Dear all, I have been following the discussions in this forum for some time and find the feedback on individual questions very helpful. We are building for the first time – with all the knowledge gaps that come with it… ;-)
Our plot is challenging because it is triangular, narrow, and has a requirement of 4m (13 feet) setbacks at the front building line and 20m (66 feet) to the tip. However, the orientation is great, and we have a beautiful distant view. We want to preserve as much garden space as possible and also enjoy an unobstructed view of nature and maximum sunlight – from sunrise to sunset. That’s why we are considering a partly “floating” living area on the upper floor with a terrace and access to the garden. Direct access from the ground floor to the garden is not a priority for us.
Due to building regulations, a large portion to the east remains undevelopable or possibly usable for outbuildings. Access is intended through this area, which will become the front garden. The house should be wheelchair accessible. The space should be used optimally, with plenty of storage, flexible, multifunctional rooms, and large floor-to-ceiling windows/doors or fixed glazing.
What do you think of our ideas? What weaknesses do you see?
Thanks in advance for any honest criticism and suggestions.
Development plan
Plot size – 590m2 (6350 sq ft)
Slight slope and southwest orientation
Maximum height – 8m (26 feet)
Client requirements
Clear lines, flat or shed roof
Floors – ground floor, upper floor, attic, total approx. 190m2 (2045 sq ft)
Occupants – 2 people in their prime and 2 dogs
Office: home office
Annual guest sleepers – 5 to 10
Open architecture
Construction method – modern design, clear and minimal shapes with interesting accents and deliberate contrasts that give the house a discreet uniqueness (facade, materials, etc.)
Open kitchen, possibly an island, but with some visual screening (bar or similar)
Number of dining seats – 8
Fireplace – ideally as a room divider between living and dining areas
Music/sound wall – soundbar at the TV, additional speakers distributed throughout the house
Balcony, roof terrace – on upper floor and attic
Carport for 2 cars
House design
Architect’s plan
Ground floor – entrance, utility rooms, fitness/work/guest room, bathroom & sauna
Upper floor – living, cooking & dining, close to nature, sunny, cozy, “public area,” terrace
Attic – bedrooms, sunny private retreat area, terrace
Garden – ideally visually extended, covered terrace, biotope near the terrace
What do you particularly like?
The open living-dining area on the first floor, the floor-to-ceiling windows, the path of the sun through the living area.
What do you not like?
We feel the room layout could be better, and maybe the same living feeling can be achieved with less square footage.
On the ground floor, only the sauna is shown; shower, sink, and toilet are still missing. The large room for fitness/work/guest use seems a bit oversized.
Preferred heating technology: geothermal probes and photovoltaic panels on the roof
Attachments: site plan, floor plans, exterior view
Our plot is challenging because it is triangular, narrow, and has a requirement of 4m (13 feet) setbacks at the front building line and 20m (66 feet) to the tip. However, the orientation is great, and we have a beautiful distant view. We want to preserve as much garden space as possible and also enjoy an unobstructed view of nature and maximum sunlight – from sunrise to sunset. That’s why we are considering a partly “floating” living area on the upper floor with a terrace and access to the garden. Direct access from the ground floor to the garden is not a priority for us.
Due to building regulations, a large portion to the east remains undevelopable or possibly usable for outbuildings. Access is intended through this area, which will become the front garden. The house should be wheelchair accessible. The space should be used optimally, with plenty of storage, flexible, multifunctional rooms, and large floor-to-ceiling windows/doors or fixed glazing.
What do you think of our ideas? What weaknesses do you see?
Thanks in advance for any honest criticism and suggestions.
Development plan
Plot size – 590m2 (6350 sq ft)
Slight slope and southwest orientation
Maximum height – 8m (26 feet)
Client requirements
Clear lines, flat or shed roof
Floors – ground floor, upper floor, attic, total approx. 190m2 (2045 sq ft)
Occupants – 2 people in their prime and 2 dogs
Office: home office
Annual guest sleepers – 5 to 10
Open architecture
Construction method – modern design, clear and minimal shapes with interesting accents and deliberate contrasts that give the house a discreet uniqueness (facade, materials, etc.)
Open kitchen, possibly an island, but with some visual screening (bar or similar)
Number of dining seats – 8
Fireplace – ideally as a room divider between living and dining areas
Music/sound wall – soundbar at the TV, additional speakers distributed throughout the house
Balcony, roof terrace – on upper floor and attic
Carport for 2 cars
House design
Architect’s plan
Ground floor – entrance, utility rooms, fitness/work/guest room, bathroom & sauna
Upper floor – living, cooking & dining, close to nature, sunny, cozy, “public area,” terrace
Attic – bedrooms, sunny private retreat area, terrace
Garden – ideally visually extended, covered terrace, biotope near the terrace
What do you particularly like?
The open living-dining area on the first floor, the floor-to-ceiling windows, the path of the sun through the living area.
What do you not like?
We feel the room layout could be better, and maybe the same living feeling can be achieved with less square footage.
On the ground floor, only the sauna is shown; shower, sink, and toilet are still missing. The large room for fitness/work/guest use seems a bit oversized.
Preferred heating technology: geothermal probes and photovoltaic panels on the roof
Attachments: site plan, floor plans, exterior view
driver55 schrieb:
That’s roughly like looking for designer shoes for €75.I like that comparison! Of course, you can find affordable designer shoes as well (I’m an expert on that…). You just have to be flexible with the model or color and keep an eye out for sales.
Regarding the budget: we know it’s tight (especially in times like these). We also have a certain buffer, but our goal is to carry out the project as economically as possible and to be creative in saving where it won’t reduce living quality. Examples include fixed glazing instead of many sliding doors, cast asphalt floors, corrugated metal facades, polycarbonate panels, geothermal baskets… And yes, as Katja already mentioned, maybe downsizing a bit as well.
I appreciate your ideas and experiences on where smart savings can be made. Unfortunately, the many comments just saying “that will never work” don’t help me at all…
Sunny_OE schrieb:
* Our goal is to build as cost-effectively as possible, and the latest estimate for the house is 600,000 (without fence, garden, and pool).
How much personal work are you planning to contribute?
So are you managing everything yourself from design phase 4 onward?
For example, building the shell of the house on your own?
But I really like the house!
All in, excluding the land (you want a pool, glass railings, a wood-burning stove, geothermal baskets, etc.)
In my opinion, anything starting from 1 million becomes noticeably more manageable and realistic.
Above all, the term "economical" does not fit at all with the floor plan and the requirements (elevator, pool, glass railings, hanging fireplace, etc.).
Of course, all of that looks nice, but honestly: With a budget of 600,000€ and this floor plan, these are all pipe dreams and far from a realistic plan.
Of course, all of that looks nice, but honestly: With a budget of 600,000€ and this floor plan, these are all pipe dreams and far from a realistic plan.
N
Neubau202213 Aug 2022 09:50kbt09 schrieb:
If I roughly calculate everything, that's just under 210 sqm (2260 sq ft) of living space spread over 3 very complex levels. With the different levels shown in the plans, glass railings, elevator, large spans, I doubt it can be completed for 600,000 euros.I don't doubt that. I am quite certain it won't work. It will more likely be around 800,000 €.
TmMike_2 schrieb:
How much equity can you contribute?
You want a pool, glass railings, a wood stove, geothermal baskets, etc.
In my opinion, anything below 1 million is significantly easier and more realistic. Thanks for your comments, @TmMike_2
Regarding the geothermal baskets – our research has shown that they are a cost-effective and quickly implemented solution. In any case, they are cheaper than deep drilling. Geothermal baskets also help promote soil regeneration.
Apart from the intellectual and creative input, we want to leave the rest to professionals. The savings from doing it yourself are limited anyway, so I prefer to focus on what I really can do – my job.
I never said we want glass railings. Definitely a wood stove, although it doesn’t have to be the luxury suspended type. The pool, if it turns out to be tight on budget, would be postponed until later.
As I said, I appreciate any suggestions.
Neubau2022 schrieb:
I have no doubt about that. I am quite sure it won't work out. It will probably be closer to 800,000 € (about 860,000 USD). As I said, there is a buffer, and it ranges up to the amount you mentioned. At the moment, however, we are focusing on our target and trying to achieve it as best as possible. Ideas and tips are very welcome.
My main question, though, was whether there are any ideas or suggestions for improving the floor plan, or if you notice any fundamental mistakes. That would be very helpful. We are already keeping an eye on our budget.
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