ᐅ Planning the Location of the House and Garage Within the Building Envelope *Preliminary Planning*
Created on: 9 Aug 2016 10:52
H
Häuslebau3r
Hello everyone,
I have been following the forum for quite some time now and am gradually approaching the “house building” project step by step, trying to learn as much as possible in advance.
Thanks to the many experts here, this has truly been an enjoyable experience in the way the community contributes. (end of flattery mode) 🙂
As I already mentioned in my first major thread, we are currently working on preliminary planning and considering the house design and its orientation on the plot, even before our first meetings with potential builders.
Taking several factors into account regarding the plot, such as price and an undeveloped east-facing location (sloping gently down to the east), we found a micro-location that we really like. We weren’t able to get our ideal size, but with 770m² (8300 sq ft), I think it’s more than sufficient. The main advantage for us is that the land can be fully paid for from our own funds, so until construction starts in early 2018, we will continue saving equity and paying off any remaining debts.
Source: Excerpts from the development plan / self-created images
A building permit inquiry (building permit / planning permission) has already been submitted regarding the desired architectural style, and I have received approval to expand the building envelope up to 8 meters (26 feet) along the eastern boundary.
At the moment, we are leaning toward a rather classic city villa style (2 full floors with a hipped roof at 25° and a double garage).
Source: Weberhaus
Based on the budget we have personally set, we are initially planning without a basement. If it turns out to be feasible later on, we can still include it.
We have already visited model homes that appealed to us in terms of external design and even traveled from Bavaria to the Rhineland, and from there to Wuppertal for inspiration.
Right now, before the first planning meetings, we want to focus on finding the best possible orientation for the house and garage on the property, for example:
Source: Excerpts from the development plan
For me, one thing is already decided: the staircase, which I want to have exactly like this due to the fantastic light conditions. It captivated me at first sight.
Source: Weberhaus
Furthermore, we want to keep as much space as possible on the west and south sides to create what I consider an ideal sunny aspect and garden atmosphere.
This is also the tricky part, as the arrangement between house and garage is causing us some headaches.
Many questions arise, such as whether the garage should be placed in front of the house to free up more space on the south side, or rather beside the house (which would include a covered entrance area). A passage from the garage directly into the house is also under consideration. Or should the main entrance be on the west side instead, which might mean it would be uncovered?
Source for covered entrance: Weberhaus
I will post further key data throughout the thread as needed, in case I have forgotten anything important.
However, these points above need to be clarified first before we can continue planning the positioning of the dining, living, and kitchen areas, etc. (Of course, with a preference for south/west orientation).
I would appreciate any information and lively discussions.
Best regards, Andreas, and thank you in advance!
I have been following the forum for quite some time now and am gradually approaching the “house building” project step by step, trying to learn as much as possible in advance.
Thanks to the many experts here, this has truly been an enjoyable experience in the way the community contributes. (end of flattery mode) 🙂
As I already mentioned in my first major thread, we are currently working on preliminary planning and considering the house design and its orientation on the plot, even before our first meetings with potential builders.
Taking several factors into account regarding the plot, such as price and an undeveloped east-facing location (sloping gently down to the east), we found a micro-location that we really like. We weren’t able to get our ideal size, but with 770m² (8300 sq ft), I think it’s more than sufficient. The main advantage for us is that the land can be fully paid for from our own funds, so until construction starts in early 2018, we will continue saving equity and paying off any remaining debts.
Source: Excerpts from the development plan / self-created images
A building permit inquiry (building permit / planning permission) has already been submitted regarding the desired architectural style, and I have received approval to expand the building envelope up to 8 meters (26 feet) along the eastern boundary.
At the moment, we are leaning toward a rather classic city villa style (2 full floors with a hipped roof at 25° and a double garage).
Source: Weberhaus
Based on the budget we have personally set, we are initially planning without a basement. If it turns out to be feasible later on, we can still include it.
We have already visited model homes that appealed to us in terms of external design and even traveled from Bavaria to the Rhineland, and from there to Wuppertal for inspiration.
Right now, before the first planning meetings, we want to focus on finding the best possible orientation for the house and garage on the property, for example:
Source: Excerpts from the development plan
For me, one thing is already decided: the staircase, which I want to have exactly like this due to the fantastic light conditions. It captivated me at first sight.
Source: Weberhaus
Furthermore, we want to keep as much space as possible on the west and south sides to create what I consider an ideal sunny aspect and garden atmosphere.
This is also the tricky part, as the arrangement between house and garage is causing us some headaches.
Many questions arise, such as whether the garage should be placed in front of the house to free up more space on the south side, or rather beside the house (which would include a covered entrance area). A passage from the garage directly into the house is also under consideration. Or should the main entrance be on the west side instead, which might mean it would be uncovered?
Source for covered entrance: Weberhaus
I will post further key data throughout the thread as needed, in case I have forgotten anything important.
However, these points above need to be clarified first before we can continue planning the positioning of the dining, living, and kitchen areas, etc. (Of course, with a preference for south/west orientation).
I would appreciate any information and lively discussions.
Best regards, Andreas, and thank you in advance!
Jochen104 schrieb:
Your house is getting bigger and bigger , but really only the hallways are getting bigger .
With Excel, it is also easier to color the cells than to draw lines.I wouldn't say it’s actually getting bigger, but it definitely looks more realistic now that it’s drawn to scale. Regarding the hallways, I’m still unsure about the measurements. Everything else should be fine. If some rooms can be made smaller, just get rid of them. Besides the kitchen and open living-dining area, only the hallway comes to mind for reduction.
Best regards, Andi
Personally, I find the ground floor generally too angular. I prefer it to be straightforward and versatile. But that’s a matter of taste.
On the upper floor, the room sizes seem odd to me. The bedroom is relatively small, while the bathroom is huge, almost too large at 19sqm (205 sq ft). In between is the dressing room, which has doors in all directions and apparently a window facing north. It’s 7.5sqm (81 sq ft), with about 3m (10 ft) of wardrobe space—maybe 4m (13 ft) if corner solutions are used. However, it would only be used for clothing storage; you also need some space for getting dressed, possibly a chair, and somewhere to put things down. At the latest, when the partner wants to enter the bathroom, you’ll be stepping on each other’s toes.
In other words: I think 10 + 7.5sqm (108 + 81 sq ft) = 17.5sqm (188 sq ft) for a bedroom with a large double bed and wardrobes is just barely acceptable. Adding another wall, door, and window reduces this space further, not to mention the additional circulation area required—it’s something each person has to decide for themselves.
The kids’ room is absolutely huge. I don’t want to start a debate, so just a question: is that intentional, or does it simply result from the room layout?
If this last question applies to other rooms as well, maybe it’s worth pressing the “reset” button and trying again. Or asking a professional to create a design based on generic requirements rather than fixed specifications.
On the upper floor, the room sizes seem odd to me. The bedroom is relatively small, while the bathroom is huge, almost too large at 19sqm (205 sq ft). In between is the dressing room, which has doors in all directions and apparently a window facing north. It’s 7.5sqm (81 sq ft), with about 3m (10 ft) of wardrobe space—maybe 4m (13 ft) if corner solutions are used. However, it would only be used for clothing storage; you also need some space for getting dressed, possibly a chair, and somewhere to put things down. At the latest, when the partner wants to enter the bathroom, you’ll be stepping on each other’s toes.
In other words: I think 10 + 7.5sqm (108 + 81 sq ft) = 17.5sqm (188 sq ft) for a bedroom with a large double bed and wardrobes is just barely acceptable. Adding another wall, door, and window reduces this space further, not to mention the additional circulation area required—it’s something each person has to decide for themselves.
The kids’ room is absolutely huge. I don’t want to start a debate, so just a question: is that intentional, or does it simply result from the room layout?
If this last question applies to other rooms as well, maybe it’s worth pressing the “reset” button and trying again. Or asking a professional to create a design based on generic requirements rather than fixed specifications.
1. Ground floor hallway is much too large
2. Pantry still doesn’t work. 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep minus at least 35 cm (14 inches) of shelving leaves a 65 cm (26 inches) passageway
3. Doors require a minimum of 90 cm (35 inches) in the design
4. What is that next to the bathroom? A balcony?
Overall, this is very suboptimal. As a small tip, try looking for Home by me. It is an online tool where you can also work with wall thicknesses, has a 3D function, and allows you to furnish. Maybe this will help clarify some things.
2. Pantry still doesn’t work. 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep minus at least 35 cm (14 inches) of shelving leaves a 65 cm (26 inches) passageway
3. Doors require a minimum of 90 cm (35 inches) in the design
4. What is that next to the bathroom? A balcony?
Overall, this is very suboptimal. As a small tip, try looking for Home by me. It is an online tool where you can also work with wall thicknesses, has a 3D function, and allows you to furnish. Maybe this will help clarify some things.
Alex85 schrieb:
In other words: I think 10 + 7.5 sqm (115 + 80.7 sq ft) = 17.5 sqm (188.4 sq ft) for a bedroom with a large double bed and wardrobes is just barely “ok.”Briefly on this: our current bedroom is 14 sqm (150.7 sq ft) and is completely sufficient as a BEDroom.
RobsonMKK schrieb:
Briefly on this: our current bedroom is 14 sqm (150 sq ft) and perfectly sufficient as a BEDroomOf course, this is subjective!
You emphasize the BED in particular. I completely agree that if you limit the bedroom mainly to sleeping, you don’t need a large space. I would do the same.
But why does someone plan a separate walk-in closet? There are good reasons, otherwise it wouldn’t be common.
What is the actual purpose behind it, and does the planned floor plan fulfill that?
I imagine someone wants a walk-in closet because they have a lot of clothes, because they are interested in fashion and/or want to make getting dressed more of an experience, to display clothes better, to enjoy it more. Maybe they get up earlier than their partner and don’t want to disturb them, so dressing happens elsewhere.
Can this be achieved with the shown floor plan? No.
In the form shown, the only benefit in my view is simply “I have a walk-in closet.” Nothing more.
The same applies to the pantry being discussed. It’s included in the plan, yes, but its actual usefulness is close to zero.
To be frank, I think the planning approach is simply wrong. Many pictures from different sources have been shown that display individual elements considered nice. These are then combined, resulting in a quite “personalized” floor plan. You stitch together many little extras, and what comes out? A lack of overall concept.
Why, for example, is there access to the kitchen/dining/living area on the ground floor through two doors? Just straighten the wall where the access door is. This saves one door, reduces hallway space, and increases the dining area. Sure, then the niche for the TV furniture disappears...
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