Tvånivåhus

Tvånivåhus is a residential building with two levels of living space connected by an interior staircase. The term is used in Swedish architecture to distinguish such houses from one-story dwellings (enplanshus) and from traditional two-storey houses (tvåvåningshus). A tvånivåhus may have a conventional two-story arrangement with living areas on one level and sleeping areas on another, or it may use a split-level design where rooms are placed on staggered vertical levels to fit sloped sites or to create distinct zones within the home.

Common layouts include a living room, kitchen and dining area on the upper level, with bedrooms on the lower level, and external access from both levels to patios or gardens. In some cases the lower level is partially below ground, functioning as a daylight basement or utility spaces. The design often takes advantage of site topography to improve daylight, views, and privacy, while maintaining a relatively compact footprint.

Construction methods for tvånivåhus vary, but typical approaches include timber-framed or masonry construction, with modern insulation and energy-efficiency standards. The choice of materials, window placement, and stair arrangement influence both aesthetics and usability. Accessibility can be a consideration, as stairs may pose challenges for older residents or people with limited mobility.

Overall, tvånivåhus provides flexible internal zoning and efficient land use, at the cost of more complex construction and potential accessibility issues compared with single-story homes.