ᐅ A traditional single-family home of approximately 160 m² is looking for ideas and opinions.
Created on: 19 Aug 2018 12:30
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HelixHello Forum,
first of all, thank you for this platform, from which I have already gathered many suggestions and ideas.
We finally have our plot and are currently deep in the floor plan design phase.
However, since most planners have only implemented our ideas without offering creative or challenging suggestions, we are unsure if we are on the right track.
Therefore, here is our current plan along with some questions.
Thank you very much for any input!
Building regulations/restrictions
Plot size: 970 m² (approx. 10,440 sq ft)
Slope: slight incline to the south, about 1–2 m (3–6.5 ft) across the entire plot
Floor area ratio / plot ratio: 0.4 / 0.8
Building envelope, building line and boundary: see drawing
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of storeys: 1.5
Roof style: gable roof, max. 38°
Architectural style: open design
Orientation: south
Maximum heights/limits:
Maximum ridge height 9.5 m (31 ft)
Maximum eaves height 4.5 m (15 ft)
Maximum overall height 7.5 m (25 ft)
Owners’ requirements
Style, roof shape, building type
Classic with modern elements (double-height space, light band, flat roof tiles), gable roof, four-gable house
Basement, floors
1.5 storeys plus basement (everyone advises against the basement, but it is set in stone)
Number of occupants, age
2 (planning for 4)
Space requirements on ground and upper floors
Total approximately 160 m² (1,720 sq ft)
Office: family use or home office?
One office room on the upper floor, guest/office hybrid
Overnight guests per year
About 10
Open or closed architecture
Open
Traditional or modern construction
Rather traditional
Open kitchen, kitchen island
Yes, yes
Number of dining seats
6 (+2 optional)
Fireplace
No
Garage, carport
Yes, although for cost reasons the garage is currently uncertain
House design
Planner
DIY plan implemented by the builder
What do you like most and why?
- The angled passageway to the living area is a specific wish
- (Partially) covered terrace facing southwest is great
- Double-height space
What do you not like and why?
- We are not yet happy with the sofa corner with TV options; corner sofa in the room or in front of the window feels awkward.
- The main entrance is unprotected. We imagine adding a bay window (about 80 cm (31 inches)) to shelter guests from rain. Unfortunately, this makes the staircase tight. We need a good idea here.
Cost estimate according to architect/planner:
House €300,000
Basement €55,000
Garage €34,000
Additional costs and finishing €70,000
Preferred heating technology:
Ground-source heat pump with earth trench collector
If you have to give up something, which details/upgrades could you do without:
1. Colored windows
2. Prefabricated garage instead of brick garage
3. If still not affordable, carport instead of prefabricated garage
What you cannot do without:
Even though it is a cost factor: the basement is a must
Why did the design turn out as it is now? For example:
Standard plan from the designer?
- Intensive DIY brainwork implemented by the planner
- Unfortunately, little input or suggestions from the planner. It’s always just: looks good, okay, we’ll do it like that. No constructive criticism or alternatives …
What is your key/fundamental question about the floor plan in 130 characters or less?
1. How to make the sofa corner feel cozy?
2. If the bay window is added at the entrance (see pictures “bay window”), how to fit the staircase underneath?
3. Since we had little real input from the planner: What do you think??
first of all, thank you for this platform, from which I have already gathered many suggestions and ideas.
We finally have our plot and are currently deep in the floor plan design phase.
However, since most planners have only implemented our ideas without offering creative or challenging suggestions, we are unsure if we are on the right track.
Therefore, here is our current plan along with some questions.
Thank you very much for any input!
Building regulations/restrictions
Plot size: 970 m² (approx. 10,440 sq ft)
Slope: slight incline to the south, about 1–2 m (3–6.5 ft) across the entire plot
Floor area ratio / plot ratio: 0.4 / 0.8
Building envelope, building line and boundary: see drawing
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of storeys: 1.5
Roof style: gable roof, max. 38°
Architectural style: open design
Orientation: south
Maximum heights/limits:
Maximum ridge height 9.5 m (31 ft)
Maximum eaves height 4.5 m (15 ft)
Maximum overall height 7.5 m (25 ft)
Owners’ requirements
Style, roof shape, building type
Classic with modern elements (double-height space, light band, flat roof tiles), gable roof, four-gable house
Basement, floors
1.5 storeys plus basement (everyone advises against the basement, but it is set in stone)
Number of occupants, age
2 (planning for 4)
Space requirements on ground and upper floors
Total approximately 160 m² (1,720 sq ft)
Office: family use or home office?
One office room on the upper floor, guest/office hybrid
Overnight guests per year
About 10
Open or closed architecture
Open
Traditional or modern construction
Rather traditional
Open kitchen, kitchen island
Yes, yes
Number of dining seats
6 (+2 optional)
Fireplace
No
Garage, carport
Yes, although for cost reasons the garage is currently uncertain
House design
Planner
DIY plan implemented by the builder
What do you like most and why?
- The angled passageway to the living area is a specific wish
- (Partially) covered terrace facing southwest is great
- Double-height space
What do you not like and why?
- We are not yet happy with the sofa corner with TV options; corner sofa in the room or in front of the window feels awkward.
- The main entrance is unprotected. We imagine adding a bay window (about 80 cm (31 inches)) to shelter guests from rain. Unfortunately, this makes the staircase tight. We need a good idea here.
Cost estimate according to architect/planner:
House €300,000
Basement €55,000
Garage €34,000
Additional costs and finishing €70,000
Preferred heating technology:
Ground-source heat pump with earth trench collector
If you have to give up something, which details/upgrades could you do without:
1. Colored windows
2. Prefabricated garage instead of brick garage
3. If still not affordable, carport instead of prefabricated garage
What you cannot do without:
Even though it is a cost factor: the basement is a must
Why did the design turn out as it is now? For example:
Standard plan from the designer?
- Intensive DIY brainwork implemented by the planner
- Unfortunately, little input or suggestions from the planner. It’s always just: looks good, okay, we’ll do it like that. No constructive criticism or alternatives …
What is your key/fundamental question about the floor plan in 130 characters or less?
1. How to make the sofa corner feel cozy?
2. If the bay window is added at the entrance (see pictures “bay window”), how to fit the staircase underneath?
3. Since we had little real input from the planner: What do you think??
A sofa that is visible from the entrance does not create a cozy atmosphere.
You have a bit of a catch-22 situation with the sloped ceiling, especially with the double door included.
If the hinged door also has windows, no one is likely to feel comfortable in the living room.
Since the window placement and terrace accessibility are somewhat problematic, I would ask myself whether this really is the house for you.
I generally miss the slope of the site.
At first reading, I imagined a walk-out basement, also serving as an entry level. More of a single-pitch roof with a larger open space. Only the four gables made me hesitate and brought me back to reality.
Was there a site plan included above? Perhaps you could also draw a side view plan to show the elevations...
You have a bit of a catch-22 situation with the sloped ceiling, especially with the double door included.
If the hinged door also has windows, no one is likely to feel comfortable in the living room.
Since the window placement and terrace accessibility are somewhat problematic, I would ask myself whether this really is the house for you.
I generally miss the slope of the site.
At first reading, I imagined a walk-out basement, also serving as an entry level. More of a single-pitch roof with a larger open space. Only the four gables made me hesitate and brought me back to reality.
Was there a site plan included above? Perhaps you could also draw a side view plan to show the elevations...
About the upper floor: you now have 2 offices/guest rooms... and a basement. Okaaaay
My basic opinion is: if a 3-meter (10-foot) closet doesn’t fit in a bedroom for the parents without a walk-in wardrobe, then there is something off with the layout. The bathroom isn’t great either.
My basic opinion is: if a 3-meter (10-foot) closet doesn’t fit in a bedroom for the parents without a walk-in wardrobe, then there is something off with the layout. The bathroom isn’t great either.
I would swap the bathroom with the bedroom so that the missing 3m (10 feet) closet from Yvonne's critique can fit behind the door. Also, switch the kitchen with the living room, and you'll have your cozy corner.
I think the idea of adding another bay window is nonsense.
Otherwise, I don't see any serious mistakes or brilliant improvements in the design that would get more out of the plan. If you find it too boring, the only option is to start completely over. If it works for you, then build.
I think the idea of adding another bay window is nonsense.
Otherwise, I don't see any serious mistakes or brilliant improvements in the design that would get more out of the plan. If you find it too boring, the only option is to start completely over. If it works for you, then build.
Thanks for the input!
@ypg: The slope across the entire plot is about 1.5 m (5 feet) in height difference, so on the buildable part maybe around 50 cm (20 inches). I don’t think starting with a basement or similar makes much sense here. We simply don’t like shed roofs, but it would certainly be a good option. I completely agree with you about the bathroom! We’ve already noticed that and it still needs to be changed.
For the bedroom, we considered adding a partition wall to create a dressing area with plenty of closet space and a vertical strip window, but I’m not sure if it will feel too cramped (see attached image)?!
@katja: Thanks! The idea of swapping is too simple to have come up with myself. I’ll suggest it to my better half.
Regarding the bay window: Is a roof really necessary to prevent guests from standing in the rain?
Overall, we really like it as it is, so there’s no reason to start over from scratch.
@ypg: The slope across the entire plot is about 1.5 m (5 feet) in height difference, so on the buildable part maybe around 50 cm (20 inches). I don’t think starting with a basement or similar makes much sense here. We simply don’t like shed roofs, but it would certainly be a good option. I completely agree with you about the bathroom! We’ve already noticed that and it still needs to be changed.
For the bedroom, we considered adding a partition wall to create a dressing area with plenty of closet space and a vertical strip window, but I’m not sure if it will feel too cramped (see attached image)?!
@katja: Thanks! The idea of swapping is too simple to have come up with myself. I’ll suggest it to my better half.
Regarding the bay window: Is a roof really necessary to prevent guests from standing in the rain?
Overall, we really like it as it is, so there’s no reason to start over from scratch.
Helix schrieb:
Keyword bay window: Is a roof really necessary so that guests don’t stand in the rain?A porch roof is certainly a good idea. However, redesigning the stairs and moving the front door inward just for that seems unnecessary to me. A simple glass canopy or something similar works much better.Similar topics