What Is a Row House?

What Is a Row House? 

A row house is a kind of residential design where look-alike homes are built side by side. As the row house meaning suggests, the houses are lined up in a row or straight line. They may be identical or nearly identical. Nevertheless, each home is an independent unit with its own entrance and living space. However, it may share a roofline and one or two side walls with adjacent homes.

When considering what is a row house good for, it helps save land or space and provides an affordable solution for independent living in good neighbourhoods. Row houses root back to the early modern European housing culture. Even today, you can find a generous presence of this design in more adorable aesthetics in many parts of the world. Netherlands, Belgium, USA, UK, Canada, Japan and India, to name a few.

For example:

Japanese row houses: Often compact and smartly designed to fit narrow streets.

• London row houses: Known for their historic charm and classic brick look.

While they are known as ‘row houses’ in Canada and the USA, the term ‘terraced houses’ is popular in Australia and the United Kingdom. 

What Are The Main Features of a Row House 

The most striking feature, as their name implies, is that these are houses in row, or a straight line. Typically, attached row houses share one or both side walls and the roofline. Besides, they have an identical or uniform architectural design. These houses use space smartly while giving ample amount of space in individual units. Whether you’re a couple or a small or medium family, you can enjoy comfort and privacy as if in an independent home.

Below are the key features that define row homes:

• Shared Structures: Row houses are constructed side-by-side. So, adjacent units share side walls (one or both) and roofline. 

• Privacy: Each house is an independent home because it has its own entrance (front door) and living spaces.

• Similar Design: Houses in rows usually have an identical design, exterior and style. This results in a balanced and harmonious landscape.

• Multi-floor: Each unit or home is typically narrow and often multi-storied to ensure enough extra space. While row houses are usually low-rise, they can have two to five floors.

• Confined Outdoors: Row houses have small private areas like a balcony, a backyard or a patio. Modern designs feature rooftop terraces.

• Budget Living: They are an ideal choice for families or individuals who need a budget home in urban settings. 

• Community Feel: Attached row houses provide a sense of community living while keeping your own privacy.

• Spacing Saving: Shared walls and narrow multi-floor design result in a smaller footprint. This makes them a popular option in cities where space is premium. Meanwhile, interior design strategies can maximise usable interior space.

Different Types of Row Houses 

When buying a house, individual preferences, aspirations and budget concerns vary. While row homes help you draw the benefits of urban living, they do not compromise what you might expect in your dream haven. For that, both styles and types of row houses abound for you to choose one that best aligns with your lifestyle. 

Row homes can be classified based on their architectural style as well as structure. A row of houses can be traditional, modern or even luxury. Some are designed for smart spacing in cities, while others are perched in peaceful suburbs. A contemporary row house tunes to trendy designs and aesthetics. Whereas classic styles ooze the good old charm. Each offers a unique ambience for cosy urban living. Let’s explore their classifications one by one!