ᐅ The floor plan "HOUSE FOR TWO" covers approximately 150 sqm and is introduced here.
Created on: 3 Jul 2020 13:23
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pagoni2020
So – now I’m presenting our “House Project for Two” expecting your honest and maybe harsh feedback. Don’t hold back, as I can only benefit from it.
The building permit / planning permission application is currently being submitted, and preliminary information suggests it should be approved. We deliberately avoided too many deviations from the very old development plan.
We like a modern, minimalist architectural style. The floor plan is a mix of our own living habits, our existing furniture including the kitchen, and the budget, since at this stage of life we don’t want to take on risky debt.
Our current condominium is very stylish and was just recently customized by ourselves, but life changes; besides, we want to be able to have a small fire in our own garden again.
We are now building with a general contractor (GC) who has a good reputation and has already allowed us to change many things without stress – so far. Ideally, we would have built with an independent architect or our friend who is an interior architect, which would have given us more freedom in choosing trades, but this time we want to focus more on details and avoid the running around that happened the first time, 30 years ago. No, this time I won’t be digging foundations or pouring the basement myself until my family doesn’t recognize me anymore.
Whether it will be a garage, carport, or parking space depends on the costs, as does the attached balcony, which would then be a so-called standing balcony; initially, it just needs to be approved. There will also be a larger garden house with an outdoor sauna.
The plot is quite large and has a nice view of greenery. Unfortunately, only to the north, about 500 m (1600 ft) away and at a lower level, there is a beautiful lake. For this reason alone, we decided not to build a bungalow, since having a lake view and not using it was out of the question (hence the “emergency balcony” at the bedroom). Originally, a house with a bend was planned, but it always looked ugly in the end.
HOUSE FOR TWO
Plot size: 1400 sqm (15,000 sq ft)
Slope: No
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 1.5
Roof type: Gable roof
Architectural style: modern-minimalist
Client requirements
Style, roof type, building type: clean lines
Basement, floors: no basement
Number of occupants, age: 2 (one of them still works a bit more…)
Guest stays per year: quite often, alternating
Conservative or modern construction: modern, open plan
Open kitchen, kitchen island: yes
Number of dining seats: 4
Fireplace: yes/no/undecided, possibly also gas fireplace
Balcony, roof terrace: possibly a balcony at the bedroom for lake view
Garage, carport: yes, depending on price
Additional wishes, etc.:
Separate guest area, possibly as a bedroom in old age, then guests upstairs
Custom furniture and kitchen integrated
Separate TV area from the gallery, next to it a separate relaxation area with recliner
Kitchen with 120 cm (47 inch) side-by-side refrigerator or 70 cm (28 inch) refrigerator by the window side
Monolithic Rock XL1 wood stove available, chimney planned outside for lower costs, appearance, and less space inside
Ground floor window areas separated by masonry walls due to chimney, possibly refrigerator placement but especially due to manufacturer’s limited width (according to GC)
Original idea was continuous window surfaces up to the eaves in living/dining area, now separated at ceiling height by masonry strip
Some parts in the plan/floor plan not labeled correctly yet (GC design implementation)
House design, who designed it: by the clients + partial coordination with interior architect, currently executed by a builder’s planner
What do you like most and why?
Simple architectural style, gallery, spacious window surfaces, external blinds, open layout
What don’t you like and why? I’m sure I’ll read about it here
Estimated price according to architect/planner: -
Features: The goal is to invest selectively and sensibly but consistently omit unnecessary, cost-driving frills (in my opinion)
Preferred heating system: undecided, unfortunately no gas connection available
If you had to skip something, which details or extensions could you do without? Maybe the fireplace… I’m still unsure about the location, I would like a built-in gas fireplace under the stairs, but only for that would we get a liquefied gas tank?
Why is the design the way it is? For example:
Own life circumstances, existing furniture, individual living habits
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
I welcome direct and constructive assessments. The building shape and location of carport/garage are fixed. The focus of questions is on layout details and usage/design options.
There will be a glass roof or slatted shading in front of the kitchen area.
The plot is almost flat, and the outdoor area will be simple and user-friendly, with a larger garden house including outdoor sauna, storage for gadgets, tools, etc.
The building permit / planning permission application is currently being submitted, and preliminary information suggests it should be approved. We deliberately avoided too many deviations from the very old development plan.
We like a modern, minimalist architectural style. The floor plan is a mix of our own living habits, our existing furniture including the kitchen, and the budget, since at this stage of life we don’t want to take on risky debt.
Our current condominium is very stylish and was just recently customized by ourselves, but life changes; besides, we want to be able to have a small fire in our own garden again.
We are now building with a general contractor (GC) who has a good reputation and has already allowed us to change many things without stress – so far. Ideally, we would have built with an independent architect or our friend who is an interior architect, which would have given us more freedom in choosing trades, but this time we want to focus more on details and avoid the running around that happened the first time, 30 years ago. No, this time I won’t be digging foundations or pouring the basement myself until my family doesn’t recognize me anymore.
Whether it will be a garage, carport, or parking space depends on the costs, as does the attached balcony, which would then be a so-called standing balcony; initially, it just needs to be approved. There will also be a larger garden house with an outdoor sauna.
The plot is quite large and has a nice view of greenery. Unfortunately, only to the north, about 500 m (1600 ft) away and at a lower level, there is a beautiful lake. For this reason alone, we decided not to build a bungalow, since having a lake view and not using it was out of the question (hence the “emergency balcony” at the bedroom). Originally, a house with a bend was planned, but it always looked ugly in the end.
HOUSE FOR TWO
Plot size: 1400 sqm (15,000 sq ft)
Slope: No
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 1.5
Roof type: Gable roof
Architectural style: modern-minimalist
Client requirements
Style, roof type, building type: clean lines
Basement, floors: no basement
Number of occupants, age: 2 (one of them still works a bit more…)
Guest stays per year: quite often, alternating
Conservative or modern construction: modern, open plan
Open kitchen, kitchen island: yes
Number of dining seats: 4
Fireplace: yes/no/undecided, possibly also gas fireplace
Balcony, roof terrace: possibly a balcony at the bedroom for lake view
Garage, carport: yes, depending on price
Additional wishes, etc.:
Separate guest area, possibly as a bedroom in old age, then guests upstairs
Custom furniture and kitchen integrated
Separate TV area from the gallery, next to it a separate relaxation area with recliner
Kitchen with 120 cm (47 inch) side-by-side refrigerator or 70 cm (28 inch) refrigerator by the window side
Monolithic Rock XL1 wood stove available, chimney planned outside for lower costs, appearance, and less space inside
Ground floor window areas separated by masonry walls due to chimney, possibly refrigerator placement but especially due to manufacturer’s limited width (according to GC)
Original idea was continuous window surfaces up to the eaves in living/dining area, now separated at ceiling height by masonry strip
Some parts in the plan/floor plan not labeled correctly yet (GC design implementation)
House design, who designed it: by the clients + partial coordination with interior architect, currently executed by a builder’s planner
What do you like most and why?
Simple architectural style, gallery, spacious window surfaces, external blinds, open layout
What don’t you like and why? I’m sure I’ll read about it here
Estimated price according to architect/planner: -
Features: The goal is to invest selectively and sensibly but consistently omit unnecessary, cost-driving frills (in my opinion)
Preferred heating system: undecided, unfortunately no gas connection available
If you had to skip something, which details or extensions could you do without? Maybe the fireplace… I’m still unsure about the location, I would like a built-in gas fireplace under the stairs, but only for that would we get a liquefied gas tank?
Why is the design the way it is? For example:
Own life circumstances, existing furniture, individual living habits
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
I welcome direct and constructive assessments. The building shape and location of carport/garage are fixed. The focus of questions is on layout details and usage/design options.
There will be a glass roof or slatted shading in front of the kitchen area.
The plot is almost flat, and the outdoor area will be simple and user-friendly, with a larger garden house including outdoor sauna, storage for gadgets, tools, etc.
T
thoughtless863 Oct 2021 18:52Hello @pagoni2020, it’s great to see real progress with your project now – I’m happy and think your floor plan is very nice for two people, well adapted to your habits and needs. That’s exactly how a house should be: it should fit your own individual requirements and daily routines… I find it quite unfortunate in some forum threads and comments that there’s sometimes pressure to impose certain layouts and label them as major design mistakes – I’ve noticed that a few times myself. Regarding your floor plan, I really like the open space; I’d love to see it once it’s finished. I think the roughly 4 meters (13 feet) of room depth is more than manageable… and honestly, how many of you had a living room deeper than 4 meters (13 feet) before starting your house project? I don’t have one myself, yet it’s still easy to furnish, right? So what drives this new standard – bigger, faster, further? ;-) Anyway, I like it, and as a fellow sufferer, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that things move quickly for you now!
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pagoni20203 Oct 2021 21:47Bertram100 schrieb:
I’m sure I would feel very comfortable in your house. 🙂 I think it’s well done. And the location—wow!
I would love to see some photos from “after moving in.” I’m really looking forward to seeing the house. I imagine it as cozy and beautiful. That combination is not very common, in my opinion. :p thoughtless86 schrieb:
Hello @pagoni2020, it looks like things are really moving forward for you now—I’m happy about that—and I find your floor plan very nice for two people, well adapted to your habits and needs. That’s exactly how a house should be: it should fit your own individual requirements and routines... I find it quite unfortunate in some threads and discussions here that people sometimes try to impose their preferences and call it a major design mistake. I’ve noticed that a few times already... Regarding your layout, I really like the open space; I would love to see it once it’s finished. I think the living space depth of just over 4 meters (13 feet) is more than manageable... and honestly, how many of you had a living room more than 4 meters (13 feet) deep before starting your house project? I don’t have one currently, yet it’s still very easy to furnish, right? So where does this new standard come from—bigger, faster, further? ;-) Anyway, I like it, and as a fellow sufferer I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that progress continues quickly! Well then... as I said, my home is always open to visitors; we’ve always kept our house guest-friendly and really enjoy that.
@thoughtless86—it seems you’re practically just around the corner... 😀
Before anything is built, I think it’s okay to firmly express your opinion, because as the builder you might get a bit stuck on your ideas. But once construction is complete, it’s inappropriate and pointless. Well...
Of course, we weren’t entirely sure how it would turn out, especially since we lived for a year in a similar house abroad shortly before. Also, we like to be bold sometimes and don’t think about resale value or anything else, just our own enjoyment. Naturally, there are some minor discomforts here and there, but our routines are well known and don’t have to stay exactly as they are; we can live well with changes. We’re really happy with the staircase, especially because the whole process with the builder has been great; I enjoy building something with pleasant people, and that was the case here! The standards you mentioned are something I keep hearing about too, and if people like that, they should go for it.
We’ve taken a few risks with some of the features and maybe made some mistakes or would have done things differently. But that’s nothing new; as an older builder you get used to that and aren’t easily shaken.
I’m not familiar with your project, but I’ll have a look right away and, of course, I wish you good progress as well. Whenever you happen to be near DD, feel free to stop by anytime!
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thoughtless863 Oct 2021 21:55Thanks! My project is finally moving towards roof completion, although I faced significant construction delays. The fixed price is still being maintained, but it's definitely mentally challenging. The rest will fall into place eventually... My house isn’t exactly standard, as you will see in the floor plan. I’ll share pictures once the scaffolding is removed... 😉
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pagoni20203 Oct 2021 22:09thoughtless86 schrieb:
My house isn’t exactly standard either.In recent years, I’ve increasingly heard about "standards" that now must be met and supposedly are. The work and results are at best comparable, but at least we can say we have standards now. Of course, there is also some nonsense in construction that you really don’t want to deal with yourself.
As long as you go through life satisfied, you’ve done everything right—even without standards 😀
I once wanted to place my nice steel fridge in the dining room, 5 meters (16 feet) away from the kitchen. Totally non-standard, but I liked it that way. As I’ve mentioned before, I do miss seeing the variety that used to exist in built houses. A house lives through the people who live in it. I’ve already seen some really beautiful houses here, even if they are more on the affordable side and often built without much extra fancy stuff… maybe that’s exactly why.
Speaking of which... I still have a half-covered roof and two large windows missing... but the main issue is finally resolved and progress is moving quickly. I stopped getting frustrated after six months, otherwise I’d still be hanging on a rafter... Now we’re happy and try not to let the frustration grow unnecessarily.
thoughtless86 schrieb:
My house isn’t exactly standard either,What does “standard” mean to you? thoughtless86 schrieb:
I find it unfortunate in some threads and responses in the forum that sometimes people try to impose their views and label other approaches as major design mistakes,“Standard” was once planned and has proven itself over time. Family homes usually achieve optimal layouts with regard to usable and living space. If you need to accommodate four people in 140sqm (1,507 sq ft), certain rules should be followed. Otherwise, the house may not provide enough private areas or storage space for every resident. The result: people often don’t feel comfortable for multiple reasons.
If you can plan generously in relation to the number of occupants or your financial means, you can avoid mistakes by simply having more space. And yes, serious mistakes do exist—these are mostly seen in DIY floor plans.
I find your post quite destructive in that regard.
pagoni2020 schrieb:
I wanted to place my beautiful steel fridge in the dining room, 5 meters (16 feet) away from the kitchen. Definitely not standard, but I liked it that way. Your plan allowed you to find a spot for that 😉