We are renovating a terraced house from the 1960s with split-level floors. Since we want to have direct access to the garden on one level, our architect recommended a single-story extension (entrance, cloakroom, kitchen, and dining room). From there, the first split level would be reached by 7 steps. This level would include the living room, toilet, and office. One exterior wall of the original house will be removed.
At first, I thought this would be really cool, like a gallery or split-level house. Now, I’m not sure if it might be inconvenient in everyday life. You enter the living room by going up 7 steps in the dining room. The wall will be removed to create an open layout.
I would really appreciate your opinions!
At first, I thought this would be really cool, like a gallery or split-level house. Now, I’m not sure if it might be inconvenient in everyday life. You enter the living room by going up 7 steps in the dining room. The wall will be removed to create an open layout.
I would really appreciate your opinions!
K a t j a schrieb:
Many thanks to Yvonne.
I’m afraid the visualization is a bit misleading because the ceilings are missing. The cutout to the "lounge area" is only 1.25m (approximately 4 feet) wide at the living room floor level. Then there’s the ceiling of the extension. And there are also two columns. So, from below, you basically only see the legs of the people using the living room. Hmm, I wonder how that will feel? Yes, it’s true that the visualization without ceilings is misleading; maybe we really should raise the ceiling height. I was also thinking about raising the floor level to avoid having a staircase. Then you could see each other better... The wall will extend further out than shown on the floor plan, all the way to the end of the dining area, and the two columns shown (roof beams) will be removed.
On the other hand, I’m considering that in open-plan living-dining rooms on the same level, people often try to avoid constantly seeing each other by using separations like stoves, walls, etc.
It’s a tough decision with our unusual floor plan, but we’re definitely very grateful for your input!
K a t j a schrieb:
One could also consider going up 3 to 4 steps with a split level and then going down 3 steps into the garden... In the current design, I would probably only change it to have fewer steps inside the house. The issue with ceiling height remains a problem. In my opinion, the original poster should reconsider the otherwise unnecessary floor-to-ceiling windows on the first floor. Then the roof of the extension could also be set significantly higher…
dbertig schrieb:
Yes, the visualization without ceilings is misleading, I can create an interior view this evening.
K a t j a schrieb:
One could also consider raising the split level by 3 to 4 steps and then having 3 steps down to the garden... I wouldn’t recommend that. That would mean even more steps and stairs, including at the entrance area.
I think we shouldn’t forget the main focus and what is actually wanted here – namely, an extension of the living space because the house does not offer enough area. Additionally, the idea is to have the kitchen and dining area at garden level. This creates a height difference that is connected by a staircase. In principle, the wall could simply continue across, without a railing, to the other half-level. However, that would be quite dull. Therefore, a partial connection next to the stairs seems better.
Now, however, this apparently becomes the main point of contention the longer it is discussed. I believe this is a misplaced priority.
W
wiltshire30 Oct 2025 19:03ypg schrieb:
So, the extension probably doesn’t need to be 2.40 meters (7 ft 10 in), but I would be cautious about making it very tall. Otherwise, the furniture might look disproportionately small. It won’t be that tall to risk that with this floor plan.
dbertig schrieb:
The lounge area right by the glass looks very cozy, simply a great idea! Yes, great visualization by @ypg. The natural light really benefits the living room a lot.
dbertig schrieb:
I wonder if this looks good with a ceiling height of 2.60 or 3 meters (8 ft 6 in or 9 ft 10 in)? Yes, it can look fantastic. The choice of the front panels is crucial to avoid overwhelming the narrow space. Large surfaces help but tend to be a bit more expensive if you choose a manufacturer whose fronts may eventually warp. Cabinetmakers can often produce custom pieces at reasonable prices. Take a look around locally.
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