ᐅ Single-Family Home Optimization and Planning (180 sqm + Attic, No Basement)
Created on: 22 May 2020 21:23
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phil12345
Hello everyone,
I was directed to this interesting sub-forum through other threads, and of course, I would like to share our idea pool in the form of Draft 2.0.
First, a few facts about us:
Both 32 years old, no children, working full time. Two children are planned, but only after the house is built and before 40. So, relatively mid-term.
We plan to build in the front yard (650 m² (7,000 sq ft)) of the builder’s parents. The plot is signed, and the partnership agreement is in place. We envision a single-family house of about 180 m² (1,940 sq ft) with a double garage. We do not want a basement.
The house should preferably meet the KfW55 energy efficiency standard despite having a gas heating system. As a guy, I obviously find KNX great, but maybe Somfy Smart Home would also work. However, I would really regret it in the future if I squander that investment.
The cube shown in the drawing, originally made of exposed concrete, has now been clad with Trespa panels. The window shutters should be external Venetian blinds (Raffstores) in the basement and regular shutters on the upper floor. A large covered terrace (not visible here) is also very important to us since we really want to sit in the garden sheltered from the weather.
Additionally, we face the challenge that the driveway is from the southwest side, so we need to combine garden and driveway.
A wood-burning fireplace is very important to the builder. The airlock/transition zone between garage and house, connecting both, is also essential. We like the idea of a shared but “separate” bathroom; a bathtub is not necessary. An additional third, basic bathroom in the garage for garden parties is also planned (we live in a rural area of Lower Saxony, where corn and beer are enjoyed every other day…) but should be kept very simple.
I will actively participate in the thread and look forward to an engaging discussion.
Best regards,
Phil12345
I was directed to this interesting sub-forum through other threads, and of course, I would like to share our idea pool in the form of Draft 2.0.
First, a few facts about us:
Both 32 years old, no children, working full time. Two children are planned, but only after the house is built and before 40. So, relatively mid-term.
We plan to build in the front yard (650 m² (7,000 sq ft)) of the builder’s parents. The plot is signed, and the partnership agreement is in place. We envision a single-family house of about 180 m² (1,940 sq ft) with a double garage. We do not want a basement.
The house should preferably meet the KfW55 energy efficiency standard despite having a gas heating system. As a guy, I obviously find KNX great, but maybe Somfy Smart Home would also work. However, I would really regret it in the future if I squander that investment.
The cube shown in the drawing, originally made of exposed concrete, has now been clad with Trespa panels. The window shutters should be external Venetian blinds (Raffstores) in the basement and regular shutters on the upper floor. A large covered terrace (not visible here) is also very important to us since we really want to sit in the garden sheltered from the weather.
Additionally, we face the challenge that the driveway is from the southwest side, so we need to combine garden and driveway.
A wood-burning fireplace is very important to the builder. The airlock/transition zone between garage and house, connecting both, is also essential. We like the idea of a shared but “separate” bathroom; a bathtub is not necessary. An additional third, basic bathroom in the garage for garden parties is also planned (we live in a rural area of Lower Saxony, where corn and beer are enjoyed every other day…) but should be kept very simple.
I will actively participate in the thread and look forward to an engaging discussion.
Best regards,
Phil12345
phil12345 schrieb:
Finding a proper floor plan That’s exactly what the method I explained to you is good for. You might have a different opinion on it, which is perfectly fine, and I also pointed out to you that as soon as you start seriously thinking about why you consider the proposed approach wrong, you can, even on this (apparent) detour, find the "planner within you" and arrive at results just as good as someone who follows Route A and simply copies the recommended method. Only "no" way won’t lead to the goal—going right or left would both work. Did you imagine you only had to lightly prod us, and then Katja, Kerstin, or Yvonne would finish the design, just like the Heinzelmännchen (kobolds) in Cologne back in the day?
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Here, professionals are in the minority.
Try planning from the inside out.
1. For the floor plan, don’t just list a walk-in closet, but include 5 linear meters (about 16 feet) of wardrobe space. For the dining table, choose a rectangle with the table size plus 80cm (about 32 inches) of clearance all around, and so on.
2. The entrance is fixed, then plan the location of the kitchen, etc.
3. Look at the actual dimensions you end up with and try to adapt them into practical measurements. If it’s 9.75 x 10.5 meters (about 32 x 34 feet), then accept that and don’t plan, for example, 9 x 11.5 meters (30 x 38 feet).
4. Stay flexible. For example, what good is the walk-in closet if the wardrobe space doesn’t fit? Then it’s better to have a bedroom with enough closet space. For the children’s bathroom, why not just a downstairs shower and be done with it?
You have to try to implement your wishes and ideas according to the plot and budget. That’s the tricky part. Almost everyone makes compromises here.
I think our house is great and I would build it the same way again. Only little is left from our original ideas. During the construction phase, we even canceled the walk-in closet.
Try planning from the inside out.
1. For the floor plan, don’t just list a walk-in closet, but include 5 linear meters (about 16 feet) of wardrobe space. For the dining table, choose a rectangle with the table size plus 80cm (about 32 inches) of clearance all around, and so on.
2. The entrance is fixed, then plan the location of the kitchen, etc.
3. Look at the actual dimensions you end up with and try to adapt them into practical measurements. If it’s 9.75 x 10.5 meters (about 32 x 34 feet), then accept that and don’t plan, for example, 9 x 11.5 meters (30 x 38 feet).
4. Stay flexible. For example, what good is the walk-in closet if the wardrobe space doesn’t fit? Then it’s better to have a bedroom with enough closet space. For the children’s bathroom, why not just a downstairs shower and be done with it?
You have to try to implement your wishes and ideas according to the plot and budget. That’s the tricky part. Almost everyone makes compromises here.
I think our house is great and I would build it the same way again. Only little is left from our original ideas. During the construction phase, we even canceled the walk-in closet.
haydee schrieb:
Here, professionals are in the minority. But there are some. Even in this thread.
If the original poster doesn’t respond to (understandably) asked questions, they quickly drop out again.
phil12345 schrieb:
The tone is just a bit blunt. I don’t read any blunt tone.
phil12345 schrieb:
To find a proper floor plan that covers our wishes and isn’t a disaster. You won’t get finished floor plans here. People provide help, tips, advice, experiences, and input. You can take it or leave it.
phil12345 schrieb:
What do you think about the Bien-Zenker Fantastic 162 V4?Many, many standard house models have their justification. Whether you swap the utility room with the cloakroom, turn the kids’ bathroom into a guest bedroom, or remove entrances, that’s something you can decide for yourself. However, many designs are focused on certain aspects, e.g., particular sightlines, openness, or maximizing space. This Bien-Zenker house benefits from the staircase area open to the living room. Bien-Zenker simply has nice floor plans.Basically, I never really warm up to Bien-Zenker designs. They might seem good, but there is a lot of modular tinkering—and you never know if a design with extras is presented or if the basic layout is exactly as shown. In the end, that affects the price.
This tight living room at just under 50 sqm (540 sq ft) at least fits a piano. Do you really need nearly 60 sqm (645 sq ft) for cooking, dining, and living? Many plan with 40 to 45 sqm (430 to 485 sq ft) and are happy. Here, too much space is used for the dining area while it is missing elsewhere. See also the mezzanine.
Bertram100 schrieb:
Personally, I would find it too far "into the house" and not close enough to the entrance.That could be swapped.phil12345 schrieb:
I extended the kitchen lengthwise and added built-in cabinets and a small U-shaped layout.The kitchen doesn’t gain anything from that—in fact, quite the opposite. I would consider dividing the overly generous space and think about whether the square meters are properly allocated.phil12345 schrieb:
I’m really at my wit’s end and want to scrap the entire project.Why? It’s possible even if you have a professional planner design it.phil12345 schrieb:
An architect doesn’t study their field for years without reason.Exactly what you’re saying: let a trained professional take over.phil12345 schrieb:
Why am I here? To find a proper floor plan that meets our wishes and isn’t a disaster.This isn’t a treasure trove, nor are there professionals here offering free house plans.phil12345 schrieb:
Maybe the forum is more for professionals who want to stick together. Maybe it would be better to remove me from here.We are almost exclusively ambitious home builders who help each other. We’re happy to discuss a professional’s or general contractor’s design in relation to your wishes.phil12345 schrieb:
The tone is rather blunt here.No, no one was blunt here. In another forum, which is actually filled with many professionals, there is a really harsh tone. But there it is also said: if you can’t handle that, you’re not cut out for building a house.Why don’t you have your architect create a new plan? You already have a draft. Some parts that you don’t like or that don’t work will be marked in red, and then the architect’s job is to fix the flaws. Then you can discuss it here again.
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