ᐅ A traditional single-family home of approximately 160 m² is looking for ideas and opinions.

Hello 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??