ᐅ Floor Plan Planning: Who Has the Master Bedroom on the Ground Floor?
Created on: 27 May 2024 17:46
P
Pfefferfisch
Hello everyone,
Since we (M31 / W24) will soon have the notary appointment to purchase our desired 463 m2 (4991 sq ft) building plot in our hometown in southern Baden-Württemberg, we are currently starting to think about the plot and floor plan design. Fortunately, we are not in a hurry to start construction due to a very favorable rental situation.
First of all: we are already in contact with an architect who will create a preliminary design for us. Nevertheless, we are curious about completed projects that reflect our ideas.
We would like a classic single-family home of medium size (170–180 m2 (1830–1940 sq ft)?), for which there are countless proposals. However, it is very rare to see our wish realized: in addition to a large living/dining/kitchen area, a guest WC, and a utility/technical room serving as a passage to the attached garage, the master bedroom with a walk-in closet and a suitable bathroom (WC, double sink, large shower) should also be located on the ground floor — not just as a “possible option for old age,” but right from the start.
We understand that such a design will naturally consume a rare amount of space on the ground floor, while there is plenty of space available upstairs. This wish comes from my physical condition, as climbing stairs is sometimes difficult for me (balance issues, etc.).
Since we do not yet know whether having children is in the cards, we are considering planning only an office and a storage room upstairs, with the larger remaining area designed as a possible granny flat or separate apartment, which could be integrated back into the main living space during the “20 years with children” phase if a family develops.
As an example, the Living Haus Sunshine 210 is in this class but seems quite large to us.
So, what do you think? Has anyone implemented something similar and can share pictures, advice, or tips that should be considered for this specific kind of planning?
Good luck,
David
Since we (M31 / W24) will soon have the notary appointment to purchase our desired 463 m2 (4991 sq ft) building plot in our hometown in southern Baden-Württemberg, we are currently starting to think about the plot and floor plan design. Fortunately, we are not in a hurry to start construction due to a very favorable rental situation.
First of all: we are already in contact with an architect who will create a preliminary design for us. Nevertheless, we are curious about completed projects that reflect our ideas.
We would like a classic single-family home of medium size (170–180 m2 (1830–1940 sq ft)?), for which there are countless proposals. However, it is very rare to see our wish realized: in addition to a large living/dining/kitchen area, a guest WC, and a utility/technical room serving as a passage to the attached garage, the master bedroom with a walk-in closet and a suitable bathroom (WC, double sink, large shower) should also be located on the ground floor — not just as a “possible option for old age,” but right from the start.
We understand that such a design will naturally consume a rare amount of space on the ground floor, while there is plenty of space available upstairs. This wish comes from my physical condition, as climbing stairs is sometimes difficult for me (balance issues, etc.).
Since we do not yet know whether having children is in the cards, we are considering planning only an office and a storage room upstairs, with the larger remaining area designed as a possible granny flat or separate apartment, which could be integrated back into the main living space during the “20 years with children” phase if a family develops.
As an example, the Living Haus Sunshine 210 is in this class but seems quite large to us.
So, what do you think? Has anyone implemented something similar and can share pictures, advice, or tips that should be considered for this specific kind of planning?
Good luck,
David
ypg schrieb:
One person may value a large lounge area, while another needs an oversized kitchen to express their passion.I find it absolutely important that the floor plan reflects one’s own individual needs and wishes. In this forum, everyone should evaluate the designs from their own perspective or, if possible, from that of the future user, as long as they provide detailed explanations here.
It becomes difficult or even pointless when someone insists on defending "their" design, even though it is actually the architect’s. I recall during my build a critic who suggested relocating the kitchen and dining room to the upper floor because of the view. That certainly would have been unusual, but I considered it carefully for our situation, even though I ultimately decided otherwise.
Unfortunately, the original poster does not respond to all criticisms, and I would have genuinely liked to understand why, for example, the spacious hallway areas mentioned by @ypg contrast with the noticeably small living room, especially in relation to the size of other rooms. Of course, everyone is free to build what they want or what the building authority permits, but to me this stands out as an unusual feature, and if the community is to be involved in the discussion, their comments should also be addressed.
I am even particularly fond of very extravagant designs, but I also appreciate understanding why certain choices have been made.
P
Pfefferfisch16 May 2025 18:53Hello everyone,
Just a quick note as I’m in a rush:
The budget is 600,000 without the land and exterior work. That should be enough, I think.
We intentionally kept the living room fairly small since we rarely spend time there at the moment. Our focus in the current rental house (built in 1960) is the kitchen with dining area/bench seating, where most of our daily life takes place.
We might only be in the living room on Sunday evenings for a TV show – not much more often.
It only needs to fit a sofa and the TV for us.
Just a quick note as I’m in a rush:
The budget is 600,000 without the land and exterior work. That should be enough, I think.
We intentionally kept the living room fairly small since we rarely spend time there at the moment. Our focus in the current rental house (built in 1960) is the kitchen with dining area/bench seating, where most of our daily life takes place.
We might only be in the living room on Sunday evenings for a TV show – not much more often.
It only needs to fit a sofa and the TV for us.
Musketier schrieb:
Why not already include the possibility of an elevator throughout all floors in the planning stage, and choose a wheelchair-accessible "standard floor plan" accordingly?Well, I question, when reading this:Pfefferfisch schrieb:
This wish comes from the fact that I have some physical limitations and especially find stair climbing difficult at times (balance issues, etc.).…whether it should be a "standard floor plan" or rather a standard bungalow with stairs and a low-pitched roof so that the desired children’s room and a multipurpose hobby room (alternatively a bedroom for new parents) can still be accommodated in the attic. The ground floor would then be self-sufficient without a basement, which one cannot realistically access five times a day just to get cleaning supplies and drinks.I’m currently reading:
Pfefferfisch schrieb:
The budget is 600k without land and landscaping. That should be enough, I think.I don’t think so. The house is about 180, 190 sqm (1,938, 2,045 sq ft). Including projections and dormers, that already exceeds 600,000€. Then there’s the double garage, basement, and additional construction costs…
Pfefferfisch schrieb:
In the living room, we might be there on a Sunday evening for the crime show – not often otherwise.
For us, it only needs to fit a couch and the TV. At seventeen, you still have dreams (the little ones would only spread their building blocks in the kids’ rooms).
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Pfefferfisch schrieb:
We might be in the living room maybe once on a Sunday evening for a crime show – not often.
There just needs to be enough space for a sofa and the TV. .. That’s why it also gets the brightest spot in the house..
Pfefferfisch schrieb:
We intentionally designed the living room to be relatively small because we currently spend very little time there. Our main focus in our current rental house (built in 1960) is the kitchen with dining area/bench seating, where most of our daily life takes place.In that case, the kitchen/dining area should be placed at the central, most attractive part of the house, ideally with access to the terrace, while the sofa/TV area can be located in a darker part of the house.Similar topics