ᐅ New Single-Family House Floor Plan: Are the Sizes and Placement of Windows, Doors, and Interior Walls Appropriate?

Hello,

we are currently planning our single-family house. The design was created by the architect based on our specifications and submitted; the municipality has already approved the exterior dimensions and the few deviations from the development plan. The design is now with the district office, and we are waiting for the final approval. As mentioned, the exterior dimensions are fixed, but we can still optimize the interior, and I wanted to gather more opinions regarding the windows (number, size) and general suggestions – is anything too big or too small? Are the distances acceptable? What should we consider? The floor plan is closely based on my parents’ semi-detached house, and we are very satisfied with the layout, but maybe we have become “too close” to it and don’t see further possibilities…

I have already tried to place the furniture on the ground floor and first floor. "S" marks possible power outlet locations. Anyone who notices something can feel free to comment on that as well 🙂

The kitchen has not been planned yet...

Thanks in advance for all ideas!

Best regards 🙂

Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 400 sqm (4,306 sq ft), planned house area 170 sqm (1,830 sq ft)
Slope: minimal, from north to south
Site occupancy index 0.53
Floor area ratio
Building window, building line and boundary
Perimeter development
Number of parking spaces
Number of floors
Roof type: gable roof
Architectural style
Orientation
Maximum height / limits
Further requirements

Builders’ Requirements
Architectural style, roof type, building type: classic
Basement, floors including basement, 2 full floors
Number of occupants, age: 2 adults, early 30s; probably 1-2 children later
Space requirements on ground and upper floors:
Ground floor: living room, kitchen, bathroom with shower, office, cloakroom/storage
Upper floor: bedroom, bathroom with bathtub, storage
Office: family use or home office? Family use
Guests per year: rather few; 2-4 overnight stays per year?
Open or closed layout: rather closed
Conservative or modern construction: rather modern
Open kitchen, kitchen island: kitchen in the corner; no island; possibly a sliding door to the living room
Number of dining seats: 3-4
Fireplace: yes
Music / stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: garage for two cars
Utility garden, greenhouse: rather not
Other wishes / special features / daily routine, also reasons why certain things should or shouldn’t be included

House Design
Source of design: own planning, closely based on parents’ semi-detached house
What do you particularly like? Why?
Ground floor: WC with shower; storage room and office; orientation of the terrace
Upper floor: large rooms; storage for ironing board etc.; bathtub
What do you not like? Why?
Price estimate according to architect/planner:
Personal price limit for the house, including equipment:
Preferred heating technology: gas with solar support

If you have to give up anything, which details / extensions
- you can do without: fireplace
- you cannot do without:

Why has the design turned out like it is now?
For example:
Standard design from planner?
Which wishes have been implemented by the architect?
A mix of many examples from various magazines...
What makes it particularly good or bad in your opinion?

What is the most important / fundamental question about the floor plan in 130 characters?

Ideas for optimization suggestions regarding interior design / windows / doors, as there might still be room for changes. For example, I cannot quite fit the dining table at the moment… General remarks regarding size – which rooms are too big or too small?

Hausherrin47 schrieb:
The design was created and submitted by the architect according to our specifications; the local authority has also approved the exterior dimensions and the few deviations from the development plan. The design is now with the district office, and we are waiting for the final approval.

Apart from moving non-load-bearing walls or doors and windows, I don’t see much left to “rescue” – though this isn’t significantly necessary. For the bathroom and kitchen, I am still expecting some suggestions; I haven’t found any “errors.”

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Hm, placing a double bed would be an advantage.

But beyond that, nothing else can be done. While a window can be moved by about 20cm (8 inches), it cannot be enlarged (energy saving regulations) or the facade design changed without submitting an extended building permit / planning permission.

ypg schrieb:


But otherwise, nothing more can be done. You can shift a window by about 20cm (8 inches), but you cannot enlarge it (energy saving regulations) or change the facade design without submitting an extended building permit / planning permission application.

We were told that windows can be changed without any formal application as long as the stated energy efficiency is not affected (which makes sense to me).

Climbee schrieb:
We were told that windows can be changed without further approval as long as the specified efficiency does not change (which makes sense to me)

Exactly, that's what I'm saying.
For example, enlarging a window or replacing a window with a patio door needs to be recalculated.
Some things might not matter to the building authority, but others do for structural engineers and KfW.

ypg schrieb:
Exactly, that's what I’m saying.

Well, yes and no. You also said "or change the facade design," and that would also apply to a window that is just moved (especially if a corresponding window is not moved as well). In this case, I appreciate the building authority’s approach of not requiring a formal change—they keep things reasonable.

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