ᐅ Is a Bungalow Feasible? What Are the Disadvantages of a Bungalow?

Created on: 3 Sep 2017 19:01
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Lisa.M
Hello.
We are currently in the process of selecting a plot of land. Originally, we planned to build a two-story house, but as it stands now, it looks like all the plots where this is allowed will be gone. Most likely, we will only be permitted to build a single-story house. Since we are not fond of sloped ceilings, we are now leaning toward a bungalow. The floor area ratio is 0.35, and the plots are between 600 and 700 square meters (about 6458 to 7535 square feet). Would a bungalow with around 140 square meters (about 1507 square feet) plus a terrace and a double garage be feasible? Does the courtyard area count toward the allowed building area? Or would you advise against a bungalow because it is usually much more expensive than a two-story house?
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winnetou78
3 Sep 2017 20:23
So, my floor area ratio is 0.30, but that just fits with the terrace, driveway, parking spaces, etc., on a 900 sqm (9,688 sq ft) lot.
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winnetou78
3 Sep 2017 20:24
And only a 112 sqm (1,208 sq ft) bungalow
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ypg
3 Sep 2017 20:54
Lisa.M schrieb:
The question is what exactly is included

This is specified in the development plan / zoning plan.
11ant3 Sep 2017 21:36
Lisa.M schrieb:
The floor area ratio is 0.35. On plots between 600 and 700 square meters (approximately 6456 to 7535 square feet), is a bungalow with 140 square meters (1507 square feet) plus a terrace and a double garage feasible here?
winnetou78 schrieb:
Just calculate it!

600 x 0.35 = 210 square meters (2260 square feet)
Bungalow 140 square meters (1507 square feet) + wall floor area = 175 square meters (1884 square feet)
Difference = 35 square meters (377 square feet)
A double garage requires about 36 to 50 square meters (387 to 538 square feet)
Conclusion: that’s not enough, even without the driveway paving. The terrace (which counts fully towards the floor area ratio) doesn’t fit either. Starting at about 900 square meters (9688 square feet) it would be much more feasible.
Lisa.M schrieb:
Since we don’t like sloped ceilings, we are now leaning towards a bungalow.

I see strong arguments against that from the plot perspective. What does the roof pitch in the development plan say about the feasibility of a single-story building?
And: what exactly is the reason for disliking sloped ceilings? Is it a concern about only moderately usable space? (This could possibly be addressed with raised knee walls.)
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Alex85
3 Sep 2017 22:24
What speaks against bungalows?
When they get large, they become impractical.
A bungalow for two older people is fine. But if you want to make it bigger, you rarely get a clever floor plan. Many long, narrow, dark corridors. Lack of zoning, long walking distances.
And yes, it tends to be more expensive than a 1.5-story house (possibly your alternative besides two full stories). You save a staircase but have more foundation slab, steel, earthworks, and a more complex roof. Don’t forget that the land area also has a cost.
If you want barrier-free living for the day that may never come, plan a straight staircase. A stair lift costs about 3,000–4,000 euros (USD equivalent), and then you don’t necessarily have to build on one level. Or create a space on the ground floor that can be closed off for sleeping, with a guest toilet that includes a shower and is wide enough.
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ypg
3 Sep 2017 23:01
Lisa.M schrieb:
...Since we don’t like sloped ceilings... ?

If I were you, I would really question that statement.
What exactly don’t you like about sloped ceilings?
On a scale from 1 to 10...
do you just want to avoid them?
Would it be nice not to have them?
Or is it simply a statement born out of laziness because a house design _with_ sloped ceilings requires some extra thought?

Sloped ceilings also have advantages: the roof resists the wind better and prevents a house from looking bulky. A house is only a house if it fits St. Nicholas 😉
Besides, the rooms feel cozier. With a reasonable knee wall and a good roof pitch, you can combine all the benefits.