U Shaped House Plans and Designs

If you like homes that stand out from the typical craftsman lineup, you might enjoy a U-shaped house. Thanks to their simplistic layout, U-shaped home plans became popular in the US in the 1950s after World War II, when housing was in high demand.

U-shaped house plans are not as common today as they were several decades ago, but they’re still a fun option for people who want a unique home.

What is a U Shaped House?

U-shaped houses are distinctive homes built in the shape of a U or horseshoe. They feature two main living areas separated by a hallway, breezeway, or narrow room and often feature a courtyard in the open outdoor space.

Ranch homes are often U-shaped with an attached garage. Because of the open space in the middle, U-shaped houses are also sometimes called “courtyard homes.” Most of the time, U-shaped house plans are single-story, but a modern take on the layout might include multiple stories.

Benefits of U Shaped House Plans

While they may not be the most popular design on the market, there are many benefits to building a U-shaped house. Along with the unique appearance, U-shaped house plans offer several other perks:

Maximized Natural Light

A U-shaped floor plan allows you to maximize the amount of natural light your house receives. In fact, many U-shaped house plans include large picture windows or floor-to-ceiling windows.

Increased Privacy

U-shaped houses also provide an increased sense of privacy. Even with large windows, much of the home faces away from the street/public view. Plus, with a reversed U shape, you can enjoy a private outdoor living space that connects to the house.

Inclusion of Courtyard Area

Not all U-shaped home plans include a dedicated courtyard, but it’s definitely an option. Many people like the idea of a semi-closed-in outdoor space that’s accessible from all sides of the house. Courtyard areas can be customized to include grass, walkways, water features, pools, decorative plants, and more.

Curb Appeal

Because they’re so unique, U shaped homes often have great curb appeal and resale value. When you start shopping around for U-shaped house plans, look for options that feature the shape in an attractive way. A reverse U with a private courtyard or a forward-facing U with a grand entry are both great choices.

Wind Protection

Another perk of having a U-shaped home is the protection against wind within your outdoor courtyard area. The walls of your house act as natural wind barriers, allowing you to swim, barbeque, or just lounge in peace without feeling like you’ll blow away.

Discover Your Dream Home with U-Shaped House Plans

Sometimes the house you’ve been dreaming of is just beyond your reach because you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. For some people, that dream come true is a U-shaped house plan. With ample natural light, a unique layout, and a common outdoor space, U-shaped homes have a lot to offer.

Retirement Living

Since U-shaped houses are usually single-story, they’re a great choice for older adults looking to leave their stairs behind. These quiet, private floor plans lend to the retirement lifestyle of rest and relaxation, while still offering excitement with a central courtyard area.

Small Families

Most U-shaped house plans are on the smaller side because a large portion of the plot is filled with courtyard space. Singles, couples, and small families can live comfortably in a U-shaped house.

First-Time Buyers

Because U-shaped homes are typically smaller in size, they can also be less expensive than other homes on the market. Many first-time buyers (or builders) choose a ranch-style home to save money, and U-shaped houses are included in this category.

Even if you don’t fit into one of these categories, you still might fall in love with a U-shaped house plan. The beauty and accessibility of a private courtyard is hard to resist.

Customizable U-Shaped Home Plans

At MonsterHousePlans, our U-shaped home plans (like all of our house plans) are fully customizable. Whether you’re looking for a built-in swimming pool, sun room, or prominent entry, you can design your dream U-shaped house with the help of our blueprints and imagery. MonsterHousePlans also includes several helpful resources as you decide which plan is right for you:

Browse by Features, Styles, and Size

Not sure exactly what you’re looking for? Try filtering your search for the perfect U-shaped home. Narrow down your desired features, like a covered front porch, vaulted ceilings, and an outdoor kitchen. Choose from a variety of styles like traditional, ranch, and Mediterranean. And get specific with the square footage, number of bedrooms, and lot size you want.

Ask the Architect

Want more general information on building a U-shaped house? Check out the MonsterHousePlans blog for expert tips and advice. You also have the option to speak with a licensed architect directly if you have questions about a specific U-shaped house plan.

Consult with a Designer

If you’re pretty sure which U-shaped house plan you want but you need some help hammering out the details, you can also contact one of our designers to get expert tips. They can help you decide how big your garage should be, what kind of built-ins to include, whether or not to use an open concept and more.

All of our U-shaped house plans include an option to purchase a PDF (with or without add-ons). The PDF includes important details like roof elevations, floor joist type and spacing, and door and window sizes. If you’re not ready to purchase the plans yet, you also have the option to buy one of our custom cost-to-build estimates.

Find Your Perfect U-Shaped House Plan Today

Ready to find your perfect house plan? Whether you’re dreaming of creating a private outdoor oasis or just want a home with character, U-shaped house plans have a lot of promise. With abundant natural light, privacy, and curb appeal, you might just be building your forever home.

Find U shaped home plans and thousands of other designs with Monster House Plans today.