Hello dear members,
Just registered and already have my first question. A brief introduction about us: we are 34 and 30 years old, no children and none planned. We don’t know what the future holds in a few years.
We plan to start building our house, hopefully if the winter weather cooperates, as soon as we finalize the floor plan. Unfortunately, I, Michaela, tend to be a perfectionist (symmetry, etc.). I can’t let it go and want everything to be well thought out and planned, which is starting to annoy me as well.
Since we are building rather small, aiming for about 114 m2 (1227 sq ft) of living space and trying not to compromise on anything at this size, the floor plan design is quite challenging. Among other things, we do not want all rooms to be accessible from the hallway, and we also want to keep a covered terrace. The bungalow will consist of only three rooms. Therefore, we want to keep the option open to convert the attic later if needed. In this context, we are planning space for a future space-saving staircase and the necessary preliminary work; at least that is the goal. The bungalow will have a hip roof, with the roof pitch increased from 30 degrees to 34 degrees, and the hallway correspondingly larger. Ideally, we would like a gable dormer. Since those are too expensive, a skylight window would be a compromise. Of course, a larger bungalow would be the best option but it is too costly. The construction company charges about 700.00 euros per m2. In hindsight, working with an architect might have been more cost-effective, but that is how it is and that is not what this is about.
Maybe you have ideas, suggestions, can give tips, or share what we should pay attention to or consider.
I am of course attaching the floor plan. I hope that something can still be recognized despite the manual changes.
I look forward to reading your replies and wish you a nice weekend.
Best regards,
Michaela
Just registered and already have my first question. A brief introduction about us: we are 34 and 30 years old, no children and none planned. We don’t know what the future holds in a few years.
We plan to start building our house, hopefully if the winter weather cooperates, as soon as we finalize the floor plan. Unfortunately, I, Michaela, tend to be a perfectionist (symmetry, etc.). I can’t let it go and want everything to be well thought out and planned, which is starting to annoy me as well.
Since we are building rather small, aiming for about 114 m2 (1227 sq ft) of living space and trying not to compromise on anything at this size, the floor plan design is quite challenging. Among other things, we do not want all rooms to be accessible from the hallway, and we also want to keep a covered terrace. The bungalow will consist of only three rooms. Therefore, we want to keep the option open to convert the attic later if needed. In this context, we are planning space for a future space-saving staircase and the necessary preliminary work; at least that is the goal. The bungalow will have a hip roof, with the roof pitch increased from 30 degrees to 34 degrees, and the hallway correspondingly larger. Ideally, we would like a gable dormer. Since those are too expensive, a skylight window would be a compromise. Of course, a larger bungalow would be the best option but it is too costly. The construction company charges about 700.00 euros per m2. In hindsight, working with an architect might have been more cost-effective, but that is how it is and that is not what this is about.
Maybe you have ideas, suggestions, can give tips, or share what we should pay attention to or consider.
I am of course attaching the floor plan. I hope that something can still be recognized despite the manual changes.
I look forward to reading your replies and wish you a nice weekend.
Best regards,
Michaela
Michaela1986 schrieb:
...
Since we are building rather "small" and want to make sure that at about 114 m² (1,226 sq ft) of living space we don’t have to give up anything, the floor plan design is unfortunately also difficult. Among other things, we don’t want all rooms to be accessed directly from the hallway, and we also don’t want to give up a covered terrace. The bungalow will consist of only three rooms.... Michaela1986 schrieb:
Why did the design turn out the way it is now? We don’t want all rooms to be accessible directly from the hallway because it always reminds us of an office.Let me start from the beginning: for most couples, three rooms and around 110 m² (1,184 sq ft) are sufficient if the square meters are used sparingly and thoughtfully.
In my opinion, an entrance vestibule (mudroom), as you plan it, should be enough if it offers enough space for coats as well as shoe and scarf cabinets/closets. I also don’t like long, narrow hallways. I tend to think of a bungalow more like the Danes do, with access to the private rooms via the living room or better yet, the dining area.
Michaela1986 schrieb:
What do you consider particularly good or bad about it? Since we are trying to realize our ideas and wishes on a small footprint, the floor plan design is somewhat difficult. We don’t want a standard layout.It’s not that difficult, especially since you seem more or less happy with the design so far, even though you have a preference for symmetry… is the symmetry in the entrance area sufficient for you?
I noticed a few points you mentioned (unfortunately my quotes are gone, so this is from memory):
- open fireplace, but limited space to place furniture
- shift work
- possible desire for children later
- two showers in the house might be one too many (I laughed at this too, I thought the same and we planned that way)
Michaela1986 schrieb:
Space requirements on the ground floor and upper floor: option to convert the atticI’ll be straightforward and brief:
Karsten @Nordys has quite a different opinion and taste than I do, but one thing I really like about his house is the fixed staircase leading upstairs: it minimizes wasted floor space on the ground floor and provides plenty of storage upstairs. The attic space is there anyway, so this makes very good use of it.
I feel you are missing a proper place for an emergency staircase, which was mentioned somewhere. Since your plans regarding children are still open, I would definitely recommend planning with a fixed staircase.
I wouldn’t choose a hipped roof here because dormers are expensive later and require a building permit / planning permission. You might consider either a gable roof with one window in each gable, or a staggered shed roof, where half of it could be converted later. A shed roof is more expensive, so a gable roof would be the preferable option.
Michaela1986 schrieb:
We had that type of covered terrace ourselves. Of course, we'd prefer a larger terrace, but then we would lose too much interior space.I don’t quite understand: if I want a house with 115 m² (1,237 sq ft) plus an integrated covered terrace of 8 m² (86 sq ft), then I get a house with about 115 m² plus a covered terrace of 8 m². The shape of the house would have to be arranged differently. You don’t take a 120 m² (1,292 sq ft) house and just cut out 4 m² (43 sq ft)...
How is it handled: does the builder use a standard design and adapt it, or do they plan freely according to your wishes and budget?
Shift work:
Bedroom next to living room – how does that work with noise? Ideally, there should be a buffer zone between these two rooms, e.g. a walk-in closet. That would mean a completely different floor plan in this case.
Two showers or one?
Where do you want to shower? You currently have a nice sleeping area, but would have to go to the entrance vestibule / mudroom to shower?
I would skip the guest toilet here. You can add a bathroom upstairs with the children's rooms later if needed.
Michaela1986 schrieb:
The kitchen work surface is sufficient: 2.40 m (7 ft 10 in) continuous plus almost 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) next to the sink.Everyone here assumes that your 2.40 m refers to tall units. If that is a countertop, you don’t have a functional kitchen work area. By this, I mean the classic work triangle of storing, preparing, and cleaning. Short distances keep cooking from becoming hard work, and this doesn’t seem to be planned here.
The dining table is somewhat off to the side; I think you even crossed it out at some point? Do you not want one? Don’t need one?
In total, 30 m² (323 sq ft) is planned for living: with 30 m², you can arrange dining and living areas well, but I only see living room space here.
What strikes me as I write: you don’t have any retreat space. Ideally, you would have the dining and kitchen area in a “public” zone, from which the bedroom wing also branches off, then a recessed area “behind” the sofa where you can relax quietly while someone else works or answers the door. Right now, you have a sofa that can be seen through double doors and one from which you see the entrance out of the corner of your eye.
If that suits you, that’s fine. I just share these impressions so you are aware of potential situations.
Without taking away your style, I would:
- add more windows on the west side to benefit the open area
- zone the open area differently so the spaces fit better and the kitchen is better utilized
- make the utility room larger and/or
- plan an upper floor conversion like Nordys, possibly to expand later
- avoid angled corners
- install a large closet wall-to-wall in the vestibule/mudroom on the side
- have a covered terrace spacious enough for a table and chairs
There would be more to say once the site plan is known.
ypg schrieb:
I don’t understand: I want a house with 115 sqm (1238 sq ft) including a covered area on the 8 sqm (86 sq ft) terrace – then I get a house with about 115 plus a separate 8 sqm (86 sq ft) covered area. The layout of the wings of the house would have to be different for that. -> You don’t take a 120 sqm (1292 sq ft) house and just cut out 4 sqm (43 sq ft)... Wings? – I don’t see an L-shaped bungalow here, but rather a rectangular bungalow with a small recess under one corner. That its diagonal aligns perfectly under the roof’s kink is well executed.
A gable roof seems as out of place on a bungalow as wearing a plaid shirt with a tuxedo. No, it needs a hip roof. However, for the porch I would prefer a shed roof rather than connecting it with a return hip.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
11ant schrieb:
Wing? – I don’t see an L-shaped bungalow here, but rather a rectangular bungalow with a small cutout under one corner. The fact that its diagonal aligns exactly beneath the roof break is neatly resolved.
A gable roof seems out of place on a bungalow, like a plaid shirt with a tuxedo. No, it needs a hip roof. However, for the porch, I would prefer a lean-to roof rather than connecting it with a hip return.Exactly, in TE’s design there are no wings; it’s more like a portion cut out from a brownie.
Personally, I would always prefer the gable roof option: not only for the reasons already mentioned here, but also for possibilities like an open gable. Additionally, a gable is generally more modern – although if you like country style, a hip roof is preferable.
However, you have to consider how an eventual later extension for a child’s bedroom might be accommodated.
In the end, our preferences don’t really matter.
Michaela198631 Jul 2017 17:04What is a towing?
We visited the building surveyor again yesterday and discussed it.
We will prepare the attic accordingly, including a large roof window, reinforcement of the floor, and move the retractable staircase to the hallway.
The kitchen will have a larger window, the bedroom will get an additional window facing east, and the bathroom, guest bathroom, and utility room will all have larger windows.
We don’t really want to do without an external storage area because of the layers of clothing. The wall between the bedroom and living room will be load-bearing, so the noise transmission should be somewhat reduced. The guest room will be accessible from the hallway, so the corner will be removed. This way, we gain a bit more square meters in the guest room, although not much, and we can later expand the kitchen area. I will take another look at the floor plan that someone uploaded (I’m sorry, I can’t recall the name right now and ask for your understanding).
The terrace is theoretically about 270 cm (9 feet) long.
That’s it for now to start with.
We visited the building surveyor again yesterday and discussed it.
We will prepare the attic accordingly, including a large roof window, reinforcement of the floor, and move the retractable staircase to the hallway.
The kitchen will have a larger window, the bedroom will get an additional window facing east, and the bathroom, guest bathroom, and utility room will all have larger windows.
We don’t really want to do without an external storage area because of the layers of clothing. The wall between the bedroom and living room will be load-bearing, so the noise transmission should be somewhat reduced. The guest room will be accessible from the hallway, so the corner will be removed. This way, we gain a bit more square meters in the guest room, although not much, and we can later expand the kitchen area. I will take another look at the floor plan that someone uploaded (I’m sorry, I can’t recall the name right now and ask for your understanding).
The terrace is theoretically about 270 cm (9 feet) long.
That’s it for now to start with.
Michaela198631 Jul 2017 17:12If we convert the attic, we will gain a space of 20 m2 (215 sq ft), possibly even more.
The idea of extending one meter (3.3 feet) deeper would cost us over 13,300 euros, since the width also counts, and that is simply too expensive now. Certainly, a later conversion of the attic is not cheap, but we can do that ourselves.
The idea of extending one meter (3.3 feet) deeper would cost us over 13,300 euros, since the width also counts, and that is simply too expensive now. Certainly, a later conversion of the attic is not cheap, but we can do that ourselves.
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