ᐅ Floor plan design for a new build modern semi-detached house with 6-meter ceiling height and 239 square meters of living space

Created on: 9 Nov 2025 23:46
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lucaskilam
Hello everyone,

I am planning to demolish my existing semi-detached house and build a modern residential building on my property.
The new house will again be attached directly to the existing neighboring half.

The plot measures 1,027 sqm (about 11,060 sq ft), and the design comes from my architect.
I would appreciate honest and constructive feedback on the floor plan and room layout.
Elevations and floor plans are attached.

Development plan / restrictions
  • Plot size: 1,027 sqm (half share use for semi-detached house)
  • Slope: no slope, flat area
  • Site coverage ratio: 0.3
  • Floor area ratio: 0.5
  • Building envelope / building line / building boundary: according to development plan, semi-detached house permitted
  • Edge development: attached to existing neighboring half
  • Number of parking spaces: 2
  • Number of floors: 1.5 floors
  • Roof type: gable roof
  • Architectural style: modern, clean lines
  • Orientation: garden facing southwest
  • Maximum building height: 10 m (33 ft)
  • Other requirements: only one full storey allowed

Client requirements
  • Building type: semi-detached house, new build after demolition
  • Basement: no
  • Living area: approx. 239 sqm (2,572 sq ft)
  • Occupants: 5 persons (2 adults, 3 children)
  • Ceiling height in living area: approx. 6 m (20 ft)
  • Living/dining area: approx. 44 sqm (473 sq ft), open and bright
  • Office: home office on ground floor
  • Guest bedrooms: rare use (max. 2–3 times per year)
  • Architecture: open, modern, large windows
  • Construction method: solid construction
  • Kitchen: open with cooking island
  • Seating capacity: 6–8 people
  • Fireplace: not planned
  • Music/stereo wall: possible
  • Balcony / roof terrace: currently not planned
  • Garage / carport: double carport
  • Garden: low maintenance, for family use
  • Special features: high, open living area with gallery

House design
  • Designed by: independent architect
  • Positive aspects: the open living area with gallery and high ceiling, generous lighting
  • Less favorable aspects: access to the gallery not yet optimal
  • Price estimate according to architect: approx. 850,000 euros (including fittings, excluding landscaping)
  • Personal budget limit: approx. 900,000 euros
  • Heating system: air-to-water heat pump with underfloor heating
  • Could be omitted: guest room on ground floor
  • Must have: high ceiling in living area, open kitchen, gallery
  • Reason for design: combination of modern living concept and development plan requirements (only 1 full storey, mandatory attachment)
  • Special features: despite semi-detached structure, a spacious feel through 6 m ceiling height and open gallery

I look forward to honest criticism and suggestions for improvement, especially regarding:
  • Floor plan layout
  • Lighting and window areas
  • Proportions with 1.5 floors
  • Practical everyday use (family with three children)

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

Best regards,
lucaskilam
Two-story floor plan of a house with kitchen, living room, and bedrooms

3D view of a brick house model with dormer windows, brick facade, and dark roof

Modern two-story brick house facade with large glass fronts, 3D rendering.

Section through a house showing roof, stairs, and foundation in raw construction state
L
lucaskilam
12 Nov 2025 09:29
ypg schrieb:

A quick and rough approach would be something like this. However, planning should generally proceed from top to bottom when it comes to ceiling height and bedrooms, since the bathroom also needs to be ventilated and naturally lit. I wouldn’t place the living area within the open ceiling space.
Still, I’m sharing it because you can see the hallway area and the idea with the pantry.
At the top right of the plan is a children’s corner; if necessary, the dining table can be extended.
Floor plan of a house with living, dining, and kitchen areas, hallway, and staircase

Thank you for that. It looks interesting and we will definitely consider it. I will provide the revised design afterwards.
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lucaskilam
12 Nov 2025 09:32
nordanney schrieb:

But then:
No access to the gallery with the current floor plan – how is it supposed to be used? Only accessible through the bedroom – so more decorative than functional.
Does the additional living space change anything about it being single-story?
You place a large window on the property boundary next to the neighbor. That probably wouldn’t be approved.
I’m not exactly sure yet how the gallery will be accessed and used later. I initially implemented it spontaneously and provisionally and will show it to my architect so they can develop it further.
By the way, the window front does not face the neighbor but the garden.
Attached is a photo of the property. Thanks for your feedback.
Aerial view of a residential area with the property outlined in red
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nordanney
12 Nov 2025 09:38
lucaskilam schrieb:

By the way, the window front does not face the neighbor, but the garden.

That is from your opening post. Window front facing the garden. All good.

Modern house facade with large glass front and brick look, 3D render


This is the old wall facing the neighbor without windows.

3D living room with large wooden shelf, corner sofa, and open kitchen area in the background


And here suddenly is the large window right on the boundary. Which makes sense, since otherwise the gallery would simply appear dark, but I wonder about the feasibility regarding the building permit / planning permission.

Sketch-style 3D view of an open terrace with railing and blue sky
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lucaskilam
12 Nov 2025 09:45
lucaskilam schrieb:

Hello everyone,

I am planning to demolish my existing semi-detached house and build a modern new home on my property.
The new house will again be attached directly to the neighboring half.

The plot size is 1,027 square meters (about 11,055 square feet), and the design comes from my architect.
I would appreciate honest and constructive feedback on the floor plan and room layout.
Elevations and floor plans are attached.

Development plan / restrictions
  • Plot size: 1,027 square meters (half shared use for semi-detached house)
  • Slope: none, flat surface
  • Site coverage ratio: 0.3
  • Floor area ratio: 0.5
  • Building envelope / building line / building boundary: according to development plan, semi-detached house permitted
  • Edge development: attached to existing neighboring half
  • Number of parking spaces: 2
  • Number of storeys: 1.5 storeys
  • Roof type: gable roof
  • Style: modern, clean lines
  • Orientation: garden to southwest
  • Maximum building height: 10 meters (33 feet)
  • Additional requirements: only one full storey allowed

Owner’s requirements
  • Building type: semi-detached house, new build after demolition
  • Basement: no
  • Living area: approx. 239 square meters (about 2,570 square feet)
  • Residents: 5 persons (2 adults, 3 children)
  • Ceiling height in living area: approx. 6 meters (20 feet)
  • Living / dining area: approx. 44 square meters (about 470 square feet), open and bright
  • Office: home office on ground floor
  • Guest bedrooms: rare use (max. 2–3 times a year)
  • Architecture: open, modern, large windows
  • Construction method: solid (masonry/concrete)
  • Kitchen: open with cooking island
  • Dining places: 6–8
  • Fireplace: not planned
  • Music / stereo wall: possible
  • Balcony / roof terrace: currently not planned
  • Garage / carport: double carport
  • Garden: low maintenance, family use
  • Special features: high, open living area with gallery

House design
  • Designed by: independent architect
  • What is liked best: the open living space with gallery and high ceiling, generous natural lighting
  • What is less liked: access to the gallery not yet fully optimized
  • Cost estimate from architect: approx. 850,000 Euros (including fittings, excluding exterior works)
  • Personal budget limit: approx. 900,000 Euros
  • Heating system: air-to-water heat pump with underfloor heating
  • Could be omitted: guest room on the ground floor
  • Must definitely keep: high ceiling in living area, open kitchen, gallery
  • Reason for design: combination of modern living concept and development plan requirements (only one full storey, mandatory attachment)
  • Special features: despite semi-detached structure, spacious feeling through 6-meter (20 feet) ceiling height and open gallery

I look forward to honest criticism and suggestions for improvement, especially regarding:
  • Floor plan layout
  • Daylighting and window areas
  • Proportions with 1.5 storeys
  • Practical use in daily life (family with three children)

Thanks in advance for your comments!

Best regards,
lucaskilam



nordanney schrieb:

This is from your initial post. Window front facing the garden. Everything is fine.
1762936454049.png


This is the old wall to the neighbor without a window.
1762936580869.png


And here suddenly is the large window right on the boundary. While it makes sense, since otherwise the gallery would look dark, I am wondering about its approval.
1762936634463.png

Ah, now I understand what you mean. No, that was actually misunderstood. I introduced a ceiling there to avoid the 6-meter (20 feet) ceiling height extending across the entire space of about 11 meters (36 feet), but only over half. Behind this window is another room. Only after that comes the wall directly connecting to the neighbor’s wall. So daylight only comes from the opposite side into the gallery and possibly also from above, if we implement it that way.
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nordanney
12 Nov 2025 10:00
lucaskilam schrieb:

No, that was actually misunderstood. I installed a ceiling there to avoid having the 6 m (20 feet) ceiling height throughout the entire room of about 11 m (36 feet), but only over half of it. Behind that window, there is another room.
That doesn’t make it any easier...

2D floor plan of a residential house with hallways, bathroom, bedroom, and stairs

What is this space intended for? A small idea changes the entire floor plan.
L
lucaskilam
12 Nov 2025 10:13
nordanney schrieb:

That doesn’t make it any easier...
1762937959980.png

What is this room supposed to be? A small change can alter the entire floor plan.

I’m not exactly sure yet what the room will be; it might become the bedroom for my wife and me. For now, it’s important for me to see how it looks visually when the room is divided and a mezzanine is added.