H
hipparbuah24 Dec 2023 15:22Hello everyone,
I would like to introduce my house project and would appreciate any suggestions for improvements, inspiration, and ideas from the community.
First, the questionnaire
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size 513 sqm (about 18 m (59 feet) north-south by 28 m (92 feet) east-west)
Slope Slight incline from northeast to southwest (approx. 1 m (3 feet))
Site coverage ratio 0.3
Floor area ratio 0.6
Building envelope, building line and boundary see ground floor plan
Setbacks According to Bavarian building regulations; boundary garage with 1 m (3 feet) setback
Number of floors I + attic or II (depending on wall or ridge height)
Roof type Gable roof with minimum 60 cm (2 feet) eaves overhang
Orientation Flexible; development plan only a guideline
Maximum heights / limits see development plan excerpt
Access and utility connections from the west
Notes on adjacent areas Plot 201/20: municipal green strip – may be used in exchange for maintenance
Plot 201/16: foot/bike path and green strip – south of this a lightly trafficked street leading to a small village (hamlet) – 30 km/h (19 mph) zone
Plot 201/33: street
Plot 201/38: agricultural green area
Homeowner Requirements
Architectural style, roof type, building type Single-family house with gable roof, regionally typical (Allgäu) with wooden cladding on upper floor and approx. 1 m (3 feet) roof overhang
Basement, floors Basement, ground floor, and upper floor
Number of occupants, ages 2 adults + 1 toddler + possibly 1-2 children in the future
Space requirements ground & upper floor Ground floor: cooking-dining-living area, WC with shower, storage/pantry
Upper floor: master bedroom, 2 children’s rooms, bathroom, "flex" room (dressing room / office / guest room or children’s room)
Office: family use or home office? No separate home office required
Overnight guests per year Few (e.g. partner’s parents) – if family situation changes, possibly none
Open or closed architecture Generally closed architecture
Traditional or modern style Traditional style
Open kitchen, cooking island Open kitchen, cooking island not necessary but with a cooking workspace facing the dining area
Number of dining seats 6-8, more possible for family gatherings with extra tables + chairs
Garage, carport Large garage for two vehicles – 1 family car (Passat, Octavia, A4, etc.) + 1 small car
House design
Who designed the plan? Own design with a 2D program, first adjustments by a building planner
What do you like most? Why? Layout of upper floor with gallery
What do you dislike? Why? Window arrangement – south side, niche for cloakroom (approx. 1 m (3 feet) usable) – want to avoid walking through the hall with street shoes
Garage position – further west desired; garage currently protrudes to the east, relatively far from front door → issue with entrance canopy
Upper floor bathroom – shower in niche practical, but concerns about ceiling height and unusable corner between toilet and shower
Estimated cost according to architect/planner: 500,000 €
Preferred heating system: Air-to-water heat pump
What could you do without? Details/upgrades you can omit
- Could do without: Window seat at dining table, bathtub possibly, roof windows (if daylight is sufficient)
- Cannot do without: Space program, storage/pantry, staircase (only straight or staircase with landing)
Why is the design the way it is now?
Due to the plot and building boundaries, only a narrow, elongated house is possible with a double garage.
Inspirations were gathered from the internet, as well as from friends and relatives, and adapted.
In my opinion, the floor plan is a mix between my cousin’s house and that of a couple of friends, just not as elongated. But you probably don’t know those houses 😉
Points that bother me or where I would appreciate inspiration and suggestions:
- South elevation: all windows are different and not symmetrical or positioned harmoniously.
Idea: The special east-facing window in the dining area is a window seat → move table further north/east toward the window seat
→ Instead of a half-height window and patio door (swing door), use a lift-and-slide door about 2.5 - 3 m (8 -10 feet) wide + kitchen window further east (possibly extended) + align upper floor window position accordingly
Would the south side then look like a window is missing on the west?
- Opinion: Is a roof window necessary/useful in the dressing room (flex room)? (Consider cost including shading and heat protection with roller shutter)
- Garage position: move garage further west → no overhang to the east → possibly shift upper floor (north) windows as well so that less overhang to front door is needed
- Size of cloakroom niche: Is the niche size sufficient? What is the best way to furnish it?
- Upper floor bathroom: How to handle the corner between shower and toilet? Completely close it off or extend the shower (consider splash guard up to ceiling)?
Is a wider shower possible or would the toilet and bathtub need to be moved (possibly corner bathtub)?
Still undecided about the bathtub, as it would mainly be used with our toddler.
I would also be grateful for any “improvements” (what you would do differently) or inspiration.
I would like to introduce my house project and would appreciate any suggestions for improvements, inspiration, and ideas from the community.
First, the questionnaire
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size 513 sqm (about 18 m (59 feet) north-south by 28 m (92 feet) east-west)
Slope Slight incline from northeast to southwest (approx. 1 m (3 feet))
Site coverage ratio 0.3
Floor area ratio 0.6
Building envelope, building line and boundary see ground floor plan
Setbacks According to Bavarian building regulations; boundary garage with 1 m (3 feet) setback
Number of floors I + attic or II (depending on wall or ridge height)
Roof type Gable roof with minimum 60 cm (2 feet) eaves overhang
Orientation Flexible; development plan only a guideline
Maximum heights / limits see development plan excerpt
Access and utility connections from the west
Notes on adjacent areas Plot 201/20: municipal green strip – may be used in exchange for maintenance
Plot 201/16: foot/bike path and green strip – south of this a lightly trafficked street leading to a small village (hamlet) – 30 km/h (19 mph) zone
Plot 201/33: street
Plot 201/38: agricultural green area
Homeowner Requirements
Architectural style, roof type, building type Single-family house with gable roof, regionally typical (Allgäu) with wooden cladding on upper floor and approx. 1 m (3 feet) roof overhang
Basement, floors Basement, ground floor, and upper floor
Number of occupants, ages 2 adults + 1 toddler + possibly 1-2 children in the future
Space requirements ground & upper floor Ground floor: cooking-dining-living area, WC with shower, storage/pantry
Upper floor: master bedroom, 2 children’s rooms, bathroom, "flex" room (dressing room / office / guest room or children’s room)
Office: family use or home office? No separate home office required
Overnight guests per year Few (e.g. partner’s parents) – if family situation changes, possibly none
Open or closed architecture Generally closed architecture
Traditional or modern style Traditional style
Open kitchen, cooking island Open kitchen, cooking island not necessary but with a cooking workspace facing the dining area
Number of dining seats 6-8, more possible for family gatherings with extra tables + chairs
Garage, carport Large garage for two vehicles – 1 family car (Passat, Octavia, A4, etc.) + 1 small car
House design
Who designed the plan? Own design with a 2D program, first adjustments by a building planner
What do you like most? Why? Layout of upper floor with gallery
What do you dislike? Why? Window arrangement – south side, niche for cloakroom (approx. 1 m (3 feet) usable) – want to avoid walking through the hall with street shoes
Garage position – further west desired; garage currently protrudes to the east, relatively far from front door → issue with entrance canopy
Upper floor bathroom – shower in niche practical, but concerns about ceiling height and unusable corner between toilet and shower
Estimated cost according to architect/planner: 500,000 €
Preferred heating system: Air-to-water heat pump
What could you do without? Details/upgrades you can omit
- Could do without: Window seat at dining table, bathtub possibly, roof windows (if daylight is sufficient)
- Cannot do without: Space program, storage/pantry, staircase (only straight or staircase with landing)
Why is the design the way it is now?
Due to the plot and building boundaries, only a narrow, elongated house is possible with a double garage.
Inspirations were gathered from the internet, as well as from friends and relatives, and adapted.
In my opinion, the floor plan is a mix between my cousin’s house and that of a couple of friends, just not as elongated. But you probably don’t know those houses 😉
Points that bother me or where I would appreciate inspiration and suggestions:
- South elevation: all windows are different and not symmetrical or positioned harmoniously.
Idea: The special east-facing window in the dining area is a window seat → move table further north/east toward the window seat
→ Instead of a half-height window and patio door (swing door), use a lift-and-slide door about 2.5 - 3 m (8 -10 feet) wide + kitchen window further east (possibly extended) + align upper floor window position accordingly
Would the south side then look like a window is missing on the west?
- Opinion: Is a roof window necessary/useful in the dressing room (flex room)? (Consider cost including shading and heat protection with roller shutter)
- Garage position: move garage further west → no overhang to the east → possibly shift upper floor (north) windows as well so that less overhang to front door is needed
- Size of cloakroom niche: Is the niche size sufficient? What is the best way to furnish it?
- Upper floor bathroom: How to handle the corner between shower and toilet? Completely close it off or extend the shower (consider splash guard up to ceiling)?
Is a wider shower possible or would the toilet and bathtub need to be moved (possibly corner bathtub)?
Still undecided about the bathtub, as it would mainly be used with our toddler.
I would also be grateful for any “improvements” (what you would do differently) or inspiration.
What material is the house supposed to be built from? The hatching looks more like bricks, but the dimensions don’t match.
What is the purpose of the wall near the (shower?) just before the knee wall?
I don’t see a fireplace, which is more common nowadays.
Which of these two houses inspired the decorative exposed beam box above the sofa?
So, precisely when there are multiple grandchildren, the parents-in-law are supposed to stay away?
Also, the dressing room (“flex room”) becomes unnecessary if there are three kids?
(It’s clear, mothers don’t bother dressing up anymore, right?)
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
What is the purpose of the wall near the (shower?) just before the knee wall?
I don’t see a fireplace, which is more common nowadays.
hipparbuah schrieb:
In my opinion, the floor plan is a mix between my cousin’s house and that of a couple of friends, just not as elongated.
Which of these two houses inspired the decorative exposed beam box above the sofa?
hipparbuah schrieb:
Guest stays per year: few (e.g., the partner’s parents) — if family circumstances don’t allow, then no more.
So, precisely when there are multiple grandchildren, the parents-in-law are supposed to stay away?
Also, the dressing room (“flex room”) becomes unnecessary if there are three kids?
(It’s clear, mothers don’t bother dressing up anymore, right?)
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
The first thing I notice is that the pantry, which I consider unnecessary in a house with a basement, has been given the best location.
Then, the kitchen area with the high window will likely be quite dark, and overall the large open space (kitchen/dining/living) will receive little natural light and sunlight. I also find the layout of the kitchen/dining area with only 326 cm (128 inches) depth less than ideal... kitchen planning will definitely result in a rather small kitchen.
The cloakroom corner with a depth of 100 cm (39 inches) is also not very practical. If you have a wardrobe for jackets there, only about 40 cm (16 inches) of walking space remains at most, otherwise the jackets cannot be nicely hung side by side on hangers, but have to be hung one behind the other on 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) of depth.
Overall, the external dimensions of 750 x 1200 cm (295 x 472 inches) are not that large, but a lot of hallway space, which is poorly usable, is used up. Then I wonder about the garage... for 2 cars? What about bicycles, lawnmowers, etc.? There is plenty of basement space, but it is not easily accessible for these items.
The bedroom on the upper floor does not allow for a good built-in wardrobe setup.
You should definitely ensure that windows, etc., are positioned so that the entire wall can be used for wardrobe depth. Including doors and accounting for raw construction dimensions, a depth of 70 cm (28 inches) should always be assumed. In my opinion, this depth is not achieved on the dressing room wall on the left side of the plan. Additionally, the upper floor has knee walls only 185 cm (73 inches) high. Why is that?
Due to the location on the property, with a wide garage and side clearance, the garden area on the south/southwest side is quite limited. Oh, I just read again that the southern part of the property can be used... so why such modest windows on the south/southeast? This is the main source of light, especially in winter.
EDIT: Is the primary orientation freely selectable? What about installing photovoltaic panels?
Then, the kitchen area with the high window will likely be quite dark, and overall the large open space (kitchen/dining/living) will receive little natural light and sunlight. I also find the layout of the kitchen/dining area with only 326 cm (128 inches) depth less than ideal... kitchen planning will definitely result in a rather small kitchen.
The cloakroom corner with a depth of 100 cm (39 inches) is also not very practical. If you have a wardrobe for jackets there, only about 40 cm (16 inches) of walking space remains at most, otherwise the jackets cannot be nicely hung side by side on hangers, but have to be hung one behind the other on 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) of depth.
Overall, the external dimensions of 750 x 1200 cm (295 x 472 inches) are not that large, but a lot of hallway space, which is poorly usable, is used up. Then I wonder about the garage... for 2 cars? What about bicycles, lawnmowers, etc.? There is plenty of basement space, but it is not easily accessible for these items.
The bedroom on the upper floor does not allow for a good built-in wardrobe setup.
You should definitely ensure that windows, etc., are positioned so that the entire wall can be used for wardrobe depth. Including doors and accounting for raw construction dimensions, a depth of 70 cm (28 inches) should always be assumed. In my opinion, this depth is not achieved on the dressing room wall on the left side of the plan. Additionally, the upper floor has knee walls only 185 cm (73 inches) high. Why is that?
Due to the location on the property, with a wide garage and side clearance, the garden area on the south/southwest side is quite limited. Oh, I just read again that the southern part of the property can be used... so why such modest windows on the south/southeast? This is the main source of light, especially in winter.
EDIT: Is the primary orientation freely selectable? What about installing photovoltaic panels?
X
xMisterDx25 Dec 2023 14:10The cars will be happy, but you will be frustrated for a lifetime with the narrow space you live in. Complete poor planning...
Either the garage is placed in front of the house somehow, or you give it up altogether?
They’re just cars... they’re used to sleeping outside.
Either the garage is placed in front of the house somehow, or you give it up altogether?
They’re just cars... they’re used to sleeping outside.
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