ᐅ 10x10 m urban villa (approximately 1,670 sq ft, 6 rooms), fine-tuning welcome
Created on: 20 Aug 2017 14:34
C
Changeling
Ground Floor:
Upper Floor:
Outdoor Areas:
Positioned on the Plot:
Development Plan / Restrictions:
The plot may only be built on the southern half; otherwise, there are no particular restrictions.
Plot size: 900 square meters (approx. 30 x 30 meters / 98 x 98 feet)
Slope: No, only on the west side does the land slope down 3 meters (10 feet) toward the street at the end of the plot. On the north side, there is a retaining wall because the plot is about 2 meters (7 feet) above street level there. Therefore, access by vehicle is only possible from the south.
Clients’ Requirements
Style, Roof Shape, Building Type: A two-story urban villa with a pyramid hip roof (square hipped roof), since the upper floor has no sloped ceilings.
Basement: No basement, as it is too expensive, impractical, and involves additional construction risks.
Number of Occupants, Age: 2 adults (30 years old), 1 child (3 years old), with 1-2 more children planned.
Living Room: A large, open living area was important to us as this is where life happens. A computer corner is planned in the lower right corner since we spend more time at the computer than watching TV. We also work a lot from home and do not want to be confined to a separate room.
Fireplace: Yes.
Guest Room: Also used as storage space, which is especially useful since there is no basement.
Kitchen: The stove and sink are not in their final positions yet – a cooking island is undesirable because of the extractor hood and impractical due to splashing.
Technical / Utility Room: Also serves as a pantry and should be filled with shelves up to the ceiling.
Children’s Rooms: Size should be adequate.
Bedroom: Almost too large, but necessary due to the large wardrobe and double bed.
Bathroom: The design is still at an early stage; for example, the shower is planned as a built-in enclosure without a cabin.
Terrace: Important to us, along with a covered area so we can leave items outside occasionally.
Garage, Carport: As large as possible! It should be a wooden carport, fully closed at the front with sectional doors, and open or closed at the rear as needed. We currently use our garage as a "second living room" and for storing garden tools and similar items. Due to the long car, space will be tight; likely the terrace will be slightly smaller and the carport deeper (or the roof overhang on the left extended). The additions on the far left are planned later as a garden shed or similar and are therefore not a fixed part of the house. The covered connection to the house is a must, so we can enter without getting wet. The lower part facing the street is purely for privacy and is not a solid wall.
Garden: We will build our greenhouse ourselves as we have it now.
House Design:
Planning by: Planner from a construction company; outdoor areas added by us.
What do you particularly like? Why?: The numerous outbuildings and large carport for space, the large living room with open kitchen (also for space). Also, the level access to the terrace (which we don’t have currently).
What do you dislike? Why?: The basement level feels a bit cramped (utility room/kitchen small), while the upper floor is very spacious, but so far this is the best solution.
Cost Estimate by Architect/Planner: $290,000 USD with a maximum of +10% overrun.
Insulation / Construction: Unfortunately, it is built only to the 2016 Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) standards; I would have preferred better insulation, but it is likely too expensive. The masonry consists of calcium silicate blocks (20 cm / 8 inches outside + 16 cm / 6 inches EPS (polystyrene) insulation boards).
Heating System: Ground-source heat pump (brine-water) with earth probe; gas connection would be too expensive and we do not want oil heating.
If you had to give up features / expansions
- Could you do without: At most one fewer children’s room; the rest should stay as is...
- Could you not do without: Everything? That would be difficult.
Why did the design turn out the way it is?
We reviewed suggestions from the planner, spent a weekend designing alternatives ourselves, and ultimately found the current compromise. It includes essentially all our wishes.
The design could have been better if the house orientation had been different; otherwise, the kitchen/terrace/dining area wouldn’t all have to be squeezed next to the carport. However, since the street is on the south side and the northern half of the plot cannot be built on, the house must be positioned as it is and the terrace on the south side to catch the sun. We do not want the carport on the east side, as that would place the house further toward the center of the plot and make the terrace fully visible from the neighboring house to the south.
A similar-sized building plot on the east side will be developed with another single-family urban villa.
What is the most important / fundamental question regarding the floor plan in 130 characters?
What do you think? What could be improved or is missing? Any concerns?
Upper Floor:
Outdoor Areas:
Positioned on the Plot:
Development Plan / Restrictions:
The plot may only be built on the southern half; otherwise, there are no particular restrictions.
Plot size: 900 square meters (approx. 30 x 30 meters / 98 x 98 feet)
Slope: No, only on the west side does the land slope down 3 meters (10 feet) toward the street at the end of the plot. On the north side, there is a retaining wall because the plot is about 2 meters (7 feet) above street level there. Therefore, access by vehicle is only possible from the south.
Clients’ Requirements
Style, Roof Shape, Building Type: A two-story urban villa with a pyramid hip roof (square hipped roof), since the upper floor has no sloped ceilings.
Basement: No basement, as it is too expensive, impractical, and involves additional construction risks.
Number of Occupants, Age: 2 adults (30 years old), 1 child (3 years old), with 1-2 more children planned.
Living Room: A large, open living area was important to us as this is where life happens. A computer corner is planned in the lower right corner since we spend more time at the computer than watching TV. We also work a lot from home and do not want to be confined to a separate room.
Fireplace: Yes.
Guest Room: Also used as storage space, which is especially useful since there is no basement.
Kitchen: The stove and sink are not in their final positions yet – a cooking island is undesirable because of the extractor hood and impractical due to splashing.
Technical / Utility Room: Also serves as a pantry and should be filled with shelves up to the ceiling.
Children’s Rooms: Size should be adequate.
Bedroom: Almost too large, but necessary due to the large wardrobe and double bed.
Bathroom: The design is still at an early stage; for example, the shower is planned as a built-in enclosure without a cabin.
Terrace: Important to us, along with a covered area so we can leave items outside occasionally.
Garage, Carport: As large as possible! It should be a wooden carport, fully closed at the front with sectional doors, and open or closed at the rear as needed. We currently use our garage as a "second living room" and for storing garden tools and similar items. Due to the long car, space will be tight; likely the terrace will be slightly smaller and the carport deeper (or the roof overhang on the left extended). The additions on the far left are planned later as a garden shed or similar and are therefore not a fixed part of the house. The covered connection to the house is a must, so we can enter without getting wet. The lower part facing the street is purely for privacy and is not a solid wall.
Garden: We will build our greenhouse ourselves as we have it now.
House Design:
Planning by: Planner from a construction company; outdoor areas added by us.
What do you particularly like? Why?: The numerous outbuildings and large carport for space, the large living room with open kitchen (also for space). Also, the level access to the terrace (which we don’t have currently).
What do you dislike? Why?: The basement level feels a bit cramped (utility room/kitchen small), while the upper floor is very spacious, but so far this is the best solution.
Cost Estimate by Architect/Planner: $290,000 USD with a maximum of +10% overrun.
Insulation / Construction: Unfortunately, it is built only to the 2016 Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) standards; I would have preferred better insulation, but it is likely too expensive. The masonry consists of calcium silicate blocks (20 cm / 8 inches outside + 16 cm / 6 inches EPS (polystyrene) insulation boards).
Heating System: Ground-source heat pump (brine-water) with earth probe; gas connection would be too expensive and we do not want oil heating.
If you had to give up features / expansions
- Could you do without: At most one fewer children’s room; the rest should stay as is...
- Could you not do without: Everything? That would be difficult.
Why did the design turn out the way it is?
We reviewed suggestions from the planner, spent a weekend designing alternatives ourselves, and ultimately found the current compromise. It includes essentially all our wishes.
The design could have been better if the house orientation had been different; otherwise, the kitchen/terrace/dining area wouldn’t all have to be squeezed next to the carport. However, since the street is on the south side and the northern half of the plot cannot be built on, the house must be positioned as it is and the terrace on the south side to catch the sun. We do not want the carport on the east side, as that would place the house further toward the center of the plot and make the terrace fully visible from the neighboring house to the south.
A similar-sized building plot on the east side will be developed with another single-family urban villa.
What is the most important / fundamental question regarding the floor plan in 130 characters?
What do you think? What could be improved or is missing? Any concerns?
C
Changeling21 Aug 2017 11:52RobsonMKK schrieb:
Plan your house first by identifying where electrical outlets are needed. I’m estimating about 80 outlets but haven’t looked into it in detail yet. Starting with the floor plan first.
RobsonMKK schrieb:
Honestly, I find the whole “brand loyalty” thing completely pointless. There’s a huge difference between good ceramic and what you get from a hardware store. But don’t worry, even Villeroy & Boch can be affordable. However, hardware stores don’t offer special coatings or often very delicate, intricate pieces.
[...]
Because we didn’t want a beech staircase. We just don’t find it attractive. It’s a staircase with oak steps and stringers. The rest is painted white. But that’s exactly my point—we don’t need fancy, delicate pieces as showpieces. Good coatings can also be found at reasonable prices, and what Villeroy & Boch sometimes offers is not necessarily impressive (see reviews).
And the staircase doesn’t really matter to us, as long as it doesn’t creak (and the design features decoupled steps recessed into the wall). Whether it’s beech with a metal railing or white oak… it’s a staircase, not a fashion statement.
We won’t spend thousands more just because we might prefer something else visually. First, it’s not in the budget, and second, it’s not that important to us.
Better to choose something out of sight.
winnetou78 schrieb:
I think the utility room is a bit over the top again. It’s certainly not very spacious, but the technical equipment and washing machine definitely fit in there. I’d say it’s extremely tight. But the original poster also wants to have a pantry in there, and I don’t see any other storage space for a vacuum cleaner, mop bucket, broom, and so on. This will certainly be interesting.
C
Changeling21 Aug 2017 11:57winnetou78 schrieb:
Actually, you’re not supposed to post floor plans here because there are so many self-proclaimed architects around, and everything gets torn apart.
Nobody even cares if the actual client, who is also paying, likes it. That’s fine, I wanted to hear criticism so I can still improve something. Otherwise, we would have built it just like that.
chand1986 schrieb:
You think it might be pleasing as planned and are here in the forum to double-check that. If you already know that you will only like it exactly as it is, there’s no need to be here. Exactly!
Even though I’m naturally hoping for constructive input like “for this size, you usually need x sockets” rather than just being laughed at for the scope of work description. No hard feelings @RobsonMKK
Changeling schrieb:
We are not going to spend thousands of euros more just because we might find something else more attractive. First, it’s not affordable, and second, it’s not worth that much to us. Changeling schrieb:
Even though I naturally hope for constructive comments like "for this size, you usually need x power outlets" instead of just being laughed at for the scope of work description There is no rule; it depends on personal needs.
My comment was more ironic. Because I read: tight budget, no selections made.
However, in the first quote, you put it well—you don’t want extras. Okay, that can be done. But you will be living in this house for 40 years. Others like @Nordlys are close to retirement and build frugally because they are rarely home, spending more time on the boat.
Let me be provocative. If you only need a computer corner in the living room anyway, then the 33 m² (355 sq ft) there is exaggerated.
C
chand198621 Aug 2017 12:02Changeling schrieb:
On the projecting section on the left, there are three large windows both at the top and bottom. The apartment has neither a terrace nor a garden, and the building is very deep. I would constantly feel watched.Okay. Then that is a concern that needs to be addressed. However, I would point out that privacy screening does not necessarily have to come from the carport.
It would be important to determine from what height a privacy screen effectively blocks the view from the windows. Masonry or appropriate planting, if high enough and well placed, can also do the job.
You won’t be able to recreate the original feeling of 2000 sqm (21,500 sq ft) of privacy in any case.
A silly question: Why move out at all? It doesn’t sound like the new build offers a significant improvement in quality.
winnetou78 schrieb:
Actually, posting floor plans here is usually discouraged, since there are so many self-proclaimed architects who tear everything apart.
It doesn’t even matter if the actual homeowner, who is paying, likes it.Well, that’s quite amusing coming from someone who asks laypeople all sorts of questions.
This is how the forum works: some people know more than others. Some have a better perspective than others.
Have you ever heard of tunnel vision or being too attached to your own design?
Only a few here actually have expertise—more people have a better eye, different perceptions, and a certain neutrality compared to the person asking, who explicitly requests concerns about the design.
No one here is trying to label anyone. It’s about practicality, improvements, and opening eyes to the fact that some designs have nothing to do with the original poster’s wishes, as well as about exploring alternatives.
These suggestions are offered here free of charge and without any obligations. What the original poster does with them is their own decision.
But repeatedly dismissing these efforts and (as I have unfortunately seen from you) calling people arrogant just because they know more—I find that disrespectful.
And yes, of course: the questionnaire also includes a section about the budget range. Unfortunately, it is rarely filled out consistently.
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