I kindly ask you to review the floor plan of our future house and thank you in advance for your time and attention. The floor plan has not yet been reviewed by an architect.
--> Despite many efforts, I was unable to make the drawings larger. They originate from Sweet Home, were converted into a PDF, and then into a JPEG. If there is a better way to do this, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope it won't be too much trouble for you to enlarge the floor plans on your computer. It is possible, but as mentioned, I could not upload them in a larger size on this site. :-(
Now, here are the answers to the questionnaire:
QUESTIONNAIRE
Development plan / restrictions
Plot size: 567 sqm (almost rectangular, only slightly trapezoidal)
Slope: no (barely noticeable visually, maximum 1-2%)
Site coverage ratio: 0.35
Floor area ratio: 0.8
Single-family house / semi-detached allowed
Building type: detached
Building envelope, building line and boundary: to be measured yet, but the chosen house fits within it, as does a garage/carport for two cars
Setbacks: allowed for garage etc., otherwise the usual three meters (about 10 feet) distance
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of stories: two full stories
Roof type: hipped roof
Architectural style: unknown
Orientation: not yet determined
Maximum heights / limits: “Difference between finished floor level of ground floor and ridge height of main roof max. 11.5 meters (38 feet)“; “Difference between finished floor level of ground floor and eaves height of main roof max. 7.0 meters (23 feet)”
Other specifications: So far, we have only interpreted the development plan as laypersons. After the architect’s consultation, I will provide further details. For now, due to discretion, we do not want to publish the development plan, site plan, cadastral excerpt, etc. online, since we are currently only focusing on the house floor plan, not on its location on the plot. We also need to wait for the surveyor’s results on this.
Homeowners’ requirements
Style, roof shape, building type: unknown, hipped roof, single-family home for two adults
Basement, stories: no basement, two full stories
Number of occupants, age: 2 adults
Room requirements ground floor / upper floor:
GF – kitchen, guest bathroom with shower, living room, utility room for technical equipment and hobbies.
UF – master bathroom with sauna, bedroom, two “closet and storage rooms” (larger one also usable as guest room)
Office: family use or home office? Exclusively for the couple
Overnight guests per year: 10 nights
Open or closed architecture: ?
Conservative or modern design: ?
Open kitchen, kitchen island: closed kitchen
Number of dining seats: 2-4 in the kitchen, 6-8 in the living room
Fireplace: yes, in the living room
Music / stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: neither
Garage, carport: for two cars
Utility garden, greenhouse: neither, except for some tomatoes and possibly raspberries
Other wishes / special features / daily routine, including reasons for preferences or exclusions
House design
Planner:
- Do-it-yourself
What do you like most? Why?
Nothing particularly stands out; the floor plan is pragmatic and kept simple due to our financial situation. We emphasize brightness, openness, and transparency in every room, aiming for as many windows (or door windows) of the same shape and size as possible. Except for the main entrance side on the ground floor, all openings are floor-to-ceiling windows or patio doors, allowing direct outdoor access from every room. On the upper floor, the windows should be identically sized and arranged as symmetrically as possible. Due to budget constraints, practical reasons, and the extra cost and maintenance of window grilles (instead of mullions), we decided against using door windows upstairs.
What do you dislike? Why?
Everything is satisfactory and fits our budget. We would prefer more door windows.
Price estimate by architect/planner: fixed, already commissioned offer/order EUR 312,780.00 (house only, excluding garage/carport, landscaping, incidental construction costs, land, etc.)
Personal budget limit for the house including fittings: EUR 400,000.00
Preferred heating technology: gas condensing boiler plus solar thermal system (according to legal requirements)
If you have to give up something, which details/extras
- Can give up: possibly a new kitchen
- Cannot give up: window muntins (grids)
Why is the design as it is now?
There has been no architect consultation yet. The floor plan is a mix of example floor plans from various prefab home providers and our own ideas and requirements. Two special features for a relatively small house are, in our view, the somewhat larger utility room (which should be nearly like a second kitchen for hobbies) and the sauna in the master bathroom, which required a larger bathroom than we would need without the sauna.
What do you consider particularly good or bad about it?
Good:
Bad:
--> Despite many efforts, I was unable to make the drawings larger. They originate from Sweet Home, were converted into a PDF, and then into a JPEG. If there is a better way to do this, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope it won't be too much trouble for you to enlarge the floor plans on your computer. It is possible, but as mentioned, I could not upload them in a larger size on this site. :-(
Now, here are the answers to the questionnaire:
QUESTIONNAIRE
Development plan / restrictions
Plot size: 567 sqm (almost rectangular, only slightly trapezoidal)
Slope: no (barely noticeable visually, maximum 1-2%)
Site coverage ratio: 0.35
Floor area ratio: 0.8
Single-family house / semi-detached allowed
Building type: detached
Building envelope, building line and boundary: to be measured yet, but the chosen house fits within it, as does a garage/carport for two cars
Setbacks: allowed for garage etc., otherwise the usual three meters (about 10 feet) distance
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of stories: two full stories
Roof type: hipped roof
Architectural style: unknown
Orientation: not yet determined
Maximum heights / limits: “Difference between finished floor level of ground floor and ridge height of main roof max. 11.5 meters (38 feet)“; “Difference between finished floor level of ground floor and eaves height of main roof max. 7.0 meters (23 feet)”
Other specifications: So far, we have only interpreted the development plan as laypersons. After the architect’s consultation, I will provide further details. For now, due to discretion, we do not want to publish the development plan, site plan, cadastral excerpt, etc. online, since we are currently only focusing on the house floor plan, not on its location on the plot. We also need to wait for the surveyor’s results on this.
Homeowners’ requirements
Style, roof shape, building type: unknown, hipped roof, single-family home for two adults
Basement, stories: no basement, two full stories
Number of occupants, age: 2 adults
Room requirements ground floor / upper floor:
GF – kitchen, guest bathroom with shower, living room, utility room for technical equipment and hobbies.
UF – master bathroom with sauna, bedroom, two “closet and storage rooms” (larger one also usable as guest room)
Office: family use or home office? Exclusively for the couple
Overnight guests per year: 10 nights
Open or closed architecture: ?
Conservative or modern design: ?
Open kitchen, kitchen island: closed kitchen
Number of dining seats: 2-4 in the kitchen, 6-8 in the living room
Fireplace: yes, in the living room
Music / stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: neither
Garage, carport: for two cars
Utility garden, greenhouse: neither, except for some tomatoes and possibly raspberries
Other wishes / special features / daily routine, including reasons for preferences or exclusions
House design
Planner:
- Do-it-yourself
What do you like most? Why?
Nothing particularly stands out; the floor plan is pragmatic and kept simple due to our financial situation. We emphasize brightness, openness, and transparency in every room, aiming for as many windows (or door windows) of the same shape and size as possible. Except for the main entrance side on the ground floor, all openings are floor-to-ceiling windows or patio doors, allowing direct outdoor access from every room. On the upper floor, the windows should be identically sized and arranged as symmetrically as possible. Due to budget constraints, practical reasons, and the extra cost and maintenance of window grilles (instead of mullions), we decided against using door windows upstairs.
What do you dislike? Why?
Everything is satisfactory and fits our budget. We would prefer more door windows.
Price estimate by architect/planner: fixed, already commissioned offer/order EUR 312,780.00 (house only, excluding garage/carport, landscaping, incidental construction costs, land, etc.)
Personal budget limit for the house including fittings: EUR 400,000.00
Preferred heating technology: gas condensing boiler plus solar thermal system (according to legal requirements)
If you have to give up something, which details/extras
- Can give up: possibly a new kitchen
- Cannot give up: window muntins (grids)
Why is the design as it is now?
There has been no architect consultation yet. The floor plan is a mix of example floor plans from various prefab home providers and our own ideas and requirements. Two special features for a relatively small house are, in our view, the somewhat larger utility room (which should be nearly like a second kitchen for hobbies) and the sauna in the master bathroom, which required a larger bathroom than we would need without the sauna.
What do you consider particularly good or bad about it?
Good:
- We live as a couple only, so each of us has one closet and “storage” room
- The guest bathroom on the ground floor will also include a shower
- We own few pieces of furniture and value pictures and plants more, which allows us to have many windows and glazed doors
Bad:
- Relatively narrow hallways What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
- For now, our concern refers only to the house floor plan, not its placement on the plot, as we are still waiting for information from the surveyor and architect. We welcome suggestions for improvements, additions, and criticism. It is important to us that the house looks harmonious, balanced, and “pleasing” from the outside. Due to lack of expertise in architectural harmony or facade design, we initially focused only on symmetry in the exterior facade. We do not want a house that looks unstructured or chaotic from the outside. Nor do we want too many different window shapes and sizes. On the ground floor, every room should allow access to the garden.
I’ll give you some general advice:
1) The design of a coffee nook is quite well developed. As Yvonne already mentioned, search online for sample floor plans.
2) There is no single perfect floor plan. There is only YOURS. It doesn’t have to be the same as mine or anyone else’s.
3) Closed kitchens require planning so that everyday sitting and eating is possible there. In that case, a separate dining room can even be optional. For us, the dining table was only used at Christmas. But that’s it. When friends come over, we need seating, but not a dining table. Eating pizza on your lap works fine. We want to celebrate together, not focus on the meal. Others here may see this very differently.
4) A bedroom should be at least 4 meters by 4 meters (13 feet by 13 feet). Not smaller. Besides the bed, there must be space for a wardrobe and, if needed, a vanity unit.
5) The coat storage can also be located in the utility room. Then a few hooks or a stand from Ikea in the hallway are enough. Again: What is important TO ME?
6) Always consider storage space. Vacuum cleaner, laundry, suitcases, umbrellas, shoe racks, etc., all need a place somewhere.
7) Make sure to include a guest toilet, unless you don’t receive guests. Pay attention to how you plan water and sewage lines. Bathrooms and similar facilities should ideally be stacked vertically.
Now, take some time to reflect again. K.
1) The design of a coffee nook is quite well developed. As Yvonne already mentioned, search online for sample floor plans.
2) There is no single perfect floor plan. There is only YOURS. It doesn’t have to be the same as mine or anyone else’s.
3) Closed kitchens require planning so that everyday sitting and eating is possible there. In that case, a separate dining room can even be optional. For us, the dining table was only used at Christmas. But that’s it. When friends come over, we need seating, but not a dining table. Eating pizza on your lap works fine. We want to celebrate together, not focus on the meal. Others here may see this very differently.
4) A bedroom should be at least 4 meters by 4 meters (13 feet by 13 feet). Not smaller. Besides the bed, there must be space for a wardrobe and, if needed, a vanity unit.
5) The coat storage can also be located in the utility room. Then a few hooks or a stand from Ikea in the hallway are enough. Again: What is important TO ME?
6) Always consider storage space. Vacuum cleaner, laundry, suitcases, umbrellas, shoe racks, etc., all need a place somewhere.
7) Make sure to include a guest toilet, unless you don’t receive guests. Pay attention to how you plan water and sewage lines. Bathrooms and similar facilities should ideally be stacked vertically.
Now, take some time to reflect again. K.
P
Pinkiponk5 Jan 2020 10:59ypg schrieb:
But where is the individual design? This discussion is about a generic floor plan, not the architect’s custom one.
I don’t understand it ops: I will publish the architect’s plan here immediately after receiving it.
ypg schrieb:
The floor plan depends on the location and orientation of the plot.
For the floor plan concept, it would be extremely helpful if the client familiarizes themselves with the plot. It is also very useful—and should absolutely be done—to draw it to scale. I seem to recall that my pinned post offers quite a bit of information on this. I will also publish the surveyor’s plans here immediately after receiving them.
ypg schrieb:
That way you can recognize the advantages and disadvantages. If the response here is that nothing is built yet in a new development area, I would remind you that the mislabeling of compass directions shouldn’t have happened, as these are very important for floor plan design. Fortunately, it is not a new development area.
I probably started the thread too early and with too few specific details and plans. I will update it as soon as I know more and have more materials available.
ypg schrieb:
Is this now your preferred interpretation, or does the zoning plan require a two-story house with a hipped roof? It is our preference, and the zoning plan allows it.
ypg schrieb:
The standard houses for city villas almost all have the symmetry you want, but many of their flaws have already been corrected. I have a different view on that, or maybe I missed something. Most two-story townhouses have several different windows and patio doors of various shapes and sizes on each facade.
ypg schrieb:
Since we’re on the subject: the bedroom looks about 3 meters (10 feet) wide. Really quite narrow for a double bed’s access space. Judging by the room’s proportions, it might even be less than 3 meters? That’s true. I hope the architect can come up with a better solution. Besides, our current bedroom is 11.8 sqm (127 sq ft) and doesn’t offer much more space. Your point is valuable, thanks.
ypg schrieb:
One more question: what and where is the playing supposed to happen? If it’s by the TV, that space might be too tight? We are a bit old-fashioned, at the table in the living room. Personally, I would prefer not to have any TV at all; they’re rather a necessity because of family habits. I don’t think it’s possible to be married to a man without a TV.
ypg schrieb:
The windows all seem very narrow to me—is that intentional? This reduces the feeling of airiness or spaciousness, of course! They are narrower because we plan to install shutters on the house now or later. In fact, I find narrow and tall windows with more openings more attractive than wide windows. We might adjust window sizes after consulting the architect. The number and size of windows will also depend on whether we decide to go with shutters (which are quite an expensive option) or not.
ypg schrieb:
The toilet or bathroom upstairs cannot be drained properly. Meaning: where does the waste go? I haven’t thought about that yet, as I wanted to leave it to the professionals. I’ve learned here that the master bathroom should probably be located above the hot water tank/shower room on the ground floor or above the kitchen on the ground floor.
ypg schrieb:
We also planned without children and used this situation to our advantage—not only allowing free design but also making use of room options where they are really needed, not where a standard house would allocate them for a family. Is it possible to see your floor plan somewhere here in the forum?
ypg schrieb:
This wish can certainly be solved much, much better. I have already received many suggestions that I will bring to the architect meeting. Afterwards, there will be proper floor plan drawings.
Hopefully, the quoting worked correctly this time. I tried to do it right.
P
Pinkiponk5 Jan 2020 11:05ypg schrieb:
Storage room is fine... but where is the clutter-free wardrobe supposed to go?Shoes go in the hot water tank closet, wardrobe on the wall-mounted coat rack in the hallway.P
Pinkiponk5 Jan 2020 11:19Nordlys schrieb:
I’ll give you some general advice:
1) The coffee mill design is quite advanced. As Yvonne already said: search online for example floor plansI have to admit, we already did that. The result is what’s published here.Nordlys schrieb:
...
3) Closed kitchens require planning so that you can sit and eat there daily.
...A professional is handling the kitchen design, so I left everything open in the floor plan for now. What’s important to me is just a table or small table with a view to the outside.Nordlys schrieb:
4) A bedroom should be 4 by 4 meters (13 by 13 feet). Not smaller. It needs space for a bed, wardrobe, and possibly a Vertigo.We will probably relocate the bedroom, partly to get the master bath near the hot water tank/shower bath or the kitchen. In our bedroom, we only have a bed, pictures, plants, and a small pretty dresser. We don’t want more.Nordlys schrieb:
5) A cloakroom can also be in the utility room. Then just some hooks in the hallway or a stand from IKEA will do. Again: What’s important for ME?So far, we plan to store shoes in the utility room and have wall-mounted hooks in the hallway.Nordlys schrieb:
6) Always consider storage space. Vacuum cleaner, laundry, suitcases, umbrella, shoe rack, etc., all need a place.We plan storage space for suitcases, Christmas decorations, etc., in the attic/loft. Vacuum cleaner and similar items will go in the utility/technical room, which we have planned a bit larger, about 12–13 sqm (130–140 sq ft).Nordlys schrieb:
7) Make sure to have a guest toilet, unless you reject guests. Pay attention to how you install water and sewage lines. So bathrooms should generally be stacked above each other.
Now think it over again. Cheers.We have planned a shower bathroom next to the utility/technical room on the ground floor, intended for visitors and overnight guests. Moving the master bathroom is already a fixed topic for the architect. Thanks for the tip.To me, this looks like a standard, generic family house marketed nicely for a couple.
If I were to build for two people now, it would probably be more like a loft, similar to @hampshire, and in 15-20 years more like a bungalow, as seen with @Nordlys.
If my assumption is wrong, then something similar to @Climbee.
What I forgot to mention yesterday: living room and open-plan kitchen with a large table. I’m not convinced by having two dining areas. Among all our friends without children, the large dining table in the living room is often converted into a home office.
If I were to build for two people now, it would probably be more like a loft, similar to @hampshire, and in 15-20 years more like a bungalow, as seen with @Nordlys.
If my assumption is wrong, then something similar to @Climbee.
What I forgot to mention yesterday: living room and open-plan kitchen with a large table. I’m not convinced by having two dining areas. Among all our friends without children, the large dining table in the living room is often converted into a home office.
P
Pinkiponk5 Jan 2020 12:04haydee schrieb:
To me, it looks like a standard family house dressed up for a couple.
If I were building for two people now, it would probably be more like a loft in the style of @hampshire, or in 15-20 years a bungalow like @Nordlys.
If my guess is wrong, then something similar to @Climbee. A standard family house is fine for us; the plot, the area, we are all quite standard. We don’t appreciate a loft and for a bungalow (which we actually would have preferred) the building window is too small and the neighbors too close. A bungalow with a cathedral ceiling would have been our first choice.
haydee schrieb:
What I forgot yesterday: living room and open-plan kitchen with a large table. I’m not convinced by having two separate dining areas. Among all our child-free friends, the large dining table in the living room has been converted into a workspace. It’s not a normal dining table but a game table. But you’re right, we also often use it as a surface for books, correspondence, and other tasks. If we can design the dining area in the kitchen nicely, with views of the greenery and the herb garden, we will probably eat there more often rather than at the table in the living room. Regarding the furnishings, we first planned with our current, proven furniture.
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