ᐅ Floor Plan Design (Semi-Detached House on 240 sqm) – Any Experiences?
Created on: 7 Aug 2024 10:58
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D-Zug88Hello everyone,
I am completely new to the topic of building and also new to this forum, so please forgive me if I ask some basic questions.
Our starting point:
Desired:
- House with a basement (neighbor is building with a basement, we want that too, and it is strongly recommended due to foundation requirements. See also the topic about stepped foundation or underpinning.)
The house should have 2 full stories plus a gable roof with a maximum ridge height of 11 m (36 ft), eaves height of 6.5 m (21 ft), and roof pitch of 20°. Floor space ratio of 0.4 / 0.7 as area requirement. A garage would be great, but I suspect that might be tight.
The plot is 240 sqm (2,583 sq ft) with 2 parking spaces required, including the development plan.
We feel a bit lost and simply took an example from the internet that represents our absolute dream. However, it has 174 sqm (1,873 sq ft) of living space. How to get a floor plan with around 130-140 sqm (1,399–1,507 sq ft), I would really need help with that.
I can well imagine sacrificing the "office" on the ground floor for a proper hallway for stroller storage, etc., so that a straight staircase with storage underneath would be possible. I think this would make the living and dining area larger again or make the house smaller, thus more garden space.
I tried to draw something on my own using some "architect software" but I’m totally lost. I am familiar with CAD for milling and similar, but this is beyond my skills.
Any tips and support or even a reality check would be much appreciated.

Excerpts from the development plan
[IMG width="797px" alt="1722930877872.png"]https://www.hausbau-forum.de/attachments/1722930877872-png.87070/[/IMG]
Design of Semi-Detached Houses and Housing Groups
Semi-detached houses and housing groups must have the same roof shape, roof pitch, and ridge orientation (for pitched roofs). If the buildings are not constructed at the same time, the later building must comply with the criteria mentioned above according to the specifications of the first building.
When constructing buildings with apartments, the required parking spaces per dwelling unit are as follows:
▪ For apartments / units over 50 sqm (540 sq ft) of living space at least 1.5 parking spaces,
▪ For apartments / units up to 50 sqm (540 sq ft) of living space at least 1 parking space.
The total number per building project must be rounded up to the next whole number (i.e., for detached, semi-detached, row and terraced houses, at least 2 parking spaces must be provided per dwelling unit).
Parking Spaces, Garages, and Buildings for Bicycle Storage and/or Waste Containers in WA 1 - WA 3 Areas (§ 9 para. 1 no. 4 Building Code and §§ 12 and 14 Land Use Ordinance)
When creating parking spaces and garages with their driveways, the areas specified in the plan without entrances and exits must be observed.
A 5.1 Underground Garages (UG)
Underground garages are permitted even outside the buildable areas of the plot.
A 5.2 Above-Ground Garages (Ga), Covered Parking Spaces/Carports (Cp), and Buildings for Bicycle Storage and/or Waste Containers
Garages, carports, and buildings for storing necessary bicycle parking and/or waste containers are also permitted outside the buildable areas of the plot.
A minimum distance of 0.5 m (1.6 ft) must be maintained from public road boundaries for garages and buildings for bicycle storage and/or waste containers; on their driveway or access sides at least 1.5 m (5 ft).
Carports (with supports and roofs) must maintain a minimum distance of 0.5 m (1.6 ft) from boundaries of public road areas.
A 5.3 Open Parking Spaces (St)
Open parking spaces are permitted outside the buildable areas on the entire building plot, provided no other restrictions apply (e.g. planting regulations or driveway prohibitions).
A 6 Other Outbuildings in WA 1 - WA 3 Areas (§ 9 para. 1 no. 4 Building Code and § 14 Land Use Ordinance)
Garages, carports, and buildings for necessary bicycle parking and/or waste containers are not considered outbuildings according to the following provisions:
Only one outbuilding with a maximum volume of 25 cubic meters (883 cubic feet) is allowed per residential/main building. The minimum distance of outbuildings from the boundaries of public road areas must be 1.5 m (5 ft).
I am completely new to the topic of building and also new to this forum, so please forgive me if I ask some basic questions.
Our starting point:
Desired:
- House with a basement (neighbor is building with a basement, we want that too, and it is strongly recommended due to foundation requirements. See also the topic about stepped foundation or underpinning.)
The house should have 2 full stories plus a gable roof with a maximum ridge height of 11 m (36 ft), eaves height of 6.5 m (21 ft), and roof pitch of 20°. Floor space ratio of 0.4 / 0.7 as area requirement. A garage would be great, but I suspect that might be tight.
The plot is 240 sqm (2,583 sq ft) with 2 parking spaces required, including the development plan.
We feel a bit lost and simply took an example from the internet that represents our absolute dream. However, it has 174 sqm (1,873 sq ft) of living space. How to get a floor plan with around 130-140 sqm (1,399–1,507 sq ft), I would really need help with that.
I can well imagine sacrificing the "office" on the ground floor for a proper hallway for stroller storage, etc., so that a straight staircase with storage underneath would be possible. I think this would make the living and dining area larger again or make the house smaller, thus more garden space.
I tried to draw something on my own using some "architect software" but I’m totally lost. I am familiar with CAD for milling and similar, but this is beyond my skills.
Any tips and support or even a reality check would be much appreciated.
Excerpts from the development plan
[IMG width="797px" alt="1722930877872.png"]https://www.hausbau-forum.de/attachments/1722930877872-png.87070/[/IMG]
Design of Semi-Detached Houses and Housing Groups
Semi-detached houses and housing groups must have the same roof shape, roof pitch, and ridge orientation (for pitched roofs). If the buildings are not constructed at the same time, the later building must comply with the criteria mentioned above according to the specifications of the first building.
When constructing buildings with apartments, the required parking spaces per dwelling unit are as follows:
▪ For apartments / units over 50 sqm (540 sq ft) of living space at least 1.5 parking spaces,
▪ For apartments / units up to 50 sqm (540 sq ft) of living space at least 1 parking space.
The total number per building project must be rounded up to the next whole number (i.e., for detached, semi-detached, row and terraced houses, at least 2 parking spaces must be provided per dwelling unit).
Parking Spaces, Garages, and Buildings for Bicycle Storage and/or Waste Containers in WA 1 - WA 3 Areas (§ 9 para. 1 no. 4 Building Code and §§ 12 and 14 Land Use Ordinance)
When creating parking spaces and garages with their driveways, the areas specified in the plan without entrances and exits must be observed.
A 5.1 Underground Garages (UG)
Underground garages are permitted even outside the buildable areas of the plot.
A 5.2 Above-Ground Garages (Ga), Covered Parking Spaces/Carports (Cp), and Buildings for Bicycle Storage and/or Waste Containers
Garages, carports, and buildings for storing necessary bicycle parking and/or waste containers are also permitted outside the buildable areas of the plot.
A minimum distance of 0.5 m (1.6 ft) must be maintained from public road boundaries for garages and buildings for bicycle storage and/or waste containers; on their driveway or access sides at least 1.5 m (5 ft).
Carports (with supports and roofs) must maintain a minimum distance of 0.5 m (1.6 ft) from boundaries of public road areas.
A 5.3 Open Parking Spaces (St)
Open parking spaces are permitted outside the buildable areas on the entire building plot, provided no other restrictions apply (e.g. planting regulations or driveway prohibitions).
A 6 Other Outbuildings in WA 1 - WA 3 Areas (§ 9 para. 1 no. 4 Building Code and § 14 Land Use Ordinance)
Garages, carports, and buildings for necessary bicycle parking and/or waste containers are not considered outbuildings according to the following provisions:
Only one outbuilding with a maximum volume of 25 cubic meters (883 cubic feet) is allowed per residential/main building. The minimum distance of outbuildings from the boundaries of public road areas must be 1.5 m (5 ft).
D-Zug88 schrieb:
Semi-detached houses and housing groups must have the same roof shape, roof pitch, and ridge direction (for pitched roofs). Meaning: coordination with your neighbor!
How are they building? Who are they building with?
An architect?
No matter how much you plan for a gable roof, if your neighbor builds a shed roof faster, your planning is almost wasted.
D-Zug88 schrieb:
We are grateful for every tip, support, or "wake-up call." You should build the housing project together. Small individual adjustments are generally possible, but not for the exterior shell.
D-Zug88 schrieb:
I tried to draw something independently with "Architect SW," but I’m completely lost. I can handle CAD for milling and so on, but that’s beyond me. Yeah, the first step would be to consult an architect or a general contractor/home builder who can build the appropriate semi-detached house there.
D-Zug88 schrieb:
0.4 / 0.7 as site coverage ratios Meaning: up to 96 sqm (1,031 sq ft) can be built over, and a total living area of 168 sqm (1,808 sq ft) is ultimately allowed.
D-Zug88 schrieb:
Plot areas across the entire building site Then show it and upload the site plan with the building boundaries.
ypg schrieb:
It means: coordinate with your neighbor!
How is their house being built? Who are they building with?
Architect?
You can plan a gable roof all you want – but if your neighbor puts up a shed roof faster, your planning may be nearly wasted.
You should have the houses built together. Minor individual details are generally possible, but not the exterior shell.
Yeah, the first step would be to consult an architect or a general contractor/home builder who will build the right semi-detached house there.
This means: 96 sqm (1,033 sq ft) can be built on, with a total living area of 168 sqm (1,810 sq ft) allowed in the end.
Then show us the site plan with the building boundaries. The neighbor also wants 2 floors, a gable roof, and a basement. Unfortunately, that’s all we know.
I also think the exterior shell should be the same (not mandatory), but of course it makes sense to do it with one company. It’s still unclear who they want to build with. Baufritz was apparently their preference, but honestly that won’t be feasible for us.
ypg schrieb:
And what about the budget? The 140sqm (1507 sq ft) plus basement need to be paid for.Actually, 130sqm (1399 sq ft) is enough, and it shouldn’t cost more than €450,000 (approx. $485,000). We don’t want luxury, but also not a cheap house. Solid construction with standard fittings.
Appointments with the following companies are scheduled:
- Fingerhaus
- Köhler
- Schwörerhaus
- Hauser
- Büdenbender tbd.
ypg schrieb:
It means: coordinate with your neighbor!
How is your neighbor building? Who is building for them?
Architect?
You can plan a gable roof all you want – but if your neighbor builds a shed roof faster, your plan is almost pointless.
You should have the semi-detached house built together. Small individual adjustments are generally possible, but not the exterior shell.
Yeah, the first step would be an architect or a general contractor/home builder who can deliver the right semi-detached house for that location.
It means: 96 sqm (1033 sq ft) can be built over, and 168 sqm (1808 sq ft) of living space should be the end result.
Then show it and upload the site plan with the building boundaries. I am currently working on a sketch. However, the zoning plan is quite confusing for me, and I don’t understand everything.
I think going to an architect is necessary. How much should I budget for that? Around 6,000–7,000 euros? Or is a “first sketch” cheaper?
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