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?
I would recommend redesigning the plan and possibly placing the kitchen facing southwest to at least get some sunlight from that direction. As it is currently planned, no sunlight reaches the living area. You could build a terrace roof as a privacy screen on the terrace, which is also available with side panels that can be lowered for additional privacy.
I also think your windows are generally too small. In the kitchen, there is only a small 1 x 1.2m (3.3 x 4 feet) window, and in the living room, there are no floor-to-ceiling windows on the long side either. Child 1’s room, with the small window and northern orientation, will hardly receive much light or sun.
As I mentioned, I suggest you visit different show homes to get a feel for ceiling heights, as the rooms look very different when they are taller. I also find your house price quite high considering the small windows, low ceiling height, and lack of a ventilation system.
Best regards,
Sabine
I also think your windows are generally too small. In the kitchen, there is only a small 1 x 1.2m (3.3 x 4 feet) window, and in the living room, there are no floor-to-ceiling windows on the long side either. Child 1’s room, with the small window and northern orientation, will hardly receive much light or sun.
As I mentioned, I suggest you visit different show homes to get a feel for ceiling heights, as the rooms look very different when they are taller. I also find your house price quite high considering the small windows, low ceiling height, and lack of a ventilation system.
Best regards,
Sabine
No, you probably won’t get a paradise like that. But really take a look at what the neighbor can see.
I could imagine that a second terrace near the dining and living area would not be visible to them.
You should also keep in mind that most neighbors don’t have time to look out the window or watch others.
As mentioned, the doctor’s office on the second floor has a great view, while the offices on the third floor basically look right over us. The town hall opposite has a good view of our entrance area and the play area in the garden, but they can’t see the terrace.
I would also change a lot in the floor plan inside the house, as many have already said. I think something like 10 x 11 m (33 x 36 feet) would make things more comfortable.
For the electrical planning, there are room planners that help you determine your personal needs. Try searching online for “electrical room planner.” We have over 100 power outlets, a bit more than average according to the architect.
I could imagine that a second terrace near the dining and living area would not be visible to them.
You should also keep in mind that most neighbors don’t have time to look out the window or watch others.
As mentioned, the doctor’s office on the second floor has a great view, while the offices on the third floor basically look right over us. The town hall opposite has a good view of our entrance area and the play area in the garden, but they can’t see the terrace.
I would also change a lot in the floor plan inside the house, as many have already said. I think something like 10 x 11 m (33 x 36 feet) would make things more comfortable.
For the electrical planning, there are room planners that help you determine your personal needs. Try searching online for “electrical room planner.” We have over 100 power outlets, a bit more than average according to the architect.
I just played around a bit with the rooms and tried to fit everything together somehow. Since I’m not an expert, it might all be useless…
However, it’s still not the ideal orientation to fully take advantage of the sun, but the carport wouldn’t need to be planned elsewhere.
- Instead of the raised counter near the kitchen, you could also make space on the wall for a desk (home office in the living room).
- The hallway gets sunlight and feels brighter thanks to the fixed large window element on the upper floor. (If the staircase is designed as open)
- There is space for wardrobes in the hallway, and shoes, stroller, etc. can be stored under the staircase. (If the staircase is designed as open)
No idea if any of this is helpful for you or maybe opens up new possibilities for your own planning.
PS: With an extra meter (10 x 11 m (33 x 36 ft)), everything would probably work better, and it would be easier to make use of the sun’s path.
Best regards,
Michael
However, it’s still not the ideal orientation to fully take advantage of the sun, but the carport wouldn’t need to be planned elsewhere.
- Instead of the raised counter near the kitchen, you could also make space on the wall for a desk (home office in the living room).
- The hallway gets sunlight and feels brighter thanks to the fixed large window element on the upper floor. (If the staircase is designed as open)
- There is space for wardrobes in the hallway, and shoes, stroller, etc. can be stored under the staircase. (If the staircase is designed as open)
No idea if any of this is helpful for you or maybe opens up new possibilities for your own planning.
PS: With an extra meter (10 x 11 m (33 x 36 ft)), everything would probably work better, and it would be easier to make use of the sun’s path.
Best regards,
Michael
Invi85 schrieb:
However, this is still not the correct orientation if you want to fully take advantage of the sun, although you wouldn’t need to plan the carport somewhere else.Somehow I don’t understand this – hasn’t this improved at all?!
C
chand198621 Aug 2017 16:09Invi85 schrieb:
I just played around a bit with the rooms and tried to fit everything together somehow. But since I’m not an expert, it might all be useless...I’m also just a self-proclaimed observer among more skilled self-proclaimed architects here, but I still have the following opinion: Unless there is a structural impossibility or costly difficulty, this version is better.
My note: The hallway now has a truly generous width to incorporate the glass elements at the entrance.
At the explicit request of the original poster, items like shoes should be stored under the spacious canopy construction that connects the entrance with the carport located to the west.
That’s why I’m asking whether it might be possible to save some space in the hallway and use it elsewhere.
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