. Where parents live in a rustic micro-cottage, siblings live in their modern tiny homes and have a communal kitchen, laundry, and lounge. All this makes a charming village vibe where generations can easily connect while maintaining privacy. Sometimes, the smallest homes have the biggest family bonds.
The Farmhouse Compound
Got land to spare? If your family considers country living with deep roots, the farmhouse compound is the perfect idea. This compound house design features the main farmhouse with a big kitchen and dining table where the whole family gathers, guest houses, a converted barn, and a communal greenhouse and garden to grow food together and cut grocery charges.
FAQs
Q: Why do people live in a compound house?
Most people choose to live in compound homes for closer communities, for increased security, a sense of community, sustainable living, and access to amenities.
Q: What are the disadvantages of living in a compound house?
Living in a house compound can have drawbacks like
- Higher property prices
- Lack of privacy
- Shared responsibilities with other residents
Q: How much does a family compound cost?
Family compound costs differ and depend on several factors, including property size, the amount of construction work required, and the specific needs of the families.
Q: How is life in a compound house?
If you live in a compound home, you are always just a wall away from your neighbors! Your neighbors probably know exactly what you are cooking because those delicious aromas drift right over. However, it goes both ways. They will hear the music you are playing or the movie you are watching when you take a bath, head to the market, bring friends over, and do everything you do.
So, not much stays a secret in a compound house. Meanwhile, you will get the benefits of a shared, secure environment with facilities while also keeping your own living spaces.
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