Corner plot house elevation: 8 design moves that read well in renders

Corner plots are prized for light and visibility, but they are harder to design: there is no "back" to hide, and the corner itself is the most-seen part of the house. Here are the moves we see working again and again, with real renders.

1. Anchor the corner

Give the corner a strong vertical: a stone-clad pillar, a glazed stair tower or a tall fin. It stops the building from looking like two separate facades glued together.

2. Design both faces as fronts

Carry the same materials, floor lines and balcony rhythm around the corner. The side street sees as much as the main road.

3. Wrap a balcony around

A balcony or terrace that turns the corner — like the orange band on our corner villa — ties the two faces together.

4. Break up the long compound wall

On a corner the wall is long. Planters, a change of material, gate canopies and lighting stop it reading as a barrier.

5. Put the gate where it reads

A gate with a canopy, between strong pillars, gives the ground floor a clear front door — even on a two-faced plot.

6. Use shade and overhangs on the sunny face

Corners usually get more sun. Pergolas, fins and deep balconies cut glare and add depth to the render.

7. Plan the night view

Corner houses are seen from two roads after dark. Window glow, cove lights on the pergola and gate lamps make the corner memorable.

8. Render the view from the junction

The three-quarter view from the corner is what people actually see. Render it first, then add a straight-on front for the drawing set.

More real examples in the corner house gallery.