Maisonette

Maisonette

Maisonette is a term used in architecture and real estate to describe a particular type of apartment or flat that spans two floors, connected by an internal staircase. The word maisonette is derived from the French word maison, meaning house, and the suffix -ette, indicating a smaller version. Maisonettes are often designed to provide a more spacious and house-like living experience within a multi-unit residential building. These dwellings typically feature a layout that separates living areas from sleeping quarters, with the living room and kitchen on the lower floor and bedrooms and bathrooms on the upper floor. This configuration offers a greater sense of privacy and separation between the public and private spaces within the home. Maisonettes are commonly found in urban areas, particularly in Europe and some parts of North America, where they are popular among families or individuals seeking a more substantial living space than a traditional single-level apartment provides. The design of maisonettes often incorporates architectural elements that enhance the feeling of a separate, self-contained home within a larger building, such as a private entrance or a small outdoor space like a balcony or terrace.

apartment, flat, two-story, duplex, multi-level, residential

— John Armstrong

CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Maisonette.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/maisonette?E=432769 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"