ᐅ Floor plan design for an urban villa of approximately 160 m² without a basement
Created on: 3 Apr 2018 14:35
Z
Zisu2000
Hello everyone,
we are almost finished with our planning phase. That’s why we would like to hear your opinion on the floor plan of the house. I have been enthusiastically reading this forum for months now. I especially appreciate the helpfulness and the respectful tone here. However, this does not mean you shouldn’t give criticism. We are grateful for any comments or ideas for improvement.
A small issue is the orientation of the plot. Our main facade faces southwest, but once the house is built, there will be only about 6 meters (20 feet) to the neighboring property (depending on where the double garage is placed). The main garden is also oriented to the northwest. We planned the terrace in an L-shape from southwest to northwest. We will probably spend more time on the northwest terrace (which is why there is a sliding door leading outside there). If the main facade (living/dining area) were oriented northwest, I think the living room might become too dark (north-facing). But I’m open to being corrected if that is not the case.
Initially, there was an office planned on the ground floor. But that would have made the kitchen too small. We have now planned the office on the upper floor, which is fine for us. The bathroom is located on the north side but has a good size (should be sufficient). At first, we wanted a T-shaped layout (probably because it is often seen in model homes and we liked it there). However, I think an L-shaped layout might be better here. In front of the toilet, there is a planned privacy wall about 1 meter high (3 feet).
I have marked the floor plans with compass directions and measurements. The house measures about 10 x 10 meters (33 x 33 feet) externally (this does not have to remain that way). I also sent furnished versions of the floor plans. The plot is included as well, but without a building envelope shown (full width and about 20 meters (66 feet) deep from the street). The attached exterior views match the floor plan, except the street view on the ground floor has changed slightly (kitchen and pantry windows are different from the exterior view). Additionally, in the floor plan, the sliding door in the living room has been shifted slightly inward to avoid the couch blocking access to the terrace.
For the exterior views, the street is unfortunately shown on the wrong side (now southeast as per the floor plan). We had originally planned for a different plot, but there were some issues (slope, etc.). We were able to acquire this plot at short notice. The garage is also shown rotated and does not necessarily have to have a separation from the house.
I’m sure I have forgotten some things but I will try to answer your replies as quickly as possible. We are looking forward to your opinions/criticism.
Best regards from Bavaria
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: approx. 825 m² (approx. 8,880 sq ft)
Slope: none
Floor Area Ratio (FAR): 0.4
Building Coverage Ratio / building envelope / building line and boundary: Building envelope covers the full width of the plot, about 20 meters (66 feet) deep from the street
Edge development
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 2 full floors
Roof style: gable roof, hip roof, shed roof
Architectural style: urban villa
Orientation: freely selectable
Maximum height restrictions: max. 8 meters (26 feet) height
Other requirements
Client Requirements
Style, roof shape, building type: urban villa, hipped or pyramid roof with 22-degree pitch
Basement, floors: slab-on-grade only, 2 full floors
Number of occupants, age: 2 persons (33, 30)
Space requirements ground floor, upper floor: approx. 80 m² (860 sq ft), total approx. 160 m² (1,720 sq ft)
Office: family use or home office? family use
Guest stays per year: approx. 10
Open or closed architecture: open
Conservative or modern style: modern
Open kitchen, cooking island: open kitchen with island
Number of dining seats: 4–6
Fireplace: yes, currently not shown on plan (not sure where exactly yet)
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: double garage, preferably right side of the house (flush) at the property line, exact location still uncertain
Kitchen garden, greenhouse: no
Other wishes / special features / daily routines, please also explain reasons why or why not:
Must have:
- large open living/dining/kitchen area
- bright living/dining area with 5 floor-to-ceiling windows here
- pantry
- large bathroom (hence swapping with office/guest room)
- fireplace
- walk-in closet
House Design
Who designed the plans:
- planner from a building company (originally with office on ground floor)
- do-it-yourself (current plan slightly adjusted since office on the ground floor was removed)
What do you especially like? Why?
- large open living/dining area
- pantry
What don’t you like? Why?
- is the entrance area big enough?
- is parking on the right side directly next to the house possible and convenient?
- entrance unfortunately on the right side of the house, not at the front; not a big problem
Price estimate according to architect/planner: approx. €290,000 (house and slab only)
Personal price limit, including fixtures and fittings: approx. €400,000
Preferred heating system: air-to-water heat pump, full underfloor heating
If you had to give up something, which details / features?
- could give up: straight staircase (could have a different shape)
- could not give up: large living/dining area, open kitchen, fireplace
Why is the design as it is now?
Initially planned with office on the ground floor. The technical room was in front of the kitchen (now pantry), which made the kitchen too small (noticed during measuring). The office has now been replaced with the technical room and moved upstairs (which is okay for us).
Standard design from the planner?
Which client requests have been implemented?
Almost all, but at that time still with office on ground floor
A mix of many examples from various magazines...
What makes it particularly good or bad in your eyes?
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
Is the layout okay? Is the hallway spacious and bright enough? Should rooms be arranged or divided differently? Is sun orientation okay?
we are almost finished with our planning phase. That’s why we would like to hear your opinion on the floor plan of the house. I have been enthusiastically reading this forum for months now. I especially appreciate the helpfulness and the respectful tone here. However, this does not mean you shouldn’t give criticism. We are grateful for any comments or ideas for improvement.
A small issue is the orientation of the plot. Our main facade faces southwest, but once the house is built, there will be only about 6 meters (20 feet) to the neighboring property (depending on where the double garage is placed). The main garden is also oriented to the northwest. We planned the terrace in an L-shape from southwest to northwest. We will probably spend more time on the northwest terrace (which is why there is a sliding door leading outside there). If the main facade (living/dining area) were oriented northwest, I think the living room might become too dark (north-facing). But I’m open to being corrected if that is not the case.
Initially, there was an office planned on the ground floor. But that would have made the kitchen too small. We have now planned the office on the upper floor, which is fine for us. The bathroom is located on the north side but has a good size (should be sufficient). At first, we wanted a T-shaped layout (probably because it is often seen in model homes and we liked it there). However, I think an L-shaped layout might be better here. In front of the toilet, there is a planned privacy wall about 1 meter high (3 feet).
I have marked the floor plans with compass directions and measurements. The house measures about 10 x 10 meters (33 x 33 feet) externally (this does not have to remain that way). I also sent furnished versions of the floor plans. The plot is included as well, but without a building envelope shown (full width and about 20 meters (66 feet) deep from the street). The attached exterior views match the floor plan, except the street view on the ground floor has changed slightly (kitchen and pantry windows are different from the exterior view). Additionally, in the floor plan, the sliding door in the living room has been shifted slightly inward to avoid the couch blocking access to the terrace.
For the exterior views, the street is unfortunately shown on the wrong side (now southeast as per the floor plan). We had originally planned for a different plot, but there were some issues (slope, etc.). We were able to acquire this plot at short notice. The garage is also shown rotated and does not necessarily have to have a separation from the house.
I’m sure I have forgotten some things but I will try to answer your replies as quickly as possible. We are looking forward to your opinions/criticism.
Best regards from Bavaria
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: approx. 825 m² (approx. 8,880 sq ft)
Slope: none
Floor Area Ratio (FAR): 0.4
Building Coverage Ratio / building envelope / building line and boundary: Building envelope covers the full width of the plot, about 20 meters (66 feet) deep from the street
Edge development
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 2 full floors
Roof style: gable roof, hip roof, shed roof
Architectural style: urban villa
Orientation: freely selectable
Maximum height restrictions: max. 8 meters (26 feet) height
Other requirements
Client Requirements
Style, roof shape, building type: urban villa, hipped or pyramid roof with 22-degree pitch
Basement, floors: slab-on-grade only, 2 full floors
Number of occupants, age: 2 persons (33, 30)
Space requirements ground floor, upper floor: approx. 80 m² (860 sq ft), total approx. 160 m² (1,720 sq ft)
Office: family use or home office? family use
Guest stays per year: approx. 10
Open or closed architecture: open
Conservative or modern style: modern
Open kitchen, cooking island: open kitchen with island
Number of dining seats: 4–6
Fireplace: yes, currently not shown on plan (not sure where exactly yet)
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: double garage, preferably right side of the house (flush) at the property line, exact location still uncertain
Kitchen garden, greenhouse: no
Other wishes / special features / daily routines, please also explain reasons why or why not:
Must have:
- large open living/dining/kitchen area
- bright living/dining area with 5 floor-to-ceiling windows here
- pantry
- large bathroom (hence swapping with office/guest room)
- fireplace
- walk-in closet
House Design
Who designed the plans:
- planner from a building company (originally with office on ground floor)
- do-it-yourself (current plan slightly adjusted since office on the ground floor was removed)
What do you especially like? Why?
- large open living/dining area
- pantry
What don’t you like? Why?
- is the entrance area big enough?
- is parking on the right side directly next to the house possible and convenient?
- entrance unfortunately on the right side of the house, not at the front; not a big problem
Price estimate according to architect/planner: approx. €290,000 (house and slab only)
Personal price limit, including fixtures and fittings: approx. €400,000
Preferred heating system: air-to-water heat pump, full underfloor heating
If you had to give up something, which details / features?
- could give up: straight staircase (could have a different shape)
- could not give up: large living/dining area, open kitchen, fireplace
Why is the design as it is now?
Initially planned with office on the ground floor. The technical room was in front of the kitchen (now pantry), which made the kitchen too small (noticed during measuring). The office has now been replaced with the technical room and moved upstairs (which is okay for us).
Standard design from the planner?
Which client requests have been implemented?
Almost all, but at that time still with office on ground floor
A mix of many examples from various magazines...
What makes it particularly good or bad in your eyes?
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
Is the layout okay? Is the hallway spacious and bright enough? Should rooms be arranged or divided differently? Is sun orientation okay?
@11ant
We will definitely reconsider the entrance area. We also saw a new build that, despite having a garage attached to the house with a side entrance, had a small landing. It was just one step, but it looked really nice. Thinking about the future, a level entrance might not be a bad idea after all. But then, if you think that way, you might as well build a bungalow. As I said, we will definitely rethink the entrance area, including the possibility of accessing the garden from there.
Yes, the side entrance is indeed not ideal and not our favorite either. But we have explored many options, including floor plans from kaho674. Somehow, though, we couldn’t arrange our rooms the way we wanted. Well, maybe it actually fits well with the neighborhood. About 5 out of 7 houses there have a side entrance.
You should really start building soon, as the chances of Köln winning the championship next season are quite high—even if it’s only the second division title.
We will definitely reconsider the entrance area. We also saw a new build that, despite having a garage attached to the house with a side entrance, had a small landing. It was just one step, but it looked really nice. Thinking about the future, a level entrance might not be a bad idea after all. But then, if you think that way, you might as well build a bungalow. As I said, we will definitely rethink the entrance area, including the possibility of accessing the garden from there.
Yes, the side entrance is indeed not ideal and not our favorite either. But we have explored many options, including floor plans from kaho674. Somehow, though, we couldn’t arrange our rooms the way we wanted. Well, maybe it actually fits well with the neighborhood. About 5 out of 7 houses there have a side entrance.
You should really start building soon, as the chances of Köln winning the championship next season are quite high—even if it’s only the second division title.
Zisu2000 schrieb:
Yes, the side entrance is indeed not ideal I don’t see anything wrong with side entrances, at least not when, as in this case, there is a driveway as wide as a double garage. That’s quite a different level compared to having to sneak in through a narrow access lane. It would only be about half a tone more impressive (with the same door width) if the entrance were on the stately front facade. In a way, that accounts for the difference between an urban villa and a substitute villa.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Hello everyone, I hope I’m not bothering you with this thread.
I just wanted to get your opinion on a possible change. In the ground floor layout from post #121, I am considering swapping the utility room with the WC/cloakroom. Here are my thoughts:
Positive aspects:
- Less noise from the utility room in the living area
- Possibly more space in the entrance area, since you’d have to walk a bit further to the cloakroom and don’t have to wait for the front door to close
- Maybe place a chair under the stairs as a seat for putting on shoes
- The washing machine/dryer would be a bit further away from the bedroom upstairs
Negative aspects:
- It might be a bit unusual not to have the cloakroom directly at the front door
- Possibly more dirt in the hallway during winter due to shoes (maybe place a shoe rack near the door?)
Overall, at first glance, the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages for me. What do you think? I’d appreciate some feedback.
I just wanted to get your opinion on a possible change. In the ground floor layout from post #121, I am considering swapping the utility room with the WC/cloakroom. Here are my thoughts:
Positive aspects:
- Less noise from the utility room in the living area
- Possibly more space in the entrance area, since you’d have to walk a bit further to the cloakroom and don’t have to wait for the front door to close
- Maybe place a chair under the stairs as a seat for putting on shoes
- The washing machine/dryer would be a bit further away from the bedroom upstairs
Negative aspects:
- It might be a bit unusual not to have the cloakroom directly at the front door
- Possibly more dirt in the hallway during winter due to shoes (maybe place a shoe rack near the door?)
Overall, at first glance, the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages for me. What do you think? I’d appreciate some feedback.
Zisu2000 schrieb:
In the floor plan for the ground floor from post #121, I might consider swapping the utility room with the WC/wardrobe. Haha, back then I just didn’t want to confuse you with the question of why it should be the other way around. I think it’s mostly a matter of personal preference, but your proposed change does seem more practical.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
@11ant
Thank you for your response. I believe it is definitely a matter of personal preference, but for me, the advantages of this option would actually outweigh the others.
I’m not easily unsettled, don’t worry. However, I still appreciate any input, even if I/we don’t implement or change everything.
Thank you for your response. I believe it is definitely a matter of personal preference, but for me, the advantages of this option would actually outweigh the others.
I’m not easily unsettled, don’t worry. However, I still appreciate any input, even if I/we don’t implement or change everything.
C
chand19869 May 2018 07:50I would also consider the change an improvement.
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