ᐅ Suggestions for Improving the Floor Plan of a House in a Green Environment

Created on: 5 Aug 2019 17:12
C
Cayman
Hello everyone,

After initial discussions with the architect, we are still not 100% satisfied, so I would like to ask the forum for suggestions. At the moment, I feel like I’m at a dead end with no way out, as every idea does not achieve the desired effects. The idea of having a secondary apartment is generally not bad, as housing is very scarce in our area.

Development Plan/Restrictions
Plot size: 4000 sqm (1 acre), of which 800 sqm (0.2 acres) is buildable
Slope: slight north-facing slope (approx. 1 m (39 inches) over 20 m (22 yards))
Roof type: flat roof
Architectural style: Bauhaus
Development plan attached


Client Requirements
Style, roof type, building type: flat roof, modern
Basement, floors: basement, ground floor, first floor
Number of people, age: two adults, a child on the way, minimum 2 children
Space requirement ground floor, upper floor: 175 sqm (1880 sq ft)
Office: home office
Guest bedrooms per year: 15
Open or closed architecture: open
Conservative or modern building method: modern
Kitchen island

Number of dining spaces: 8
Fireplace: yes
Balcony, roof terrace: possible, not planned
Carport
Utility garden

House design
Planned by:
-architect
What do you like most? Why?
the open design, the first floor is perfect. Views from the living and dining areas as well as from the kitchen into the greenery
What don’t you like? Why?
Kitchen next to the staircase, pantry on the south side, staircase on the north side, living room in the northeast
Cost estimate according to the architect/planner: 550k
Personal budget limit for the house including fittings: 650k
Preferred heating system: heat pump

If you have to give up something, which details/extras?
-can give up: fireplace
-can’t give up: kitchen island

Why does the design look like this? For example:
Which wishes were implemented by the architect?
The big wish was views into the greenery from the various rooms.
The house was designed to blend into the plot. Since it is located at the edge of a HQ100 flood zone, the design includes an elevated terrace to create the impression of a house by the lake.
The basement was planned because of my wife’s part-time business and the architect’s statement that filling in the site wouldn’t be cost-effective, so a basement almost pays off again.

What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
How can the design be made more efficient and welcoming? (staircase/pantry) Does the living room in the northeast make sense?

Topographic plan: green area with retention basin, biotope, and watercourse.


Modern, two-story villa in sketch style with terrace, steps, and person at entrance.


Basement floor plan: studio I & II, technical room, cellar, storage, utility room, stair corridor.


Upper floor plan: bedroom, 2 children’s rooms, corridor, bathroom, library, dressing room, roof terrace.


Ground floor plan: living, cooking/dining, room, shower/WC, stair corridor, terrace, carport, storage.
C
Cayman
6 Aug 2019 15:37
Regarding the costs:
Electrical work will be done by ourselves.
Flooring as well.
Outdoor landscaping too, or by family members.

This already reduces a significant portion of the expenses. Of course, a more detailed calculation is still necessary...
kaho6746 Aug 2019 15:58
I am also in favor of adding a separate apartment. What do you think about that? Having strangers in the house is usually a problem. Is there any way we can convince you?
C
Cayman
6 Aug 2019 16:13
Yes, absolutely.
This is just preparation in case it becomes a KfW 40 Plus, so that the €15,000 (approx. $16,000) subsidy and the loan can still be obtained.
It is not planned to allow strangers into the house.
Y
ypg
6 Aug 2019 16:48
Cayman schrieb:

A separate apartment requires a bathroom, sleeping area, and cooking facilities.

Storage room and washing machine connection?
Anyway: fitting a kitchenette and a living-sleeping area into 15sqm (160 sq ft) is not feasible. The turnover due to lack of space and dissatisfaction would be very high. I believe this is the wrong area to cut costs.
C
Cayman
6 Aug 2019 16:51
It is only about what is theoretically possible or preparatory.
The front area is also not as important to me as the kitchen and living area.
Should the living area remain in the north? What about the pantry and stairs? Would swapping them make sense?
Y
ypg
6 Aug 2019 16:57
Cayman schrieb:

This is more about what is theoretically possible or preparatory.
The front area is not as important to me as the kitchen and living space.
Should the living area remain in the north? What about the pantry and stairs? Would swapping them make sense?

It’s a pity about the driveway. However, you could also orient the driveway at a 90-degree angle and then place the garage facing north with the entrance to the south.
I would explore that option.
Otherwise, I would have everything rotated as well, for example making the kitchen the first room you enter... honestly, the guest apartment room by the garden is the best spot along with the bathroom.