ᐅ 10x10 m urban villa (approximately 1,670 sq ft, 6 rooms), fine-tuning welcome
Created on: 20 Aug 2017 14:34
C
Changeling
Ground Floor:
Upper Floor:
Outdoor Areas:
Positioned on the Plot:
Development Plan / Restrictions:
The plot may only be built on the southern half; otherwise, there are no particular restrictions.
Plot size: 900 square meters (approx. 30 x 30 meters / 98 x 98 feet)
Slope: No, only on the west side does the land slope down 3 meters (10 feet) toward the street at the end of the plot. On the north side, there is a retaining wall because the plot is about 2 meters (7 feet) above street level there. Therefore, access by vehicle is only possible from the south.
Clients’ Requirements
Style, Roof Shape, Building Type: A two-story urban villa with a pyramid hip roof (square hipped roof), since the upper floor has no sloped ceilings.
Basement: No basement, as it is too expensive, impractical, and involves additional construction risks.
Number of Occupants, Age: 2 adults (30 years old), 1 child (3 years old), with 1-2 more children planned.
Living Room: A large, open living area was important to us as this is where life happens. A computer corner is planned in the lower right corner since we spend more time at the computer than watching TV. We also work a lot from home and do not want to be confined to a separate room.
Fireplace: Yes.
Guest Room: Also used as storage space, which is especially useful since there is no basement.
Kitchen: The stove and sink are not in their final positions yet – a cooking island is undesirable because of the extractor hood and impractical due to splashing.
Technical / Utility Room: Also serves as a pantry and should be filled with shelves up to the ceiling.
Children’s Rooms: Size should be adequate.
Bedroom: Almost too large, but necessary due to the large wardrobe and double bed.
Bathroom: The design is still at an early stage; for example, the shower is planned as a built-in enclosure without a cabin.
Terrace: Important to us, along with a covered area so we can leave items outside occasionally.
Garage, Carport: As large as possible! It should be a wooden carport, fully closed at the front with sectional doors, and open or closed at the rear as needed. We currently use our garage as a "second living room" and for storing garden tools and similar items. Due to the long car, space will be tight; likely the terrace will be slightly smaller and the carport deeper (or the roof overhang on the left extended). The additions on the far left are planned later as a garden shed or similar and are therefore not a fixed part of the house. The covered connection to the house is a must, so we can enter without getting wet. The lower part facing the street is purely for privacy and is not a solid wall.
Garden: We will build our greenhouse ourselves as we have it now.
House Design:
Planning by: Planner from a construction company; outdoor areas added by us.
What do you particularly like? Why?: The numerous outbuildings and large carport for space, the large living room with open kitchen (also for space). Also, the level access to the terrace (which we don’t have currently).
What do you dislike? Why?: The basement level feels a bit cramped (utility room/kitchen small), while the upper floor is very spacious, but so far this is the best solution.
Cost Estimate by Architect/Planner: $290,000 USD with a maximum of +10% overrun.
Insulation / Construction: Unfortunately, it is built only to the 2016 Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) standards; I would have preferred better insulation, but it is likely too expensive. The masonry consists of calcium silicate blocks (20 cm / 8 inches outside + 16 cm / 6 inches EPS (polystyrene) insulation boards).
Heating System: Ground-source heat pump (brine-water) with earth probe; gas connection would be too expensive and we do not want oil heating.
If you had to give up features / expansions
- Could you do without: At most one fewer children’s room; the rest should stay as is...
- Could you not do without: Everything? That would be difficult.
Why did the design turn out the way it is?
We reviewed suggestions from the planner, spent a weekend designing alternatives ourselves, and ultimately found the current compromise. It includes essentially all our wishes.
The design could have been better if the house orientation had been different; otherwise, the kitchen/terrace/dining area wouldn’t all have to be squeezed next to the carport. However, since the street is on the south side and the northern half of the plot cannot be built on, the house must be positioned as it is and the terrace on the south side to catch the sun. We do not want the carport on the east side, as that would place the house further toward the center of the plot and make the terrace fully visible from the neighboring house to the south.
A similar-sized building plot on the east side will be developed with another single-family urban villa.
What is the most important / fundamental question regarding the floor plan in 130 characters?
What do you think? What could be improved or is missing? Any concerns?
Upper Floor:
Outdoor Areas:
Positioned on the Plot:
Development Plan / Restrictions:
The plot may only be built on the southern half; otherwise, there are no particular restrictions.
Plot size: 900 square meters (approx. 30 x 30 meters / 98 x 98 feet)
Slope: No, only on the west side does the land slope down 3 meters (10 feet) toward the street at the end of the plot. On the north side, there is a retaining wall because the plot is about 2 meters (7 feet) above street level there. Therefore, access by vehicle is only possible from the south.
Clients’ Requirements
Style, Roof Shape, Building Type: A two-story urban villa with a pyramid hip roof (square hipped roof), since the upper floor has no sloped ceilings.
Basement: No basement, as it is too expensive, impractical, and involves additional construction risks.
Number of Occupants, Age: 2 adults (30 years old), 1 child (3 years old), with 1-2 more children planned.
Living Room: A large, open living area was important to us as this is where life happens. A computer corner is planned in the lower right corner since we spend more time at the computer than watching TV. We also work a lot from home and do not want to be confined to a separate room.
Fireplace: Yes.
Guest Room: Also used as storage space, which is especially useful since there is no basement.
Kitchen: The stove and sink are not in their final positions yet – a cooking island is undesirable because of the extractor hood and impractical due to splashing.
Technical / Utility Room: Also serves as a pantry and should be filled with shelves up to the ceiling.
Children’s Rooms: Size should be adequate.
Bedroom: Almost too large, but necessary due to the large wardrobe and double bed.
Bathroom: The design is still at an early stage; for example, the shower is planned as a built-in enclosure without a cabin.
Terrace: Important to us, along with a covered area so we can leave items outside occasionally.
Garage, Carport: As large as possible! It should be a wooden carport, fully closed at the front with sectional doors, and open or closed at the rear as needed. We currently use our garage as a "second living room" and for storing garden tools and similar items. Due to the long car, space will be tight; likely the terrace will be slightly smaller and the carport deeper (or the roof overhang on the left extended). The additions on the far left are planned later as a garden shed or similar and are therefore not a fixed part of the house. The covered connection to the house is a must, so we can enter without getting wet. The lower part facing the street is purely for privacy and is not a solid wall.
Garden: We will build our greenhouse ourselves as we have it now.
House Design:
Planning by: Planner from a construction company; outdoor areas added by us.
What do you particularly like? Why?: The numerous outbuildings and large carport for space, the large living room with open kitchen (also for space). Also, the level access to the terrace (which we don’t have currently).
What do you dislike? Why?: The basement level feels a bit cramped (utility room/kitchen small), while the upper floor is very spacious, but so far this is the best solution.
Cost Estimate by Architect/Planner: $290,000 USD with a maximum of +10% overrun.
Insulation / Construction: Unfortunately, it is built only to the 2016 Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) standards; I would have preferred better insulation, but it is likely too expensive. The masonry consists of calcium silicate blocks (20 cm / 8 inches outside + 16 cm / 6 inches EPS (polystyrene) insulation boards).
Heating System: Ground-source heat pump (brine-water) with earth probe; gas connection would be too expensive and we do not want oil heating.
If you had to give up features / expansions
- Could you do without: At most one fewer children’s room; the rest should stay as is...
- Could you not do without: Everything? That would be difficult.
Why did the design turn out the way it is?
We reviewed suggestions from the planner, spent a weekend designing alternatives ourselves, and ultimately found the current compromise. It includes essentially all our wishes.
The design could have been better if the house orientation had been different; otherwise, the kitchen/terrace/dining area wouldn’t all have to be squeezed next to the carport. However, since the street is on the south side and the northern half of the plot cannot be built on, the house must be positioned as it is and the terrace on the south side to catch the sun. We do not want the carport on the east side, as that would place the house further toward the center of the plot and make the terrace fully visible from the neighboring house to the south.
A similar-sized building plot on the east side will be developed with another single-family urban villa.
What is the most important / fundamental question regarding the floor plan in 130 characters?
What do you think? What could be improved or is missing? Any concerns?
C
Changeling22 Aug 2017 09:32Ah, good point. However, I could only find regulations regarding setback distances to neighboring properties in Saxony (3 meters (10 feet), not applicable for garages). I also assume this will be a private road (it will only be paved by the construction company, there is no sidewalk, and the road leads to just 3-4 houses). I have no idea what the rules are in this case. Does anyone know where I could look this up?
C
Changeling22 Aug 2017 10:01ypg schrieb:
According to Google Maps, the larger building is a commercial building housing several companies... so I wouldn’t worry about curious people because of that.That has changed. It is now residential apartments. We are purchasing the land from the same owner and have discussed this with him as well.Here’s a brief experience report from someone who started out in this forum with a similar attitude. Simple and straightforward, no frills, no fuss.
Conclusion:
The house ended up a bit bigger. You’d be surprised how much half a meter (1.5 feet) more can make. Yes, it costs more, but it’s really worth it.
Of course, we upgraded. We just couldn’t settle for the standard in the main bathroom. Especially when the showroom has such beautiful options. And I’m usually very strict about these things.
Then there was something on top of the roof shingles (which we hadn’t noticed), and we didn’t realize right away that a walk-in shower is significantly more expensive. In the end, we were only about $4,000 over budget.
Power outlets: we ended up with 80. And I was really stingy. Don’t forget to ask about network and TV/Satellite outlets. For us, they were only partially included.
Entrance: We really wanted a nice covered area where we could get from the car to the house without getting our feet wet. In the end, we settled for a recessed front door and about 2 meters (6.5 feet) of walking distance from the carport to the entrance. What can I say... that’s more than enough! I can stand there comfortably in the dry and wait for the cats to come trotting home in the evening.
Hallway: We only have one child so far. But already, I love our generous hallway. We didn’t even know we missed it. We managed without for years. But here I can easily push the child inside with the stroller and take it apart. The little one can happily walk 2 meters (6.5 feet) before I tell him to take off his dirty shoes. Guess how practical that will be with 3 kids plus groceries.
Also, you’d prefer to welcome guests in the hallway rather than leading them through the carport or a side entrance.
Third child’s bedroom: Don’t stress too much about planning this room now. Instead, set it up as a guest room that can be converted into a child’s bedroom. That way, you won’t have a dedicated guest room anymore, but so what? You’re building the house for yourselves, not for the guests. If child number three doesn’t arrive, it remains available for guests. You stay flexible with your family planning.
With a 10x10 meter (33x33 feet) footprint, you just have to make some compromises.
Utility room: That one is truly tight. We have 8 square meters (86 square feet), and it’s just enough for the ventilation system, heat pump, washing machine, dryer, hookups, and a generously sized cat litter box. Oh, and a shoe rack. But that’s about it. I really appreciate my 4 square meter (43 square feet) storage room.
Ventilation system: Are you really planning to build without one? How will you ventilate then? You’re not going to open windows every two hours, are you? Are you aiming for any energy standards like KfW?
Staircase: Don’t underestimate the importance of those few steps. You use them multiple times every day, sometimes with more or less load.
Suggestion: Would it be an idea to place the staircase to the upper floor within the living area and design it very openly upward, essentially creating a gallery?
Conclusion:
The house ended up a bit bigger. You’d be surprised how much half a meter (1.5 feet) more can make. Yes, it costs more, but it’s really worth it.
Of course, we upgraded. We just couldn’t settle for the standard in the main bathroom. Especially when the showroom has such beautiful options. And I’m usually very strict about these things.
Then there was something on top of the roof shingles (which we hadn’t noticed), and we didn’t realize right away that a walk-in shower is significantly more expensive. In the end, we were only about $4,000 over budget.
Power outlets: we ended up with 80. And I was really stingy. Don’t forget to ask about network and TV/Satellite outlets. For us, they were only partially included.
Entrance: We really wanted a nice covered area where we could get from the car to the house without getting our feet wet. In the end, we settled for a recessed front door and about 2 meters (6.5 feet) of walking distance from the carport to the entrance. What can I say... that’s more than enough! I can stand there comfortably in the dry and wait for the cats to come trotting home in the evening.
Hallway: We only have one child so far. But already, I love our generous hallway. We didn’t even know we missed it. We managed without for years. But here I can easily push the child inside with the stroller and take it apart. The little one can happily walk 2 meters (6.5 feet) before I tell him to take off his dirty shoes. Guess how practical that will be with 3 kids plus groceries.
Also, you’d prefer to welcome guests in the hallway rather than leading them through the carport or a side entrance.
Third child’s bedroom: Don’t stress too much about planning this room now. Instead, set it up as a guest room that can be converted into a child’s bedroom. That way, you won’t have a dedicated guest room anymore, but so what? You’re building the house for yourselves, not for the guests. If child number three doesn’t arrive, it remains available for guests. You stay flexible with your family planning.
With a 10x10 meter (33x33 feet) footprint, you just have to make some compromises.
Utility room: That one is truly tight. We have 8 square meters (86 square feet), and it’s just enough for the ventilation system, heat pump, washing machine, dryer, hookups, and a generously sized cat litter box. Oh, and a shoe rack. But that’s about it. I really appreciate my 4 square meter (43 square feet) storage room.
Ventilation system: Are you really planning to build without one? How will you ventilate then? You’re not going to open windows every two hours, are you? Are you aiming for any energy standards like KfW?
Staircase: Don’t underestimate the importance of those few steps. You use them multiple times every day, sometimes with more or less load.
Suggestion: Would it be an idea to place the staircase to the upper floor within the living area and design it very openly upward, essentially creating a gallery?
Changeling schrieb:
I also assume this will be a private road (it will only be paved by the construction company, there is no sidewalk, and the road leads to just 3-4 houses). I would also consider a driveway to be possible in this case.
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