Hello dear forum,
We have been reading along here for some time and are impressed by the many tips and support available.
Building is a hot topic for us right now, as we were assigned a plot of land two weeks ago through a lottery process. We have now reserved it. The notary appointment is in July. I have attached two files. Our plot is number 12, with 720sqm (7,750 sq ft), or the plot where the building data is noted.
Before meeting with several architects next week, I wanted to ask for your help. We have filled out the questionnaire as best as possible:
Plot size: 720sqm (7,750 sq ft)
Slope: almost no incline
Site coverage ratio: 0.4
Floor area ratio: 0.8
Building envelope and boundaries: see plan
2 floors allowed
Roof pitch: between 25 and 38 degrees allowed
Style: open design
Orientation: usual orientation, living-dining room facing west, entrance possibly east
Maximum eaves height: 4.30m (14 ft)
Our requirements (as far as known)
Style: city villa or country house with hipped or gable roof
Total living area: 175sqm (1,884 sq ft)
A basement, two floors
2 adults aged 37 and 42, three small children aged 8 months, 5, and 7 years
Room requirements ground floor: large living-dining area with at least 45sqm (484 sq ft), kitchen, WC, office/guest room, utility room preferably connected to the garage. Upper floor: 4 bedrooms and a bathroom
Office use is private only; the room should also serve as a guest room
Rather open architecture
Open kitchen with island
8 dining seats in the dining room
Masonry fireplace
No balcony or rooftop terrace
Double garage near the house, preferably connected to the utility room
I hope I have provided all the information correctly. Now my questions:
- Regarding the orientation of the house: are we free to rotate the house as we wish? Since the plot faces south, would we have to place the house right at the rear boundary of the plot, which would mean a long driveway to the garage?
- Should we plan the house with a local architect from the same area and local construction companies, or rather with a prefabricated house company?
- What heating systems are possible if we want a masonry fireplace? What are the typical standards?
- Where can I find suitable floor plans, or can I also design a floor plan myself in advance using certain software?
- What types of houses are possible with a maximum eaves height of only 4.30m (14 ft)? Does this exclude the city villa style?
It would be great if you could help or provide suggestions. Although we have read a lot, we are not really getting anywhere... and I don’t want to be completely unprepared for the meeting with the architects.
Thank you very much in advance!
kiki_79
We have been reading along here for some time and are impressed by the many tips and support available.
Building is a hot topic for us right now, as we were assigned a plot of land two weeks ago through a lottery process. We have now reserved it. The notary appointment is in July. I have attached two files. Our plot is number 12, with 720sqm (7,750 sq ft), or the plot where the building data is noted.
Before meeting with several architects next week, I wanted to ask for your help. We have filled out the questionnaire as best as possible:
Plot size: 720sqm (7,750 sq ft)
Slope: almost no incline
Site coverage ratio: 0.4
Floor area ratio: 0.8
Building envelope and boundaries: see plan
2 floors allowed
Roof pitch: between 25 and 38 degrees allowed
Style: open design
Orientation: usual orientation, living-dining room facing west, entrance possibly east
Maximum eaves height: 4.30m (14 ft)
Our requirements (as far as known)
Style: city villa or country house with hipped or gable roof
Total living area: 175sqm (1,884 sq ft)
A basement, two floors
2 adults aged 37 and 42, three small children aged 8 months, 5, and 7 years
Room requirements ground floor: large living-dining area with at least 45sqm (484 sq ft), kitchen, WC, office/guest room, utility room preferably connected to the garage. Upper floor: 4 bedrooms and a bathroom
Office use is private only; the room should also serve as a guest room
Rather open architecture
Open kitchen with island
8 dining seats in the dining room
Masonry fireplace
No balcony or rooftop terrace
Double garage near the house, preferably connected to the utility room
I hope I have provided all the information correctly. Now my questions:
- Regarding the orientation of the house: are we free to rotate the house as we wish? Since the plot faces south, would we have to place the house right at the rear boundary of the plot, which would mean a long driveway to the garage?
- Should we plan the house with a local architect from the same area and local construction companies, or rather with a prefabricated house company?
- What heating systems are possible if we want a masonry fireplace? What are the typical standards?
- Where can I find suitable floor plans, or can I also design a floor plan myself in advance using certain software?
- What types of houses are possible with a maximum eaves height of only 4.30m (14 ft)? Does this exclude the city villa style?
It would be great if you could help or provide suggestions. Although we have read a lot, we are not really getting anywhere... and I don’t want to be completely unprepared for the meeting with the architects.
Thank you very much in advance!
kiki_79
kiki_79 schrieb:
Building is a very current topic for us right now, since we were allocated a plot two weeks ago through a lottery process. We have now reserved it. The notarization appointment is in July.Congratulations!
kiki_79 schrieb:
- Regarding the orientation of the house: are we free to rotate the house however we want?What does the zoning plan or building permit say? Often, it is required to keep the building line. Sometimes, the roof slopes or gables have to face specific directions. If nothing is specified there, you can also position the house at an angle. Distances of regulated 3 meters (10 feet) from neighbors or the building envelope must be observed.
kiki_79 schrieb:
Since the plot faces south, we would have to place the house all the way at the back boundary, which means a long driveway to the garage, right?A south-facing orientation means that the street/driveway would be to the north. Without a site plan, that seems a bit contradictory in your case. The best approach is to take the site plan and transfer it onto graph paper including possible neighboring properties. Sketch a potential house in pencil. Garage, driveway, terrace... you will need an eraser and can try many different options. Consider a waste bin area, play area, sun orientation, kitchen garden (herbs near the house), existing trees, etc. You are still in the planning phase. Little by little, you will get closer to your plan. If you like, you can also share your developed plan here.
kiki_79 schrieb:
- Planning the house with a local architect from the same town and local builders, or rather with a prefab house company?Whatever suits you best. If you like to organize things yourself, have time and a network, and want some unique architectural features, an architect can be recommended. If you prefer everything from a single source, like standard house types “off the shelf” or from a house provider, then a general contractor (GC) or design-build company can build a house for you that is more or less already planned. However, don’t just choose the cheapest or first offer, but a quality provider who uses at least mid-range standards and offers thoughtful planning. Some providers also have good architects available to design a custom house for you. Cheaper providers often sell standard houses without custom modifications or charge a high extra fee for small customizations, usually with minimal specifications (which you can see in the scope of work). Visit local house providers, talk to them, and rely on your gut feeling about what fits or not. Same for architects. A basis of trust should be established with your future builder. Another option is to have an architect design your house and have a local construction company build it.
kiki_79 schrieb:
- Where can I find suitable floor plans or can I design a floor plan myself using certain software?Search the internet extensively. Most floor plans are similar, and after a while, you will develop an eye for them. Visit house provider websites; their houses and floor plans are usually available online. If you have no experience, you should avoid designing your own plan at first. Sketches are fine initially: best done at 1 meter to 1 centimeter scale (about 3 feet to 0.4 inches) with a pencil. Playing around helps you get closer to the plot and house. People who use software or drawing to approach the topic have often (or should at least) gathered some knowledge and spent time learning about it.
kiki_79 schrieb:
- Which house types are possible with a wall plate height of only 4.30 meters (14 feet)? Does that rule out the townhouse/villa?Yes, that is ruled out. Therefore, you should avoid getting too fixated on a particular building style and/or work with an architect whose job is to combine the client’s wishes with the zoning plan.
Is there a dimensioned version of the plan as well?
Is the blue line meant to represent the building boundary within which you are allowed to build, considering the neighboring properties (3m (10 feet) distance or garage on the boundary)?
I would rather imagine a somewhat elongated house placed relatively far to the east here. Just a first spontaneous idea.
Roof style: The other drawing mainly shows hipped roofs. You will need to check on site what types and orientations are permitted.
Eaves height:
430 cm (14 ft) is therefore not very large.
Is the blue line meant to represent the building boundary within which you are allowed to build, considering the neighboring properties (3m (10 feet) distance or garage on the boundary)?
I would rather imagine a somewhat elongated house placed relatively far to the east here. Just a first spontaneous idea.
Roof style: The other drawing mainly shows hipped roofs. You will need to check on site what types and orientations are permitted.
Eaves height:
430 cm (14 ft) is therefore not very large.
Hey kbt09,
Thanks for your help! I’m assuming we have to build within the blue line, so that would be the boundary. Unfortunately, the plan doesn’t show any dimensions, but we calculated that the plot is about 23m (75 feet) wide and 31m (102 feet) long.
I would also prefer to place the house closer to the right corner, but the question is how it will be allowed to be oriented later on, and which type of house would be suitable. I’m also a bit concerned that the neighbor on the left might block a lot of sunlight with their house.
Although at a 4.30m (14 feet) eaves height, no house will be very tall anyway, right?
Thanks for your help! I’m assuming we have to build within the blue line, so that would be the boundary. Unfortunately, the plan doesn’t show any dimensions, but we calculated that the plot is about 23m (75 feet) wide and 31m (102 feet) long.
I would also prefer to place the house closer to the right corner, but the question is how it will be allowed to be oriented later on, and which type of house would be suitable. I’m also a bit concerned that the neighbor on the left might block a lot of sunlight with their house.
Although at a 4.30m (14 feet) eaves height, no house will be very tall anyway, right?
kiki_79 schrieb:
Unfortunately, the plan does not include measurements, but we have calculated that the plot must be 23m (75 feet) wide and 31m (102 feet) long.I still don’t know which plot it is, but you can try drawing your dimensions and then place the house and other elements.
The blue line will mark the building boundary.
Yesterday, I saw a house positioned at an angle. I think it looks good; unfortunately, few people are that creative and give their plots diagonals or sharp corners. Although these can add a lot of dynamism to a property. I believe many keep their garages aligned with the plot boundary, so they stick to this line.
Usually, it also looks better from the street when you face the gable directly.
A long, narrow plot oriented east/middle... with the garage at the front, possibly positioned perpendicular to the driveway on the east side, is also worth considering – it creates shade and privacy while allowing for a pergola.
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