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
Changeling21 Aug 2017 11:26RobsonMKK schrieb:
I saw that the heating topic has been settled.
Is there a ventilation system included?
How many power outlets will the house have?
What sanitary fixtures have been agreed on?
What kind of tiles are included?
If you say you’re at your limit and haven’t made selections yet... this could get interesting.
Just as an example: we paid the same amount for our desired staircase as what your staircase costs as an extra charge.There are a total of 49 power outlets distributed throughout the house. Appliances like the washing machine, refrigerator, etc., each have their own additional dedicated outlet (so a total of 54 outlets).
No ventilation system, but electric roller shutters instead.
Sanitary fixtures are entirely Villeroy & Boch or equivalent quality.
Tiles up to 35 €/m2 (about $33/sq ft).
However, we are looking at this more practically and don’t want—or need—any luxury. We will probably also decline Villeroy & Boch. We’re not brand-focused.
Why did you pay so much extra? What is special about the staircase?
winnetou78 schrieb:
It doesn't even matter if the actual homeowner, who is also paying, likes it. If you ask for an opinion, you will get one.
I felt the same way at the beginning. But if you open yourself up to it a bit and process feedback selectively, you will see that much of it is valid.
For example: a living room facing north can work if there is no other option.
But this looks more like a standard planner’s design without considering the actual conditions.
Changeling schrieb:
There are a total of 49 outlets distributed throughout the house. Appliances like washing machine, refrigerator, etc. each have their own additional outlet (making a total of 54 outlets). Okay, now that I’m composed, I can answer.
Plan your house layout considering where outlets will be needed.
Changeling schrieb:
No ventilation system, but electric roller shutters instead. Phew, that will make the price quite steep. I would have expected controlled mechanical ventilation to be included. Electric roller shutters are nice, but not a luxury feature.
Changeling schrieb:
We see this more practically and do not want (and need) any luxury. We will probably also opt out of Villeroy & Boch. We’re not brand-conscious. Homeownership itself is luxury, pure luxury.
Honestly, I find the whole “not into brands” thing quite nonsensical. There is a huge difference between quality ceramic fixtures and those from a hardware store. But don’t worry, even Villeroy & Boch can be affordable. However, hardware stores usually don’t offer special coatings or finely detailed items.
Changeling schrieb:
Why did you pay so much extra? What is so special about the staircase? Because we didn’t want a beech staircase. We don’t find it attractive at all.
It’s a staircase with oak steps and stringers. The rest is painted white.
I just want to point out that there are certain things you won’t be able to change later—it simply won’t be possible. So this is almost a “now or never” decision.
W
winnetou7821 Aug 2017 11:45RobsonMKK schrieb:
If you ask for advice, you will get it.
I felt the same way at the beginning. But if you open yourself up to it a bit and process it selectively, you’ll see that much of it is correct.
For example, a living room facing north can be done if there’s no other option.
But this looks more like a standard planner’s design without considering the actual conditions.That’s true, but sometimes people here get so confused that they don’t know what’s going on anymore.
And regarding the electrical outlets, well, even I find the number a bit too low for the living area.
But in some cases, people suggest numbers of outlets that are completely exaggerated.
The construction company I’m working with had a case where someone wanted 40 outlets just in the kitchen [emoji45].
C
Changeling21 Aug 2017 11:45haydee schrieb:
Plan your home to be bright and sunlit, oriented to follow the sun. Use the terrace as a play area for children or for a quick coffee break. It doesn’t matter if the neighbor might see something there. Find a nice spot on your property for a second terrace that’s more private.chand1986 schrieb:
Looking at the plan from above: place the carport on the right side of the house and then shift it downward. The porch roof to the south, with the main entrance beneath it.
Nonsense. You can easily build a privacy screen about 3 meters (10 feet) high if you want, without blocking your own evening sunlight. That’s simply not a valid argument. Hedges, walls, wooden fences—all work equally well and provide full privacy.I’ll try making a version tonight with the carport on the east side. Let’s see. I think we might be sitting too close to the trees that way.haydee schrieb:
How do you manage to enter the hallway cleanly with house slippers or in socks when the cars are wet or covered in snow?The car drives into the carport wet, you get out with wet shoes, go to the shoe cabinet, put on house slippers, and then go inside dry. This is what we do now and have never had any problems.chand1986 schrieb:
Explanation? Why does something need saving here, where is the lack of space, and why? Clearly, you need more than just a place to park the cars.We have a lot of stuff and this time we don’t have a basement. Also, as a replacement party space in bad weather, a large carport is great. We use our current carport so often and appreciate it so much that we definitely want the same again. It’s like an unheated extension of our house.chand1986 schrieb:
I notice you have slightly different opinions from the usual view on what is optimal and what is not. That’s fine, just make sure your reasons for the differences don’t boil down to the German favorites: “We’ve never done it like that” or “We’ve always done it this way.”Yes, that’s true. I try to avoid that. Of course, many requests and user suggestions here also fail simply due to budget (or our introverted nature). Still, I’m grateful for the input.chand1986 schrieb:
Your concern that neighbors would gather to watch from the few windows overlooking the terrace (how many windows are there anyway?) just because you use the terrace is quite unrealistic. In good weather for terrace use, people have better things to do than stand at the upstairs window, and if they’re ordinary people, they always have something better to do.
You have prioritized this “privacy” of the terrace so highly that you are blocking natural light from the house itself. You should reconsider your priorities urgently. Especially in the months when you are rarely outside, you have planned for the greatest loss of natural daylight for yourselves. Because the neighbor has two tall windows facing south...? Come on!Hmm. Yes. I don’t know? We really put a lot of value on that. Currently, we have 2000 m² (22,000 sq ft) completely out of sight, and still only about 8 km (5 miles) from the city center. We’re spoiled, and the budget doesn’t match the wish for the same level of privacy. On the projecting section to the left, there are three large windows both upstairs and downstairs. The apartment has neither terrace nor garden, and the building is very deep (meaning no windows on the other side of the apartment). I would constantly feel watched.
C
chand198621 Aug 2017 11:46winnetou78 schrieb:
Actually, you’re not supposed to post floor plans here at all; there are so many self-proclaimed architects around, and everything gets torn apart.Are you serious?
The only reason to post here is to receive the kind of feedback you call “tearing down.” Praise is nice but useless.
If the original poster (OP) had said, “I want a dark house with small rooms and to explore creative space usage. To compensate, I want outdoor space in the carport and a completely private terrace—sunlight doesn’t matter,” I would have said: well planned, that will be your house.
But he didn’t. His requirements are actually different—yet the design was more in line with what I just described.
Criticism, even tough criticism, is the only way to improve. Until your inappropriate comment, this thread was quite constructive—no one wants to harm the OP, but rather to help.
winnetou78 schrieb:
They don’t even care if the actual builder, who pays, likes it.Exactly the opposite. People believe it could be liked as planned and come here to double-check that. If they already know they will only like it exactly as is, they wouldn’t need to post here.
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