10 Marla House Design in DHA Islamabad – Modern, Elegant & Practical Homes by Primarc Studio

For many, living in DHA Islamabad is not just about owning a plot but belonging to a lifestyle. Defence Housing Authority – DHA Islamabad is one of the few prestigious housing societies in Pakistan. Wide boulevards, secure gated communities, and modern amenities make it one of the most desirable addresses in the capital.

For architects, DHA presents both opportunities and challenges. Its 10 Marla plots are among the most in-demand, but designing for DHA requires sensitivity to by-laws, aesthetics, and the lifestyle aspirations of its residents. At Primarc Studio, we have seen how DHA Islamabad families often seek a balance: a home that reflects modern trends, yet fits gracefully within community expectations.

For a broader perspective on layouts, proportions, and planning principles, read our complete guide on 10 Marla House Design in Pakistan – An Architect’s Guide.

The Character of DHA Islamabad

Unlike unregulated areas of the city, DHA has strict by-laws that influence design. This means 10 Marla houses cannot be designed in isolation – every elevation, boundary wall, and lawn must comply with community guidelines. The result is streets that look coherent and planned.

Families living here typically want houses that convey dignity and refinement. As architects, we often hear phrases like, “We want something elegant, not flashy,” or “We want modern but respectable.” This cultural expectation influences every decision, from facades to floor layouts.

Architect’s Note: Design in DHA is not only about individual preference. It is about creating a home that reflects the family’s identity while blending into the larger rhythm of the community, while retaining its own unique identity.

Single vs Double Story in DHA

Most 10 Marla houses in DHA Islamabad are double story. Families here often have children or joint households, making extra bedrooms and lounges a necessity. A typical layout includes a formal drawing room near the entrance, a family lounge at the heart, and 4–5 bedrooms spread across two floors.

To explore how single-level living creates comfort and accessibility, see our Single Story 10 Marla House Designs article.

That said, single story designs are also common for retirees or smaller families. In one DHA Phase II project, we designed a single story 10 Marla for an elderly couple. Instead of the usual layout having two bedrooms at the back, we prioritized accessibility – wide doors, step-free movement, and a lounge that opened directly into the lawn. This very house which was built according to their specific requirements became a comfortable, age-friendly retreat in a community they had lived in for decades. 

Compare how vertical layouts evolve in our Double Story 10 Marla House Design – Spacious Living for Growing Families article.

Facades – Respectable Elegance

In Lahore, flamboyant Spanish facades and taper dominant modern designs dominate. In Islamabad, the taste is often more restrained. DHA Islamabad residents prefer balanced elevations — modern bands with subtle traditional cues, or hybrids that look sophisticated without being ostentatious.

We once designed a modern hybrid for a professional family in DHA Phase V. The father eathy textures brick laced facade; the son wanted glass and clean lines. We used travertine stone in modern masses with bricks jaali used in earthy tones. The result was dignified, modest, and perfectly suited for DHA’s character.

For more on stylistic approaches and façade detailing, read our 10 Marla House Front Elevation Design article.

Floor Plans in DHA – Privacy Matters

In DHA Islamabad, privacy is a key driver of planning. Families are conscious of separating formal areas (drawing rooms) from family spaces (lounges, bedrooms, kitchens). Guests should not cross through private areas to reach the drawing room.

One of our recent DHA designs featured a central entrance lobby leading directly into the drawing room, with side access to the family lounge. This zoning respected cultural expectations and made hosting effortless.

Kitchens in DHA are increasingly dual: a front open kitchen for family gatherings, and a back “dirty kitchen” for heavy cooking. This trend reflects the shift toward modern lifestyles while keeping traditional needs intact.

Planning around privacy starts on paper — explore examples in our 10 Marla House Maps & Floor Plans – Designing Flow, Not Just Walls.

The Lawn – Compact but Precious

10 Marla plots in DHA often leave limited lawn space once construction covers 70%. Families still value this green patch deeply. We designed one house where the family sacrificed a bedroom to enlarge the lawn. The father later told us: “This is where we host every gathering. The extra room would never have given us this joy.”

Where lawns are too small, we sometimes propose courtyards or sunken terraces as alternatives. These create breathing space without breaking by-laws.

Cost of Building in DHA Islamabad

Construction costs in DHA Islamabad run slightly higher than in Lahore due to labor rates and material transportation. In 2025, a typical 10 Marla house costs:

• Grey structure: Rs. 8.5–10 million.
• Finishing: Rs. 7–9 million (depending on local vs imported materials).
• Total: Rs. 16–18 million for mid-range; Rs. 22–28+ million for luxury.
  
  

Finishing standards in DHA tend to lean toward premium. Families often prefer imported tiles, quality woodwork, and subtle but sophisticated finishes.

For an in-depth look at budgeting from grey structure to finishing, visit our Cost of Building a 10 Marla House in Pakistan guide.

Case Study – A Hybrid in DHA Phase II

One of our favorite DHA projects was a hybrid design for a joint family. The ground floor had a drawing room and lounge for the parents, while the upper floor carried a lounge and terrace for the younger generation. The facade blended symmetry with clean modern bands. Costs were managed by using premium finishes selectively in showcase spaces, while bedrooms received simpler but durable materials.

Designing for Expats in DHA

Many expats choose DHA Islamabad because of its secure reputation and resale value. For them, the process is almost always remote. During our design process we discuss the plans first on video call, explaining our every decision to client and when it has been finalized. We move onto exterior design after the client approves submission and legal documentation work starts. 

We provide 3D visualizations of interior design including animation, live site updates, and cost breakdowns. In one case, a US-based family wanted reassurance that their budget wouldn’t spiral. We built the grey structure with high quality under our project management based construction service, then offered three finishing options. They chose the mid-range package, confident in every invoice they reviewed online.

Architect’s Note: For expats, transparency is as important as design. A house in DHA Islamabad is not only a home — it is often an investment for the future.

Conclusion

A 10 Marla house in DHA Islamabad is more than just architecture. It is a reflection of the city’s character — dignified, restrained, and practical. Families here want homes that balance tradition with modernity, formality with comfort, individuality with community guidelines.

At Primarc Studio, we see each DHA project as an opportunity to create not only a house, but a statement of identity. Whether it is a single story retreat, a hybrid elevation for two generations, or a double story plan for a growing family, the goal is always the same: to design with thought, proportion, and respect for both the family and the community it belongs to.

To see how design philosophies differ across societies, compare this with our 10 Marla House Design in Bahria Town Pakistan.