ᐅ Floor Plan Design for a Single-Family Home of Approximately 150 m²
Created on: 12 Feb 2018 18:09
C
chrisw81
Hello,
After a long search, we signed the notarized contract for the land purchase at the end of December. We are now actively planning the floor plan. Unfortunately, the plot is somewhat awkwardly shaped (not rectangular), which creates some limitations for the layout from our perspective. We already have a first draft, but there are several areas we don’t like and are unsure how to improve. Maybe you have some ideas; we would appreciate your input.
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 601 m² (6465 sq ft)
Building envelope, building line, boundary: Building line with the house on the west side
Peripheral setbacks: 7 m (23 ft) from the street (north), otherwise the usual 3 m (10 ft)
Number of parking spaces: 2 desired
Number of floors: 1 full story allowed
Roof style: Gable roof
Design style: open construction method
Orientation: South
Maximum heights / limits: Ridge height max. 8.5 m (28 ft)
Additional requirements: Max. 100 m² (1076 sq ft) of built-up area
Client Requirements
Style, roof form, building type: Solid construction house, rectangular, no bay windows, no projections, etc., gable roof
Basement, floors: no basement; 1.5 stories
Number and age of residents: 2 people, age between 30 and 40, possibly children later
Space needs on ground floor and upper floor: Ground floor – living/dining room, kitchen, guest toilet, utility room, office
Office: family use or home office?: family use
Guest stays per year: 20 days
Open or closed architecture: open living area, closed hallway
Conservative or modern style: conservative
Open kitchen, kitchen island: open kitchen, island without cooktop
Number of dining seats: 2-4
Fireplace: yes, chimney planned
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: carport
Utility garden, greenhouse: no
Further wishes, special features, daily routine, and reasons for preferences:
- A wardrobe area on the ground floor is important where coats can be stored relatively out of sight.
- On the upper floor, it would be nice to have an open gallery with a desk or similar (not a must and not necessarily next to the stairs).
- A walk-in closet would be nice but not essential.
- A storage room on the upper floor is very important since we do not have a basement.
House Design
Who created the design:
- Basic design by the construction company (FIBAV Stadthaus Vision Studio)
- DIY modifications based on online floor plans (especially Viebrockhaus Maxime 330)
What do you particularly like? Why?:
- Layout of the living/dining area and the narrowing kitchen reduces the hallway effect a bit
- Many windows in the living/dining area
- Wide hallway on the ground floor
What do you dislike? Why?:
- Few options to place furniture (dresser, wardrobe) in the ground floor hallway due to many doors
- Very large hallway upstairs, considered wasted space
- Bedroom is quite small; should be the largest room upstairs (preferably 16 m² (172 sq ft), children’s rooms rather 14 m² (151 sq ft))
- Stair placement limited by chimney location
- Door placement upstairs limited by chimney
- A staircase rotated 90 degrees (entrance next to front door) would appeal more
- Difficult to align windows upstairs and downstairs on the gable end vertically
- Floor-to-ceiling windows upstairs; wider windows with a sill height around 100 cm (40 inches) would be preferred
Price estimate by architect/planner: 200,000 €
Personal price limit for the house including equipment: 210,000 €
Preferred heating technology: gas heating
What details or expansions could you give up?
- Can do without: gallery next to stairs upstairs. Living area could also be narrower (e.g., 4.20 m (14 ft) instead of 4.47 m (15 ft))
- Cannot do without: storage room upstairs, shower in guest toilet, extra natural light in the ground floor hallway (e.g., side panel on front door or window)
Why was the design made this way? For example, standard plan from planner?
- Since the house has very little space on the south side, the house should be very narrow in order not to waste more space to the south. It should be wider so that living, dining, and kitchen areas face south as much as possible.
Were corresponding wishes from the architect implemented? No architect meeting has taken place yet.
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
How can the ground floor hallway be better designed to fit a wardrobe? Can the stairs be positioned better or replaced? Should the hallway be enlarged and living space reduced? How can the upstairs hallway be better utilized? Can the bedroom be enlarged? Is it possible to swap the bedroom with another room, e.g., move it to the southeast to allow a walk-in closet?
Thank you very much in advance for your criticism and suggestions!
After a long search, we signed the notarized contract for the land purchase at the end of December. We are now actively planning the floor plan. Unfortunately, the plot is somewhat awkwardly shaped (not rectangular), which creates some limitations for the layout from our perspective. We already have a first draft, but there are several areas we don’t like and are unsure how to improve. Maybe you have some ideas; we would appreciate your input.
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 601 m² (6465 sq ft)
Building envelope, building line, boundary: Building line with the house on the west side
Peripheral setbacks: 7 m (23 ft) from the street (north), otherwise the usual 3 m (10 ft)
Number of parking spaces: 2 desired
Number of floors: 1 full story allowed
Roof style: Gable roof
Design style: open construction method
Orientation: South
Maximum heights / limits: Ridge height max. 8.5 m (28 ft)
Additional requirements: Max. 100 m² (1076 sq ft) of built-up area
Client Requirements
Style, roof form, building type: Solid construction house, rectangular, no bay windows, no projections, etc., gable roof
Basement, floors: no basement; 1.5 stories
Number and age of residents: 2 people, age between 30 and 40, possibly children later
Space needs on ground floor and upper floor: Ground floor – living/dining room, kitchen, guest toilet, utility room, office
Office: family use or home office?: family use
Guest stays per year: 20 days
Open or closed architecture: open living area, closed hallway
Conservative or modern style: conservative
Open kitchen, kitchen island: open kitchen, island without cooktop
Number of dining seats: 2-4
Fireplace: yes, chimney planned
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: carport
Utility garden, greenhouse: no
Further wishes, special features, daily routine, and reasons for preferences:
- A wardrobe area on the ground floor is important where coats can be stored relatively out of sight.
- On the upper floor, it would be nice to have an open gallery with a desk or similar (not a must and not necessarily next to the stairs).
- A walk-in closet would be nice but not essential.
- A storage room on the upper floor is very important since we do not have a basement.
House Design
Who created the design:
- Basic design by the construction company (FIBAV Stadthaus Vision Studio)
- DIY modifications based on online floor plans (especially Viebrockhaus Maxime 330)
What do you particularly like? Why?:
- Layout of the living/dining area and the narrowing kitchen reduces the hallway effect a bit
- Many windows in the living/dining area
- Wide hallway on the ground floor
What do you dislike? Why?:
- Few options to place furniture (dresser, wardrobe) in the ground floor hallway due to many doors
- Very large hallway upstairs, considered wasted space
- Bedroom is quite small; should be the largest room upstairs (preferably 16 m² (172 sq ft), children’s rooms rather 14 m² (151 sq ft))
- Stair placement limited by chimney location
- Door placement upstairs limited by chimney
- A staircase rotated 90 degrees (entrance next to front door) would appeal more
- Difficult to align windows upstairs and downstairs on the gable end vertically
- Floor-to-ceiling windows upstairs; wider windows with a sill height around 100 cm (40 inches) would be preferred
Price estimate by architect/planner: 200,000 €
Personal price limit for the house including equipment: 210,000 €
Preferred heating technology: gas heating
What details or expansions could you give up?
- Can do without: gallery next to stairs upstairs. Living area could also be narrower (e.g., 4.20 m (14 ft) instead of 4.47 m (15 ft))
- Cannot do without: storage room upstairs, shower in guest toilet, extra natural light in the ground floor hallway (e.g., side panel on front door or window)
Why was the design made this way? For example, standard plan from planner?
- Since the house has very little space on the south side, the house should be very narrow in order not to waste more space to the south. It should be wider so that living, dining, and kitchen areas face south as much as possible.
Were corresponding wishes from the architect implemented? No architect meeting has taken place yet.
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
How can the ground floor hallway be better designed to fit a wardrobe? Can the stairs be positioned better or replaced? Should the hallway be enlarged and living space reduced? How can the upstairs hallway be better utilized? Can the bedroom be enlarged? Is it possible to swap the bedroom with another room, e.g., move it to the southeast to allow a walk-in closet?
Thank you very much in advance for your criticism and suggestions!
Pinkiponk schrieb:
I was referring to several TVs we have, not the piano. We don’t own one.Several already?? Oh dear. I can understand you. Even one is almost too much.Baufie schrieb:
How do you expect to look out of a window with a one-meter (3 feet) sill height from a seated position in an armchair? Hmm, yes, it’s not ideal, but it’s better than always just seeing walls.
Baufie schrieb:
You’ve already been given many suggestions on how to improve the situation, but you often find reasons why it won’t work.
Keyword "piano," although to me that’s more like a keyboard. Given your room layout, it simply can’t take up space in the living room from my perspective. I’m just quite attached to it. But if it doesn’t work, I’m sure we can find a nice spot for it in another room.
I really appreciate the suggestions here and will definitely put some of them into practice.
I also see myself that it doesn’t look great at the moment and something needs to be changed.
Baufie schrieb:
To be completely frank, I also believe that a bigger house including a large open-plan living/dining area won’t help much for you. In my opinion, based on everything you’ve written, you lack the taste and knack to furnish your home tastefully!
Your posted pictures say it all... That’s true, which is why I need help with that.
It always depends on how you intend to use the piano. If you practice a lot yourself, I actually think it makes sense NOT to have it in the living room, because it’s rarely possible to practice there quietly and with full concentration (I don’t want to imagine how many hopeful pianists gave up because the family piano was in the living room and they couldn’t practice undisturbed).
However, if you mainly use it to make music together with family, guests, or ensembles, then having it in the living room is definitely justified.
The original poster planned from the start to have the little piano in the living room – I assume they have good reasons for that. So I would suggest adapting the furnishing accordingly.
I think Baufie expressed it a bit too strongly, but I have already hinted twice in that direction myself: not everyone has the knack for tasteful interior design. And that has nothing to do with the budget. There are naturally gifted people with a talent for beautiful interiors. They often come up with great ideas and create brilliant designs with just a few pieces and some clever touches. Others might place very expensive furniture in their homes, but still fail to create a cozy atmosphere, not to mention an “aha” effect. I think it speaks well of you that you accept this and are aware of it.
Now take the next step: accept the suggestions. So far, I get the feeling you try to find a counterargument for every proposal. That won’t get you anywhere. Again, my suggestion is to perhaps hire a professional to support you. First, set a clear budget and decide what must or should be renewed now and what could be added in a few years. But for now, develop a consistent concept – the implementation can then follow step by step. The kitchen needs to be included – I assume it’s new. Or is it something you brought from the old home and will eventually replace? Then you can neglect it for now. But I assume it will stay.
If you do hire a professional, gather pictures of rooms you like beforehand—from the internet, magazines, etc. The professional will recognize what appeals to you and will bring it to life within your budget. When I see the photo of the sofa you like and then the reality, I’m amazed it’s the same person! And this is exactly where you need someone to connect the dots. Obviously, you see beautiful living options elsewhere and recognize them. When it comes to implementing a style or an idea within the framework you have, that’s where you need support. I admit, I would never have designed it that way, but honestly: it’s not impossible to make the room look nice. I know other living rooms where I sometimes wonder if anyone ever considered that people actually live there. You have the possibility to arrange furniture, the room is bright, and the rest is doable!
However, if you mainly use it to make music together with family, guests, or ensembles, then having it in the living room is definitely justified.
The original poster planned from the start to have the little piano in the living room – I assume they have good reasons for that. So I would suggest adapting the furnishing accordingly.
I think Baufie expressed it a bit too strongly, but I have already hinted twice in that direction myself: not everyone has the knack for tasteful interior design. And that has nothing to do with the budget. There are naturally gifted people with a talent for beautiful interiors. They often come up with great ideas and create brilliant designs with just a few pieces and some clever touches. Others might place very expensive furniture in their homes, but still fail to create a cozy atmosphere, not to mention an “aha” effect. I think it speaks well of you that you accept this and are aware of it.
Now take the next step: accept the suggestions. So far, I get the feeling you try to find a counterargument for every proposal. That won’t get you anywhere. Again, my suggestion is to perhaps hire a professional to support you. First, set a clear budget and decide what must or should be renewed now and what could be added in a few years. But for now, develop a consistent concept – the implementation can then follow step by step. The kitchen needs to be included – I assume it’s new. Or is it something you brought from the old home and will eventually replace? Then you can neglect it for now. But I assume it will stay.
If you do hire a professional, gather pictures of rooms you like beforehand—from the internet, magazines, etc. The professional will recognize what appeals to you and will bring it to life within your budget. When I see the photo of the sofa you like and then the reality, I’m amazed it’s the same person! And this is exactly where you need someone to connect the dots. Obviously, you see beautiful living options elsewhere and recognize them. When it comes to implementing a style or an idea within the framework you have, that’s where you need support. I admit, I would never have designed it that way, but honestly: it’s not impossible to make the room look nice. I know other living rooms where I sometimes wonder if anyone ever considered that people actually live there. You have the possibility to arrange furniture, the room is bright, and the rest is doable!
If I were you, I would also try to avoid telling people where and what they should look at. Most of your guests won’t go looking for a spot just to silently observe the prescribed details (garden, west side, south side, not in the hallway, fireplace). You live in the house, you are not a museum!
Oh yes – we only have a two-seater. When we have guests, we usually sit at the table – we specifically made sure to buy chairs that are very comfortable. And our guests keep confirming that we made the right choice... some of them have even developed almost TOO much endurance for sitting.
We sit less in the living room on the couch. When we do, we bought cardboard stools from Remember products, so you just have to settle for a stool or sit on the floor (which isn’t unpleasant with underfloor heating). I would never put a huge sofa in just because guests might sit there three times a year; there are other options for that. In our old apartment, space was limited, so when we had a party, we just used a simple bench, and it worked perfectly. Hey, that’s just for a few hours – I don’t need an expensive piece of furniture standing unused (and in the way) for the rest of the year.
I would always arrange the living room as a cozy space for the family, which guests might also use occasionally. The guest area is preferably the table/kitchen.
We sit less in the living room on the couch. When we do, we bought cardboard stools from Remember products, so you just have to settle for a stool or sit on the floor (which isn’t unpleasant with underfloor heating). I would never put a huge sofa in just because guests might sit there three times a year; there are other options for that. In our old apartment, space was limited, so when we had a party, we just used a simple bench, and it worked perfectly. Hey, that’s just for a few hours – I don’t need an expensive piece of furniture standing unused (and in the way) for the rest of the year.
I would always arrange the living room as a cozy space for the family, which guests might also use occasionally. The guest area is preferably the table/kitchen.
Climbee schrieb:
We made a point of buying chairs that are really comfortable to sit in.(Where) have these already been shown here?https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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