ᐅ Floor plan for a bungalow of 160–170 sqm with a basement

Created on: 6 Apr 2021 13:37
I
Iotafreak
Hello everyone,

finally, we have reached an important step… the plot is signed for.
We want to build with an architect and already have some ideas about what we like and what we don’t.
We definitely want to give the architect the opportunity to apply their expertise regarding the floor plan… maybe they can convince us.

But if not, we are currently (almost) quite happy with this self-drawn floor plan.

A few key facts…
Plot size: 660 sqm (about 7100 sq ft), floor area ratio 0.4, no slope, approximately 26m x 25m (85 ft x 82 ft)
Longest building side allowed: max. 15m (about 49 ft)
L-shaped bungalow with covered terrace (southwest side)
We want to build with a basement. This should have windows with natural daylight behind the garage on the east side. There will be 2–3 living rooms down there (playroom, hobby room, later for the kids or grandparents if necessary).
The roof will not be converted into a living space — 20-22° (degrees) pitch, hip roof, for aesthetic reasons.
We know that a basement is more expensive than a second floor, etc. The budget is roughly 650,000–700,000 (currency).
Utility room, laundry room, sauna, etc. will all be located in the basement since there is enough space. 🙂

Now to the floor plan:
We like an open design with a large entrance area.

What we like about this floor plan:
Children’s area separated from parents
Connection from the garage with access to the storage room and basement
Access from kitchen and living room to the terrace possible
Master bedroom with direct view of the garden on the southeast side (in summer the shutters are closed anyway)
Children’s rooms with windows facing west, slightly southwest.

Open questions…
Are the children’s rooms too narrow at almost 3m (about 10 ft)?
Is the living room too narrow at almost 4.5m (about 15 ft)?
The L-shape at the terrace is about 3m (10 ft) deep — here we could possibly adjust a bit to enlarge the children’s rooms.
My wife doesn’t like that the kitchen is visible directly from the entrance area.
(I prefer the kitchen visibility over the living room couch). What do you think is better or worse?

The kitchen window is on the south side, possibly too much sun… maybe we should add an awning if needed.
I can’t fit a second toilet elsewhere without making the children’s rooms even smaller… so it will remain a guest toilet for the parents.

Is a door between the entrance area and the living area for a windbreak useful, or unnecessary? (We have underfloor heating.)
(Maybe a hidden interior door, but I’m unsure what happens if it gets damaged.)

The floor area ratio will be tight… 15m x 15m = 225 sqm (about 11,200 sq ft) + garage + driveway… we might need to reduce the width a bit.
660 sqm x 0.4 = 264 sqm (about 2,840 sq ft).

I have seen many floor plans here… wishes and practicality have to match somewhere.
I’m really curious about the experts’ opinions…
Is it rubbish or usable?

Thanks

Grundriss eines Wohnhauses mit Küche, Essen, Wohnen, SZ, Bad, K1/K2 und Treppe


Grundriss eines Hauses mit offener Wohnküche, Essbereich, Schlafzimmer, Bad, Treppenhaus, Garage.
I
Iotafreak
21 Apr 2021 22:04
kbt09 schrieb:

You don't like skylights ... but a pure north-facing orientation? 😉

Wait for the architect and keep us updated on that.
North-facing orientation? What do you mean?
I find the windows not so great for sleeping when it’s raining.
Y
ypg
21 Apr 2021 22:23
Iotafreak schrieb:

North-facing? What do you mean?
I don’t find the windows very good for sleeping when it’s rainy.

You’re not really into sun positions and their effects—like on mood, glaring low sun, heat exposure, or working at a desk—and you even resist that, right? Haha... 😉
I
Iotafreak
21 Apr 2021 22:40
Ah, okay... when I walk through new housing developments, 99% of the terraces are on the south side... If you think this is nonsense, then you are the 1%. That is what I call arrogance...

I think this forum has great members who give advice to newcomers and share their experiences... and then there are those who throw around terms without explaining them and whose arrogance is hard to beat... The important thing is that everyone can realize their building project according to their own wishes...

When I remember apartments from my childhood on the north side, I always think of cold, shade, moisture, and the muddy lawn that never dried out... No, no... never again...


ypg schrieb:

You’re not really into the sun positions and their effects, for example on mental health, glare from low sun, heat exposure, or desk work, and you even resist that, right? Laugh... 😉
11ant21 Apr 2021 22:46
Iotafreak schrieb:

We want a maximum of 22° roof pitch, for aesthetic reasons..

A 28° pitched hip roof looks less steep than a 22° pitched gable roof, just to give an idea about the appearance.
Iotafreak schrieb:

Let’s see what the architect says.. I’ll get back to you in a few weeks...

That’s a good idea.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Y
ypg
21 Apr 2021 22:46
Iotafreak schrieb:

Ah, okay... when I walk through new housing developments, 99% of the terraces are on the south side... If you think that's nonsense... then you are the 1%. That’s called arrogance...
Probably not 99%... but no one here is currently talking about terraces!, but about your disregard for the children's bedrooms.
Iotafreak schrieb:

What matters is that everyone can realize their building project according to their wishes...
You say that to the person who created some options and inspiration for you based on YOUR requirements. Oh dear! 😡
Iotafreak schrieb:

When I think back to the apartment from my childhood on the north side, I always remember cold, shade, dampness, and the muddy lawn that never dried out... No, no... never again...
...and that is good enough for your children?
I
Iotafreak
21 Apr 2021 23:33
I have already thanked you several times for this... What exactly do you expect regarding how your statements should be handled? If you criticize, you should also be able to take it... Ignorance? Every single design includes east or west-facing windows in the children's rooms, each having advantages depending on the season... I really don’t have the time or patience to deal with such accusations...

Feel free to ignore my messages.
Once again, I am looking for an exchange of experiences and reasons here, not accusations that I refuse to see any point, etc. If you were right on all points, then all houses would probably be the same...
It’s about self-realization, not about you...
I welcome criticism, but as I have already mentioned several times (basement), I do not intend to be completely discouraged from building what I want...

In my opinion, there is a rather arrogant claim here that someone considers themselves the top architectural draftsperson...

I have to accept all criticism, but at the same time am completely unable to handle criticism myself. Well...

I am happy to be proven wrong by people who give advice... That’s all I’m looking for.
ypg schrieb:

99% probably not... but no one here is currently talking about terraces!, but about your ignorance concerning the children’s rooms.

You say this to the person who created some options and inspirations for you based on YOUR requirements. Oh dear! 😡

… and that is good enough for the children in your opinion?