ᐅ Single-family house floor plan, slight hillside location, northwest orientation
Created on: 23 May 2025 18:30
K
kronos215
Hello everyone,
We have almost finalized our planning with the architect and would appreciate you taking a critical look at the floor plan. Afterwards, we plan to proceed with the tendering process.
We generally like the ground floor (GF) very much. However, we are considering flipping the house and making some changes to the upper floor (UF). The garage, utility room, and technical room would move to the right, and the entire house would be shifted closer to the neighbor’s hedge on the left side (3m (10 feet) distance). The living room would then be on the left. It’s unclear whether the view of the neighbor’s hedge at a 3m (10 feet) distance will be nicer. On the positive side, the house would be better oriented towards the south and would let in more sunlight. The kitchen would then be on the right, providing wind protection from the open field while still allowing sunlight to reach the terrace.
Corner plot, one neighbor on the left, fields to the back and right
Ground floor area: 99m2 (without terrace), garage 30m2
Upper floor area: 78m2 (from 1.5m (5 feet))
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size
approx. 750m2
Slope
Yes, uphill on the mountain side. There is a manhole cover on the street in front of the plot and one behind it. The elevation difference between the covers is about 3m. The plot initially rises about 1m (3 feet) above the sidewalk and
Edge development
Yes, it’s a corner plot. There is a neighbor on the left side. Behind the house and to the right is a field path and fields.
Number of parking spaces
The adjacent street should provide sufficient parking spaces. A garage is also planned.
Number of stories
According to the development plan, 1.5-story houses are permitted.
Roof type
According to the development plan, only gable roofs are allowed.
Orientation
Northwest
Maximum heights / limits
According to the development plan, the house must be built exactly in this alignment
Requirements of the homeowners
Style, roof shape, building type
Country house style, gable roof (eaves facing the street), single-family home
Basement, number of floors
A basement was initially planned but was dropped due to budget. 1.5 floors are allowed and planned as per the development plan.
Number of occupants, age
Two adults, early 30s, no children yet but a child’s room is planned
Space requirements on GF, UF
GF: Garage, entrance hall, office 1, kitchen, living room, dining room, pantry, technical room, utility room, guest bathroom with shower
UF: Bedroom, child’s room, office 2, bathroom, storage room (planned due to no basement)
Office: family use or home office?
Both offices are currently needed for work.
Overnight guests per year
Very rarely or none
According to the development plan, 1.5-story houses are allowed
Somewhat open
Conservative or modern construction
Modern (?)
Open kitchen, cooking island
Open kitchen planned, cooking island desired but dropped due to space constraints
Number of dining seats
6, preferably expandable to 10
Fireplace
Desired and planned as a partition between dining and living room
Music / stereo wall
Desired; a niche in the living room works well for this
Balcony, roof terrace
Desired but dropped for budget reasons
Garage, carport
Planned; it is questionable whether the garage should instead be located on the right to avoid blocking the south side.
House design
Who is responsible for the design?
Architect
What do you particularly like? Why?
The open living and dining area. The open view of the fields.
The dormer on the upper floor.
What do you dislike? Why?
The corridor on the upper floor feels dark. Many skylights are planned (knee wall 80cm (31 inches) per development plan, gable roof with eaves facing the street).
The ground floor might also be dark. The garage is located on the south side. The windows facing the fields are towards the northeast.
Skylights block the option for photovoltaic panels and the attic space.
The storage room feels out of place.
Since a basement was initially planned, a hobby room was also considered, but this has been dropped.
The master bed is directly adjacent to the child’s room, but the bedroom must remain there.
Price estimate according to architect:
€540,000 (we find this optimistic; we expect higher costs and would thus like to make the floor plan more compact)
Personal price limit for house including fixtures and fittings:
€550,000 (all-in)
Preferred heating technology:
Heat pump
If you had to give up something, which details / expansions
-you could give up: a two-story open space was planned but removed, storage room on the upper floor (is it really necessary?), the GF could generally be smaller to save costs
-you cannot give up: large windows on the GF, open living-dining area, access to the house via garage and utility room, fireplace, pantry
Why has the design turned out this way?E.g.
Which wishes were implemented by the architect? The architect implemented the room concept well and incorporated many of his own ideas that we mostly find coherent.
What do you consider particularly good or bad about it? We like the ground floor very much; there is still potential for changes on the upper floor. We would also like another dormer above the entrance door, but this does not seem possible due to the development plan (the upper floor would become a full story if too much area is covered by dormers). The study could then be where the storage room currently is. The storage room could become a combined storage and hobby room.
We are grateful for any input and suggestions. We are particularly concerned about the south orientation. We do not want the rooms to become too dark.
We have almost finalized our planning with the architect and would appreciate you taking a critical look at the floor plan. Afterwards, we plan to proceed with the tendering process.
We generally like the ground floor (GF) very much. However, we are considering flipping the house and making some changes to the upper floor (UF). The garage, utility room, and technical room would move to the right, and the entire house would be shifted closer to the neighbor’s hedge on the left side (3m (10 feet) distance). The living room would then be on the left. It’s unclear whether the view of the neighbor’s hedge at a 3m (10 feet) distance will be nicer. On the positive side, the house would be better oriented towards the south and would let in more sunlight. The kitchen would then be on the right, providing wind protection from the open field while still allowing sunlight to reach the terrace.
Corner plot, one neighbor on the left, fields to the back and right
Ground floor area: 99m2 (without terrace), garage 30m2
Upper floor area: 78m2 (from 1.5m (5 feet))
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size
approx. 750m2
Slope
Yes, uphill on the mountain side. There is a manhole cover on the street in front of the plot and one behind it. The elevation difference between the covers is about 3m. The plot initially rises about 1m (3 feet) above the sidewalk and
Edge development
Yes, it’s a corner plot. There is a neighbor on the left side. Behind the house and to the right is a field path and fields.
Number of parking spaces
The adjacent street should provide sufficient parking spaces. A garage is also planned.
Number of stories
According to the development plan, 1.5-story houses are permitted.
Roof type
According to the development plan, only gable roofs are allowed.
Orientation
Northwest
Maximum heights / limits
According to the development plan, the house must be built exactly in this alignment
Requirements of the homeowners
Style, roof shape, building type
Country house style, gable roof (eaves facing the street), single-family home
Basement, number of floors
A basement was initially planned but was dropped due to budget. 1.5 floors are allowed and planned as per the development plan.
Number of occupants, age
Two adults, early 30s, no children yet but a child’s room is planned
Space requirements on GF, UF
GF: Garage, entrance hall, office 1, kitchen, living room, dining room, pantry, technical room, utility room, guest bathroom with shower
UF: Bedroom, child’s room, office 2, bathroom, storage room (planned due to no basement)
Office: family use or home office?
Both offices are currently needed for work.
Overnight guests per year
Very rarely or none
According to the development plan, 1.5-story houses are allowed
Somewhat open
Conservative or modern construction
Modern (?)
Open kitchen, cooking island
Open kitchen planned, cooking island desired but dropped due to space constraints
Number of dining seats
6, preferably expandable to 10
Fireplace
Desired and planned as a partition between dining and living room
Music / stereo wall
Desired; a niche in the living room works well for this
Balcony, roof terrace
Desired but dropped for budget reasons
Garage, carport
Planned; it is questionable whether the garage should instead be located on the right to avoid blocking the south side.
House design
Who is responsible for the design?
Architect
What do you particularly like? Why?
The open living and dining area. The open view of the fields.
The dormer on the upper floor.
What do you dislike? Why?
The corridor on the upper floor feels dark. Many skylights are planned (knee wall 80cm (31 inches) per development plan, gable roof with eaves facing the street).
The ground floor might also be dark. The garage is located on the south side. The windows facing the fields are towards the northeast.
Skylights block the option for photovoltaic panels and the attic space.
The storage room feels out of place.
Since a basement was initially planned, a hobby room was also considered, but this has been dropped.
The master bed is directly adjacent to the child’s room, but the bedroom must remain there.
Price estimate according to architect:
€540,000 (we find this optimistic; we expect higher costs and would thus like to make the floor plan more compact)
Personal price limit for house including fixtures and fittings:
€550,000 (all-in)
Preferred heating technology:
Heat pump
If you had to give up something, which details / expansions
-you could give up: a two-story open space was planned but removed, storage room on the upper floor (is it really necessary?), the GF could generally be smaller to save costs
-you cannot give up: large windows on the GF, open living-dining area, access to the house via garage and utility room, fireplace, pantry
Why has the design turned out this way?E.g.
Which wishes were implemented by the architect? The architect implemented the room concept well and incorporated many of his own ideas that we mostly find coherent.
What do you consider particularly good or bad about it? We like the ground floor very much; there is still potential for changes on the upper floor. We would also like another dormer above the entrance door, but this does not seem possible due to the development plan (the upper floor would become a full story if too much area is covered by dormers). The study could then be where the storage room currently is. The storage room could become a combined storage and hobby room.
We are grateful for any input and suggestions. We are particularly concerned about the south orientation. We do not want the rooms to become too dark.
K
kronos21524 May 2025 11:38Attached is the view of the plot.
kronos215 schrieb:
Thanks for the suggestion. However, I get the impression that on the terrace you’d feel a bit cramped between the neighbor’s hedge (which starts right at the property line) and your own house wall. kronos215 schrieb:
The hedge is about 1.50 m high (5 feet). I can’t share your concerns... be glad for the hedge! Ours is 2.50 m high (8 feet) and the neighbor is happy.
kronos215 schrieb:
Unless it’s the peak of summer and the sun is lower in the sky, I imagine the shadow cast by the neighbor’s building and the hedge would leave only a few meters of sun. In winter, you’ll still get the southern sun. You can’t have everything. If you’re worried about not being able to see the sunset in winter because of the neighbor, I can only say: that’s something you have to accept. People don’t usually spend much time in the garden during winter anyway. Living in Germany, having neighbors and a 750 m² (8,070 sq ft) plot is already quite good. If you want the “perfect” plot, you’d have to build in complete isolation.
1.50 m (5 feet) is nothing to worry about and here is an example –
just rough estimates and at an early development stage — the distances are more than sufficient and within standards. Your architect seems to have neglected the entire south and west sides instead. You just have to find a balance.
I started this comment before you showed the plot in post #19 and also wanted to complain again that we don’t really know everything since you haven’t shared the site plan or the neighborhood layout. We don’t even know the length of the plot yet.
kronos215 schrieb:
We are not professionals and assumed the wall thicknesses were acceptable. My opinion of your "architect" is sinking ever lower. Purely fictional dimensions without the slightest explanation. kronos215 schrieb:
It is not yet decided whether wood or masonry will be used. However, we are strongly leaning toward a timber house. [...] I am increasingly inclined to go with a standard floor plan after all. Not committing at this stage is also my recommendation; I also advise favoring tried-and-tested house designs over the risk of a custom design (unless the household has special needs, such as the mouse being bigger than 11ant). kronos215 schrieb:
this ground floor plan suits our wishes ... is from which manufacturer's sample offer? (I suspect Bien-Zenker, who would not be my first choice regarding the budget). Please also show the respective upper floor plan!https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Here is an improved draft of #20 (Steinmantra-@11ant, please look away again, as this is just a rough sketch... Interior walls are a simple 10cm (4 inches), I’m not in the mood to change that at the moment).
The building line is being respected. The distance to the "left" neighbor is over 5.50m (18 feet), so nothing to worry about. The attic floor also looks good.
There will be plenty of light inside, nice on the evening terrace in summer, and into the living room in winter. Plus, there’s a view. It’s somewhat generous in size, without being too large. Privacy is ensured by the plot location, so you can plan large windows facing the street as well. Planting would be beneficial. The fireplace is positioned modestly. The staircase is L-shaped and makes one turn.
A dormer would be above the front door for the children’s room, bathroom above the technical room, storage, and utility room facing the garden. The office is at the bottom left but could be swapped with the child’s room, though that would require removing the fireplace.
This was quickly planned without much detail. Neither my tool nor I can produce proper dormers, so please bear with the attic floor plan.
The building line is being respected. The distance to the "left" neighbor is over 5.50m (18 feet), so nothing to worry about. The attic floor also looks good.
There will be plenty of light inside, nice on the evening terrace in summer, and into the living room in winter. Plus, there’s a view. It’s somewhat generous in size, without being too large. Privacy is ensured by the plot location, so you can plan large windows facing the street as well. Planting would be beneficial. The fireplace is positioned modestly. The staircase is L-shaped and makes one turn.
A dormer would be above the front door for the children’s room, bathroom above the technical room, storage, and utility room facing the garden. The office is at the bottom left but could be swapped with the child’s room, though that would require removing the fireplace.
This was quickly planned without much detail. Neither my tool nor I can produce proper dormers, so please bear with the attic floor plan.
ypg schrieb:
Here is an improved draft of #20 (Look away again, Steinmantra-@11ant, as this is just a sketch... Interior walls are a modest 10cm (4 inches), since I’m not in the mood to change that right now)The Steinmantra has nothing to do with wall thicknesses. In sketches, I actually prefer when walls don’t have dimensions yet, but only positions. I personally use dimensionless lines and mentally assign them a standard thickness of 2 decimeters (dm) (20cm/8 inches) for interior walls without hierarchy, and 4 decimeters (40cm/16 inches) for exterior walls, without yet defining the construction method or formwork. The Steinmantra specifically advises against making fixed decisions that could conflict with the builder’s planned wall construction.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
W
wiltshire24 May 2025 15:19The only thing about the house that would cause me some concern is how to ensure there is enough natural light for me and my wife. The location of the well-designed living, dining, and kitchen area (the term “open-plan” reminds me of Allkauf houses, which in turn reminds me of a rather low-quality store in Neuss from my childhood) isn’t ideal in that respect. It will be enjoyable in summer, but you have to be able to cope with it in winter.
I find the room layout pleasant, and the mostly straight staircase—which is often criticized as a space-waster—is actually a nice feature. With open balustrades, it can be designed to feel spacious and create sightlines that don’t run only perpendicular to the steps. The criticized storage room upstairs will prove very valuable, regardless of whether you can stand in it or not.
I share your skepticism about the budget. To save costs, I would initially skip the garage entirely. The idea of having two doors into the garage is impractical anyway, as it takes up valuable space inside the garage itself. Instead, have an external door from the laundry and utility room that is accessible from inside the house. A garage can always be added later—or a carport. Cars from the last 20 years are able to stay outside in the weather without damage or significant loss of value. There are cheaper storage solutions for bikes and plenty of space on your property. The same applies to garden tools, etc.
Regarding the criticism of the wall format—first, listen to what the architect has planned.
Honestly, I think this design is among the better ones seen here in the forum—even considering the orientation issue, which apparently follows local regulations. If I had to choose between somewhat darker or somewhat noisier, I would choose “darker.”
I find the room layout pleasant, and the mostly straight staircase—which is often criticized as a space-waster—is actually a nice feature. With open balustrades, it can be designed to feel spacious and create sightlines that don’t run only perpendicular to the steps. The criticized storage room upstairs will prove very valuable, regardless of whether you can stand in it or not.
I share your skepticism about the budget. To save costs, I would initially skip the garage entirely. The idea of having two doors into the garage is impractical anyway, as it takes up valuable space inside the garage itself. Instead, have an external door from the laundry and utility room that is accessible from inside the house. A garage can always be added later—or a carport. Cars from the last 20 years are able to stay outside in the weather without damage or significant loss of value. There are cheaper storage solutions for bikes and plenty of space on your property. The same applies to garden tools, etc.
Regarding the criticism of the wall format—first, listen to what the architect has planned.
Honestly, I think this design is among the better ones seen here in the forum—even considering the orientation issue, which apparently follows local regulations. If I had to choose between somewhat darker or somewhat noisier, I would choose “darker.”
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