ᐅ 1-2 single-family houses on a hillside with a partial basement, optional rental possibility

Dear experienced builders,

I am about to submit a building permit application / planning permission – and before it’s too late, I would like to get your opinions and any suggestions for improvement.

Below are the usual questions answered. Still, some special notes in text form:

• The house is located on a dyke. The garden lies lower, facing southwest.

• On the street side, northeast, the kitchen, bathroom, and entrance should be located. From here there is a view of the land in front of the dyke and the river.

• Dense urban development, the neighbors all have two floors with pitched roofs.

• A lot of effort for the preparation (pile foundation), so only a small budget. I would be grateful for ideas on where I could still save costs, as well as advice on potential tricky spots.

• The house is intended for one, possibly two people. Upstairs should allow for optional rental!

Development plan / restrictions:
Two floors, a mostly closed building line intended, but exceptions are possible and have basically been approved. Building along the left property boundary. No windows allowed here.

Plot size:
800 sqm (8611 sq ft), long and narrow. The garden is about one floor height lower than the house footprint.

Slope:
Yes, or rather dyke. Towards the garden it drops about one floor height.

Building window, building line, and boundary:
I am allowed to build slightly set back, as the current (still existing) house sits. This is already approved.

Requirements from the building inspector:
I have to demolish the existing house and pay for pile foundation – so the rest must be as economical as possible.

Style, roof shape, building type:
I would prefer the gable facing the street because this allows for more windows.

The nice river view will only be possible from the first floor, as the dyke will be raised further in the coming years. However, in summer the tree canopies obstruct the view from above.

Basement, floors:
If the budget allows, a partial basement in the garden, which is at a lower level.

Number of occupants, age:
One or two, over 50 years old.
Optional rental should be possible.
[B]
[B]Space requirements on ground and upper floors:[/B]
Ground floor: kitchen, bathroom, and enough space to live on one level if necessary.

[B]Architecture:[/B]
As bright as possible.

[B]Balcony, roof terrace:[/B]
Possibly a roof terrace on the partial basement, if there will be one.

[B]House design:[/B]
Comes from my architect, who tries to plan economically in my interests.

[B]Positive aspects:
• Walls stacked vertically (apparently saves money)
• Kitchen with views of the street and river
• Living room on the upper floor with both southwest garden view and northeast view to the river and trees.

I look forward to your feedback!
Many thanks for your effort.