ᐅ Floor plan of a 172 m² bungalow in Brandenburg, south of Berlin
Created on: 14 Jan 2022 15:18
S
Sorrow87
Hello everyone,
I’m new to the forum and have already found some valuable tips here. My wife and I have purchased a plot of land in Brandenburg, south of Berlin. We plan to contact the first construction companies in February, work on the planning, and aim to start the building phase by the end of the year. Our goal is to move into the bungalow by January 1, 2024, at the latest.
Our ideas for our own home are already quite well developed. At the moment, we have two main questions: Is our project feasible, and if so, which local construction companies would be suitable in the area? Perhaps some of you can offer valuable advice. We thank you in advance for your time and support. Below, I would like to present our design while considering the list of questions. The floor plan is also attached, and I hope it uploads at the same quality as the original image file I have.
Development Plan / Restrictions
Homeowner Requirements
House Design
What can we give up?
What can we give up?
Why is our design like this?
Main question
Is our building project feasible according to the development plan, our specifications and wishes, and within our budget? If yes, with whom?
We look forward to your feedback and are open to honest criticism because only that will help us move forward and open opportunities we may not currently consider due to being perhaps too convinced of our floor plan.
We are currently looking for both local and larger construction companies for a project south of Berlin. We would appreciate any tips on companies that can realize such a project (especially a bungalow). If necessary, private messages are also welcome.
Thank you in advance for all your efforts.
I’m new to the forum and have already found some valuable tips here. My wife and I have purchased a plot of land in Brandenburg, south of Berlin. We plan to contact the first construction companies in February, work on the planning, and aim to start the building phase by the end of the year. Our goal is to move into the bungalow by January 1, 2024, at the latest.
Our ideas for our own home are already quite well developed. At the moment, we have two main questions: Is our project feasible, and if so, which local construction companies would be suitable in the area? Perhaps some of you can offer valuable advice. We thank you in advance for your time and support. Below, I would like to present our design while considering the list of questions. The floor plan is also attached, and I hope it uploads at the same quality as the original image file I have.
Development Plan / Restrictions
- Approximately 763 m2 (8,210 sq ft) with a 23.41 m (77 ft) frontage and 32.58 m (107 ft) depth, facing northwest.
- Construction according to development plan
- No slope on the land
- Site coverage ratio = 0.4 (may be exceeded by 50% due to garages, parking spaces with access routes, and ancillary structures as per § 14 of the Land Use Ordinance)
- Floor area ratio not specified
- Building envelope
- Building setback 4 m (13 ft) from street boundary line
- Building area: 23.41 m (length) x 20 m (depth)
- Protrusions up to 1.5 m (5 ft) allowed beyond building boundaries (pillars, cornices, roof overhangs, balconies, loggias, terraces, entrance steps and their coverings)
- Boundary construction
- Buildings allowed with side boundary setback and maximum length of 20 m (66 ft)
- Setbacks and distances according to § 6 of Brandenburg Building Regulations (BbgBO)
- Parking spaces, garages, and ancillary structures as per § 14 of the Land Use Ordinance are not allowed on non-buildable areas of the plot within 5.0 m (16 ft) measured from the street boundary line. For more than one parking space, an uncovered space may be located on the access area at a minimum distance of 3.0 m (10 ft) from the street boundary.
- Number of permitted full stories = I-II
- Construction method: variant "a"
- Maximum roof pitch 30°
- Roof covering
- Tiles and roof slates, flat and shaped metal sheets and strips, flat slate shingles, and green roofs
- Solar thermal and photovoltaic systems permitted
- Permanently shiny and glazed roof surfaces are not allowed
- Landscaping requirements
- Driveways, parking spaces, and other ancillary areas must be constructed with water- and air-permeable surfaces
- Rainwater must infiltrate on-site
- At least one nesting aid must be installed on each residential building
- At least one tree with a minimum trunk circumference of 10 m (33 ft) must be planted every 18 m (59 ft) of plot frontage within 5 m (16 ft) of the street boundary
- An additional tree with a trunk circumference of 10 to 12 m (33 to 39 ft) must be planted on each plot
Homeowner Requirements
- A single-story, nearly square bungalow without a basement, with a hipped roof
- Construction method
- Solid and monolithic
- Stone: Sandstone for sound insulation, but since we definitely do not want external insulation (ETICS), this is not possible; we will use the stone type that the builder is most experienced with; based on research, we prefer perlite-filled bricks, but expanded clay types are also acceptable
- Exterior plaster: Whatever the builder has the best experience with, painted in a light smoky blue; no brick cladding
- Roof: Cold roof (no attic use), so the ceiling must be insulated
- Two people in their mid-30s, planning to remain childfree
- Guests per year: so far none, as this is just being made possible now
- Currently planned living area approximately 172 m2 (1,850 sq ft)
- An open living area including
- Kitchen with island
- Two dining areas (breakfast table for two and dining table for up to eight people)
- Fireplace area with seating, wine fridge, and storage for fine beverages
- A home cinema area with surround sound system, TV, large couch, and storage furniture
- A bedroom with a 2 m x 2 m (6.6 ft x 6.6 ft) bed, two nightstands, and a dresser
- A walk-in closet and dressing room
- A bathroom with bathtub and T-wall for a large sink, shower, toilet, and two entrances
- No guest bathroom, since we have no children, do not build for guests, our planned main bathroom will be nice, and guest visits will be rare and orderly; we consider a guest bathroom unnecessary for all these reasons
- A multi-purpose room for mobile work, hobbies, and a pull-out sofa bed for up to two guests
- A technical room with heating system, electrical connection, water connection, main utility connection box, and possibly a water softener
- A utility room for washing machine, dryer, chest freezer, shelves, and work surface for small DIY tasks
- Entrance area with built-in closet for shoes and clothing
- Outdoor area with
- Terrace with a maximum depth of 3 m (10 ft) wrapping around the left corner of the house, facing northwest and southwest
- One parking space for one car, probably as a carport on the left; two spaces would be ideal if a second car is acquired, but this would likely require building on the boundary line on the right side, which we want to avoid; tips on enabling two parking spaces are welcome
- Entrance: gentle ramp to the front door with no steps and no canopy
- Window design
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with black plastic frames in the open living area and bedroom, 35 cm (14 in) below the ceiling
- Terrace door without threshold
- Windows with black plastic frames in every room with a sill height of 87.5 cm (34 in) and 35 cm (14 in) below the ceiling; we would appreciate advice on whether this is suitable for the bathroom, dressing room, utility room, and technical room or if other heights would be better
- All windows with external blinds (raffstores), with very good burglary protection and sound insulation
- No aluminum window sills on the outside (they make noise in rain); materials are not yet decided
- Front door without threshold, simple design with frosted side glass, very good sound insulation and burglary protection
- Interior finishing
- Room height after all construction work should be 2.60 to 2.70 m (8.5 to 8.9 ft)
- Interior plaster: lime plaster, no lime-cement or gypsum plaster
- Kitchen and bathroom tiled, all other rooms with light parquet (parquet to be installed by us)
- Hi-fi room painted matte black, all other rooms painted white; no wallpaper in any room
- Utility room initially concrete, will be tiled later
- Technical room concrete floor
- Technical systems
- Heating systems
- Ground heat collectors or ground source heat pump
- Underfloor heating
- Ventilation: manual
- Water softener: probably yes, but we need more information before confirming
- Photovoltaic/solar thermal: desirable if at no extra cost, but we are skeptical about payback; if someone can convince us otherwise, we’re open
- Hot water storage tank: yes, since we prefer bathing over showering
- No KfW (energy efficiency) subsidy, as we’re not convinced, but would like to know what we can achieve with our house
House Design
- Own design made using HomeByMe
- We particularly like:
- That we were able to create a design at all
- Separation of technical and living areas
- Open large living area with kitchen, fireplace, and big dining table
- Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area
- Barrier-free entry and exit with no thresholds
- Separation of technical room and utility room
- Living on one level (we are fit but want comfort and consider aging)
- We do not like:
- That prices and interest rates are rising and materials are in short supply, and we probably should have started building two years earlier
- Our needs resulted in such a large living area
- Two cars probably cannot fit side by side into a carport
- Our ideas will probably lead to significant additional costs
- We have not yet obtained a price estimate from an expert
- Price limit for the house excluding land: 400,000 €
- The plot was purchased recently and is being paid off with a variable loan that will be converted to a fixed construction loan
What can we give up?
- We can give up
- Living space, if a few centimeters can be saved here and there to reduce costs
- Separation of utility room and technical room, if necessary
- A poor-quality construction company
- We cannot give up
- Monolithic construction method
- Separation of home cinema and living area
- Open kitchen with island
- Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area and barrier-free house entry
- Bathroom design
- Dressing room
- Fireplace
- Excellent burglary protection
What can we give up?
- Living space, if a few centimeters can be saved
- Separation of utility room and technical room, if not feasible
- Poor-quality construction company
Why is our design like this?
- We thought carefully about what we absolutely want and then started planning accordingly
- The design feels very right to us
Main question
Is our building project feasible according to the development plan, our specifications and wishes, and within our budget? If yes, with whom?
We look forward to your feedback and are open to honest criticism because only that will help us move forward and open opportunities we may not currently consider due to being perhaps too convinced of our floor plan.
We are currently looking for both local and larger construction companies for a project south of Berlin. We would appreciate any tips on companies that can realize such a project (especially a bungalow). If necessary, private messages are also welcome.
Thank you in advance for all your efforts.
Myrna_Loy schrieb:
I would at least have the connections for a potential toilet installed in the utility room. Especially considering the resale value.Absolutely. A seven-series sedan with full leather but a 1.6-liter engine would be left to rust at the dealership of a nearly new car.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
First of all, some fundamental points:
There are more than enough discussions about this here in the forum. The search function at the top right is your friend.
But ultimately, it’s your decision. Ventilation is still allowed without it.
You can basically write a lot in your comments, as can we... but is it correct?! You perceive many things differently, sometimes "blinded," sometimes idealistic... We are here to point you toward mistakes that have actually been made in homes or to share experienced advice. And believe me: my partner and I don’t need a toilet partition, are otherwise healthy. But a second toilet greatly relaxes the daily schedule and morning routine, making life in the house much easier. You don’t have to rush or wait... when nature calls, do you want to hop in the shower? Oh no...
Yes, why not? Before I read the text I want to see a drawing. Even a rough sketch in a notebook works.
It’s not about personal taste, but I also don’t dislike it. This thing will probably cost you about €20,000–€25,000 (if the fireplace itself costs €15,000), including chimney and structural reinforcements of the wooden ceiling. And are you aware that you’re not allowed to operate it often?
Many people have nice things, but you are building differently. Surely they also have a different room layout/house design etc... you can like many things, but you do not have to have them.
Who’s telling you that myth?
Completely wrong approach: crossing out wishes is destructive and makes you sad. Deleting a floor plan on the computer isn’t any better 😉
No one has tried to talk you out of it.
Why?
Give us your reasons why an east-facing bedroom is nice? I don’t know your daily routine, but if you get up in summer mornings, you won’t even notice it. On weekends the sun is already further away, more southwest. In winter the east doesn’t play a role, just as the west doesn’t, when it comes to the sun’s position. For bedridden people—which you are not, as you said—the east side would be perfect.
Great!
I kept that in the simulation. But honestly: where do the 35cm come from? 😉
Honestly? Since you’re sticking to the framework of a 15 x 15-meter (49 x 49 feet) villa anyway, why should I rack my brain? But I quickly sketched a house with the room program and orientation in mind... that would be my starting point.
Welcome to being neighbors. You’re one too now 🙂
Is that so bad? You get to choose the hedge yourself...
Nice dimensions!
That’s true.
West-facing sun is similar to east-facing sun in that regard.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
convincing arguments that would persuade me in favor of ventilation (whether central or decentralized)
There are more than enough discussions about this here in the forum. The search function at the top right is your friend.
But ultimately, it’s your decision. Ventilation is still allowed without it.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
We don’t want a second toilet.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
That was clearly explained in my first comment.
You can basically write a lot in your comments, as can we... but is it correct?! You perceive many things differently, sometimes "blinded," sometimes idealistic... We are here to point you toward mistakes that have actually been made in homes or to share experienced advice. And believe me: my partner and I don’t need a toilet partition, are otherwise healthy. But a second toilet greatly relaxes the daily schedule and morning routine, making life in the house much easier. You don’t have to rush or wait... when nature calls, do you want to hop in the shower? Oh no...
Sorrow87 schrieb:
Again something about the neighboring properties. They don’t appear here.
Yes, why not? Before I read the text I want to see a drawing. Even a rough sketch in a notebook works.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
It is open and made of wood. Please google “Gyrofocus” and “fireplace” together. You might not like it 😉 We do.
It’s not about personal taste, but I also don’t dislike it. This thing will probably cost you about €20,000–€25,000 (if the fireplace itself costs €15,000), including chimney and structural reinforcements of the wooden ceiling. And are you aware that you’re not allowed to operate it often?
Sorrow87 schrieb:
That’s exactly how we want it and we have seen the same with friends who built; we find it very nice.
Many people have nice things, but you are building differently. Surely they also have a different room layout/house design etc... you can like many things, but you do not have to have them.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
No load-bearing walls.
Who’s telling you that myth?
Sorrow87 schrieb:
First of all, I think one should try to maximize everything and then make compromises.
Completely wrong approach: crossing out wishes is destructive and makes you sad. Deleting a floor plan on the computer isn’t any better 😉
Sorrow87 schrieb:
The T-wall will remain.
No one has tried to talk you out of it.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
We would like the bedroom facing east.
Why?
Sorrow87 schrieb:
Are there other arguments for different planning options?
Give us your reasons why an east-facing bedroom is nice? I don’t know your daily routine, but if you get up in summer mornings, you won’t even notice it. On weekends the sun is already further away, more southwest. In winter the east doesn’t play a role, just as the west doesn’t, when it comes to the sun’s position. For bedridden people—which you are not, as you said—the east side would be perfect.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
Thanks, we will probably follow the advice about the 60cm depth.
Great!
Sorrow87 schrieb:
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area are important to us, as well as window heights reaching up to 35cm below the ceiling.
I kept that in the simulation. But honestly: where do the 35cm come from? 😉
Sorrow87 schrieb:
Rather towards the lower corner by the utility room or upper corner of the bedroom or centered at the bathroom/kitchen? I’m not clear on where you would plan bedroom/bathroom/walk-in closet/technical room.
Honestly? Since you’re sticking to the framework of a 15 x 15-meter (49 x 49 feet) villa anyway, why should I rack my brain? But I quickly sketched a house with the room program and orientation in mind... that would be my starting point.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
So the southwest corner means I already have the neighbor’s house front or the fence in front of me.
Welcome to being neighbors. You’re one too now 🙂
Sorrow87 schrieb:
or a hedge, I’m looking at.
Is that so bad? You get to choose the hedge yourself...
Sorrow87 schrieb:
Our plot is almost 33 meters long.
Nice dimensions!
Sorrow87 schrieb:
There’s definitely a spot on the lawn to avoid the not-so-large shadow of the bungalow.
That’s true.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
I prefer to enjoy the west-facing sun in the upper left and look in that direction while eating.
West-facing sun is similar to east-facing sun in that regard.
Sorrow87 schrieb:
450,000 € (about $490,000) are still available. For more, we need to consult the bank again. May I ask what this amount covers?
What is your overall budget estimate for everything?
I don’t want to dwell on it either. :p
Funny to read:
...
The last part sounds like you’re skipping the guest toilet because then you wouldn’t be able to show off your "nice bathroom" 😉
Funny to read:
Sorrow87 schrieb:
(we are fit, but want it comfortable and consider our age)
Sorrow87 schrieb:
but designing our house around the idea that we might get cancer or other chronic illnesses someday doesn’t help me.
...
Sorrow87 schrieb:
no guest bathroom, since we won’t have children, we’re not building for guests, and our planned bathroom will be very nice,
The last part sounds like you’re skipping the guest toilet because then you wouldn’t be able to show off your "nice bathroom" 😉
I find it inappropriate to insist so persistently on a second bathroom when the original poster clearly states they do not want one. What is your problem with that? People have different amounts of guests. The OP surely knows how it is in their household.
I also often find it amusing how some here try to present themselves as the perfect hosts of high society. Claims are made like “Guests should be led to the sofa for a drink.” Or entire kitchens are planned specifically for evenings with guests, where the kitchen supposedly must include a show cooktop facing the guests to put the final touches on a 10-course meal while everyone sips aperitifs together.
Yeah, right. This probably happens three times a year, and for the other 362 evenings, the show kitchen is full of schoolbooks and clutter.
I really appreciate that the OP sticks firmly to their needs and does not let others convince them to do it the “better” way.
Stay true to yourself!
I also often find it amusing how some here try to present themselves as the perfect hosts of high society. Claims are made like “Guests should be led to the sofa for a drink.” Or entire kitchens are planned specifically for evenings with guests, where the kitchen supposedly must include a show cooktop facing the guests to put the final touches on a 10-course meal while everyone sips aperitifs together.
Yeah, right. This probably happens three times a year, and for the other 362 evenings, the show kitchen is full of schoolbooks and clutter.
I really appreciate that the OP sticks firmly to their needs and does not let others convince them to do it the “better” way.
Stay true to yourself!