ᐅ Modernist Concrete Villa with Cavity Wall Insulation – Experiences

Created on: 11 Sep 2018 07:32
R
rick2018
Hello everyone,

I just wanted to briefly introduce myself and say thank you.

For about a year and a half, I have been a silent reader here to gather inspiration and especially to gain more knowledge about construction technology.

Now a bit about me:
After more than a year of searching for a plot of land, I was able to purchase one from a developer who couldn’t move forward quickly with his plans.
So we found our dream plot (good location, 2500 m² (0.62 acres), slight slope, underground private spring that we have to preserve and are allowed to use).
There was an old house on the property, which we have since demolished.
There is no zoning plan, so §34 applies. During an initial informal inquiry at the building authority, almost everything we planned was rejected.
So we submitted an official preliminary building inquiry, involved the right people, and had lengthy discussions. In the end, we received a positive decision.
Therefore, there is nothing standing in the way of the building permit. The building permit should be granted within the next few weeks as there are no changes from the preliminary inquiry.

My wife (37) and I (36) want to build a Bauhaus-style villa in southern Baden-Württemberg.
It will be constructed from concrete (with core insulation) or in combination with insulated precast elements.
A lot of glass (full-glass system), textile shading, KNX, fast network both wired and wireless, strong mechanical ventilation with additional cooling coils, stainless steel pool, large cistern, and more.
The electrical planning must be 100% spot on since it’s almost impossible to make changes afterward.
Since I am friends with an architect from a larger firm, it was clear which route we would take. Such a house can basically only be realized with an architect.
I also personally know the electrician and KNX system integrator, as well as the owners and work approach of the heating, plumbing, and ventilation companies involved.
Some trades have already been contracted, and part of the equipment has already been ordered.

I’m really looking forward to getting started and to the final result. The goal is to move in by the end of 2019.

Once again, many thanks for the information I have received from you so far.
If you have any questions, just let me know.

Attached is the design, though not the final version. There have been a few minor changes.

Greetings from Swabia

Modern villa with flat roofs, terraces, glass surfaces, green surroundings – several views.
M
Müllerin
13 Jul 2019 21:49
Drawer open:
hanse987 schrieb:

Sandbox for men!!!

Drawer closed...

I’m really curious to see how this will continue
rick201824 Jul 2019 17:11
The shell construction workers are working hard. The heat this week is intense. As much as I can, I bring them extra water and sometimes ice daily.
Most of the drainage pipes have already been buried. The leveling layers for the frost skirts and retaining wall have been poured. Currently, the formwork for the front skirt is being built. The underpass for the elevator has also been poured. The retaining wall is expected to be erected by the end of next week or the beginning of the following week.
To keep things from getting too boring, here is a picture taken from a different perspective. You can only see part of the site, but at least some of the view.
Große Baustelle mit Kran, Kieshaufen, Baugeräten und grünen Materialien, Vorstadthäuser.
E
Egberto
24 Jul 2019 17:32
The small, old-fashioned houses nearby really create quite a contrast with yours.
G
guckuck2
24 Jul 2019 17:34
Have you ever doubted whether the surroundings were suitable for your project?
When looking at the neighboring buildings, they seem to be older, simple single-family houses.
How was the approval process? How did you manage to obtain a plot that is rather unusual for the location? What do the neighbors say?
H
haydee
24 Jul 2019 17:46
It reminds me of a sandbox.
rick201824 Jul 2019 18:09
Yes, it will be a contrast to the houses in the area.
At the beginning, I explained how it all came about.
The plot was originally planned to be filled with several apartment blocks. The neighbor and residents in the area were far from happy about this.
Since the project couldn’t be implemented quickly enough, we were able to purchase the property.
There was a house (a ruin) on the plot that was over 110 years old. A real eyesore.
The plot itself is even older and is an unusual lot for this location. It used to be larger (about 60 years ago or so).
There is no formal land-use plan, only §34 (building permit / planning permission under general local development rules). There were lengthy discussions, but in the end, we managed to succeed. To quote myself:
“For example, objections were made regarding the position on the plot. Please adhere to the building line from around 1947. Flat roofs are not allowed, etc.
I would say I don’t know anyone here in the area who has built anything without having issues with two particular officials from the building authority or even having to legally assert their rights in court. Probably a kind of profile neurosis...
However, constructive discussions were possible with the department head and mayor. We could also justify it from an urban and development perspective (creating and preserving spaces, etc.)
Despite its size, it is more of a floating cube and fits in well.”
Most of it is invisible, underground.
You see modern elements alongside old ones in many places. We only have one neighbor. We get along well with him. He’s glad that there will be a single-family house there instead of apartment blocks, which would have also blocked his sunlight. His old greenhouses and house are quite “in need of renovation.” However, there are also some renovated houses or new builds within the old stock. The neighbor’s house is not necessarily the standard for the area.
Our house is polarizing. But that would be the case almost anywhere. In the neighboring town, someone also built a strongly cubist house right in the middle. Without a large plot. After two years, even the last critics had come to accept it.
It will be a gain and an upgrade for the entire neighborhood. Surprisingly, there are some older people who really like the contrast. Our only neighbor was always heavily involved. Our house still lets light reach his second terrace. He was also allowed to continue using the well...
We never had doubts about the house’s appearance and the location. We already knew several people here before we started building.
A “town villa” wouldn’t have fitted better either. If you want to see that kind of thing, you have to go to the new development areas...