ᐅ Modernist Concrete Villa with Cavity Wall Insulation – Experiences

Created on: 11 Sep 2018 07:32
R
rick2018
Hello everyone,

I just wanted to briefly introduce myself and say thank you.

For about a year and a half, I have been a silent reader here to gather inspiration and especially to gain more knowledge about construction technology.

Now a bit about me:
After more than a year of searching for a plot of land, I was able to purchase one from a developer who couldn’t move forward quickly with his plans.
So we found our dream plot (good location, 2500 m² (0.62 acres), slight slope, underground private spring that we have to preserve and are allowed to use).
There was an old house on the property, which we have since demolished.
There is no zoning plan, so §34 applies. During an initial informal inquiry at the building authority, almost everything we planned was rejected.
So we submitted an official preliminary building inquiry, involved the right people, and had lengthy discussions. In the end, we received a positive decision.
Therefore, there is nothing standing in the way of the building permit. The building permit should be granted within the next few weeks as there are no changes from the preliminary inquiry.

My wife (37) and I (36) want to build a Bauhaus-style villa in southern Baden-Württemberg.
It will be constructed from concrete (with core insulation) or in combination with insulated precast elements.
A lot of glass (full-glass system), textile shading, KNX, fast network both wired and wireless, strong mechanical ventilation with additional cooling coils, stainless steel pool, large cistern, and more.
The electrical planning must be 100% spot on since it’s almost impossible to make changes afterward.
Since I am friends with an architect from a larger firm, it was clear which route we would take. Such a house can basically only be realized with an architect.
I also personally know the electrician and KNX system integrator, as well as the owners and work approach of the heating, plumbing, and ventilation companies involved.
Some trades have already been contracted, and part of the equipment has already been ordered.

I’m really looking forward to getting started and to the final result. The goal is to move in by the end of 2019.

Once again, many thanks for the information I have received from you so far.
If you have any questions, just let me know.

Attached is the design, though not the final version. There have been a few minor changes.

Greetings from Swabia

Modern villa with flat roofs, terraces, glass surfaces, green surroundings – several views.
A
apokolok
24 Jul 2019 21:37
I love your project.
The view of the landscape is fantastic; I can easily imagine yourself sipping coffee in the morning while looking out over it.
Of course, this house is a contrast, but as you said, it would be like that almost anywhere.
An incredible amount of gravel is being used in your build—do you have an approximate idea of the volume so far?
M
Muc1985
24 Jul 2019 22:00
Very nice update, Rick, and your detailed text perfectly reflects your excellent approach.

Best regards
rick201824 Jul 2019 22:21
@apokolok
I always imagine the same thing when I’m at the construction site.
Especially with this weather, I like to stand on the step of the future pool.
I can’t give you the exact volume of the gravel, but according to the last invoice, there are nearly 1500 tons of gravel in the house and garage area. We will also need some for the terrace/pool area.
We excavated 2500m³ (3300 yd³) of soil. Naturally, it was more when loose. I believe the swell factor is 1.25.

@Muc1985
I’m sure everything will go just as meticulously planned for you.
rick20183 Aug 2019 09:18
Here is a new update.
Yesterday, for the first time, something was visible above ground.
The team installed the retaining wall at the driveway. I was a bit shocked by its size and height, even though I know the plans. More than one meter (about 3 feet) is still buried underground...
Since the crane did not have enough reach and lifting capacity, a small mobile crane was used. The large elements (hollow wall panels) weigh 4.5 tons.
The blinding layer for the house/garage foundation is complete. Today, the foundation at the entrance was poured and reinforcement work is ongoing. The construction site will be inactive for the next two weeks. Some workers are on vacation, and others are assigned to different sites. During this time, the concrete parts for the house/garage will be manufactured.

Aerial view of a construction site: foundation work, crane, concrete mixer, building materials, and blue tarp.


Large yellow mobile crane lifting a concrete slab on site; church tower and houses in the background.


Large construction area with yellow crane lifting concrete slabs; workers assembling walls.


Construction site: concrete foundation with reinforcement, yellow crane, concrete mixer, workers.
S
Schlenk-Bär
3 Aug 2019 09:42
rick2018 schrieb:

There is no formal development plan, only Section 34. There were long discussions, but in the end, we managed to make it work.
rick2018 schrieb:

We were also able to justify it from an urban planning and development perspective (creating and preserving spaces, etc.).
Could you please explain that point in more detail? Our situation will likely be similar, especially regarding the building line. Thanks!
M
Muc1985
3 Aug 2019 09:43
Great progress. It’s always a pleasure to read your updates.