ᐅ 2 full stories or 1.5 stories

Created on: 9 Jul 2019 17:01
J
Juanito
Hello everyone,
we have purchased a plot of land of about 600 sqm (6,458 sq ft) in a new development area.
The development plan and its textual requirements allow up to 2 full storeys
with a ridge height of 6.5 m (21 ft) and a total building height of 11.5 m (38 ft).
Only a gable roof with a pitch between 35° and 45° is permitted.
We would have preferred to build a townhouse-style villa with 2 full storeys and a hipped roof,
but unfortunately, that is not allowed.
Now the question is whether to build 2 full storeys with a roof pitch of 35°, or rather
1.5 storeys with a roof pitch of 40° and a knee wall height between 1.20 and 1.40 m (4 – 4.6 ft).
Our planned exterior dimensions are 12 x 10 m (39 x 33 ft), which is already quite a large footprint.
In my opinion, the main argument against 2 full storeys is purely the appearance.
I think that 2 full storeys with a gable roof (pitch 35°) on a 120 sqm (1,292 sq ft) footprint
would not look good from the outside.
I have not found a single image of this online.
The downside of 1.5 storeys is the sloping walls in the attic, but the exterior appearance is definitely nicer.
We cannot decide at the moment.
Perhaps one of you can help us with your experience or tips. How would you build in this situation?
Thank you very much in advance!
H
haydee
9 Jul 2019 21:11
With two full storeys and the roof pitch, you can also use the attic space.

What is the neighboring development like?
Ultimately, you or your budget need to decide what is feasible.
J
Juanito
9 Jul 2019 21:19
Our neighbor on the right is building a semi-detached house with 2.5 floors.
The neighbor on the left is building a single-family house with 1.5 floors.
S
shenja
9 Jul 2019 23:26
I would always choose two full floors. Honestly, I rarely stand in front of the house admiring the exterior. Usually, I’m either inside, where I would appreciate having a proper room on the upper floor, or sitting on the terrace with my back to the house.
V
vx220
10 Jul 2019 07:19
We also decided on two full stories based on the architect’s advice. Sloped ceilings always come with some limitations. We are getting a 35-degree roof. The cost shouldn’t be much higher.
kaho67410 Jul 2019 07:47
If it’s just a matter of imagination, we can help. Here is a sketch with 1 full floor, knee wall height 1.40m (4.6 ft), and a 40° roof pitch:


Grey two-story house with black gable roof, windows, and green lawn under blue sky.


Grey house with dark gable roof on green lawn, clouds in the sky, 3D model.


And here are 2 full floors with a 35° roof pitch:


Two-story house with dark gable roof, incomplete window frames on grass.


Two-story grey house with dark roof and open windows on green lawn.


Personally, I find the 2 full floors more attractive, but it will likely cost significantly more – of course.
C
Christina5
31 Mar 2020 09:39
Hello everyone,
we are currently facing exactly the same question.
What did you decide on?
The first visualization from the architect looks noticeably steeper than the one from kaho674...
Thank you very much
Best regards, Christina5