ᐅ Are building plans with a 1-meter knee wall still considered up-to-date?

Hello everyone.

Plots are getting smaller and building costs are rising. So why are development plans for new residential areas still requiring a knee wall height of about 1 meter (3 feet), and that with only one possible full story? I understand the goal is to create a uniform appearance, but why restrict homeowners so much with a 1 meter (3 feet) knee wall? The definition of a full story should already set clear limits. But not at just one meter (3 feet)... The often permitted ridge height of 9 to 10 meters (30 to 33 feet) would allow much simpler planning.

Yet no... People are often forced to use skylights, dormers, and similar features to create sufficiently bright and usable space in the upper floor. Sometimes, there is no other choice but to increase the ground floor area to accommodate this upper-floor space. All of this only drives up building costs unnecessarily.

I’ve always disliked sloped ceilings, but honestly, you can’t really make a 1 meter (3 feet) knee wall look good...

What are your thoughts?

I completely agree. It’s the same case here. Nowadays, there are exceptions, such as a higher knee wall, but no concrete ceiling (which I would prefer, as I also believe that a concrete ceiling offers better sound insulation compared to just roof tiles, battens or wood fiberboards, insulation, and drywall). In our area, it’s even the case that to the east and west of the development, there are streets where a second full story is permitted. These were planned at the same time.

That you cannot afford a larger plot should not justify overshadowing your neighbor’s property with your high-rise building. I believe it is inappropriate to assume that having limited budget for land area automatically grants the right to maximize the upper floor’s gross floor area.

I also consider knee wall height restrictions pointless: how far below the eaves the floor slab lies does not matter visually from the outside and therefore makes no sense to regulate separately.

Moreover, the eave height serves as a dividing line between facade windows and roof windows, and having high knee walls can actually be counterproductive. Practical knee wall heights for vertical windows are typically between about (clear) 1.0 and 1.2 m (3.3 and 4 feet) above the finished floor level of the attic.

---

https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

11ant schrieb:

The fact that you cannot afford a larger plot should not justify casting a shadow over the neighbor’s land with your high-rise building. I believe it is wrong to assume that having a small budget for land automatically grants the right to maximize the building’s floor area above ground.

Well, I think the political goal to reduce land consumption and the municipalities’ policy of only allocating small plots requires some flexibility here. Even with twice the money, we wouldn’t have been able to purchase a larger building plot.

For my part, I am very grateful that our municipality responded by allowing two full floors with up to three residential units.

Best regards! mini

Small Plots – Houses Close Together
Building Height – Shading of Small Gardens and Ground Floors

However, I would not necessarily call two full stories a high-rise. It really depends on the total height.

I think it is perfectly reasonable to have rules that prevent taller buildings in an established neighborhood just because land prices increase. After all, everyone living in a community should feel comfortable, and that includes aspects like shadow casting and, especially in densely built areas, some formal design criteria. The visual impression matters.

Larger plots and more building freedom are available further out in rural areas at the same price—so there are alternatives. But there is no right to “have everything at once.”

It is possible to discuss with building authorities in advance and obtain permits for exceptions if the proposed building fits with the neighborhood. We were allowed to build 2 meters (6.5 feet) wider than the specified maximum width, extend the building area by one meter (3 feet) to the rear, and place the carport completely outside the building zone. The layout does not disturb any neighbors; we checked this beforehand. The special permit cost a bit extra, and everyone is satisfied.