Hello dear forum community,
after quietly reading along for a long time, we have now registered here and want to share our house plans with you.
First of all, we would like to say a big THANK YOU – the information you get here is truly invaluable.
Now a bit about us: we are both around 50, and our two grown children have moved out. Currently, we live in my parents’ house, but we want to realize our own dream of building a house. We are very fortunate to be able to afford the construction without any problems. The building plot belongs to us, and the local building authority has given us a verbal go-ahead so far (there is no zoning plan as it is currently farmland). We only have to contribute proportionally to the development costs, which is fine for us.
Our children and guests enjoy visiting, so we want to set up a guest apartment in the basement. For old age, our design allows us to convert the ground floor barrier-free at any time with minor modifications, including an elevator if needed. In case of emergency, the guest apartment could also be used for a carer, although hopefully this will never be necessary.
Zoning Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 2,100m² (0.52 acres)
Slope: Yes, see elevations
Floor area ratio: no zoning plan
Floor space index: no zoning plan
Building envelope, building line and boundary: no zoning plan, we keep at least 6.0m (20 feet) clearance all around
Edge development: No
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 1 story, basement
Roof style: hinted “shed roof”
Architectural style: ???
Orientation: North/South
Maximum height / limitations: No specifications
Further requirements: No valid zoning plan, planning permission granted for usual residential construction
Owner’s Requirements
Style, roof type, building type: one-story bungalow with basement (prepared for barrier-free access)
Basement, floors: basement yes, single-story with open roof structure
Number of people, age: 2, me 50, her 48, 1 dog
Space requirements ground floor / upper floor: see floor plan
Office: family use or home office? Occasional home office for me
Overnight guests per year: many
Open or closed architecture: rather open
Conservative or modern construction: special
Open kitchen, kitchen island: definitely yes
Number of dining seats: minimum 8
Fireplace: yes
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: integrated in the house
Utility garden, greenhouse: no
Further wishes / special features / daily routine, also reasons why something should or should not be included
House Design
Who created the design?
- Planner from a construction company
- Architect
- Do-it-Yourself (DIY)
The planning was done by us ourselves.
What do you particularly like? Why?
Optimized for our personal wishes— we have incorporated all our requirements.
What do you dislike? Why?
Price estimate according to architect/planner:
Personal price limit for house including fittings: We estimate construction costs around €700,000–800,000 (about $750,000–860,000), but financing is secured and this is not the main focus here.
Preferred heating technology: not finalized yet, definitely photovoltaic and solar panels on the roof, air-to-water heat pump or geothermal energy.
If you had to give up something, on which details / additional features could you do without?
Good question, probably the pool if it meant we could get a hot tub instead...
What can you absolutely not do without?
The large open space and the guest apartment.
Why did the design turn out the way it is? For example:
Standard planter’s template? No, we simply planned according to our preferences, open roof structure, large open space because we like to entertain guests, wellness area is a must.
Which wishes were implemented by the architect?
A mix of many examples from various magazines...
What makes it particularly good or bad in your opinion?
What is the most important fundamental question regarding the floor plan, summarized in 130 characters?
after quietly reading along for a long time, we have now registered here and want to share our house plans with you.
First of all, we would like to say a big THANK YOU – the information you get here is truly invaluable.
Now a bit about us: we are both around 50, and our two grown children have moved out. Currently, we live in my parents’ house, but we want to realize our own dream of building a house. We are very fortunate to be able to afford the construction without any problems. The building plot belongs to us, and the local building authority has given us a verbal go-ahead so far (there is no zoning plan as it is currently farmland). We only have to contribute proportionally to the development costs, which is fine for us.
Our children and guests enjoy visiting, so we want to set up a guest apartment in the basement. For old age, our design allows us to convert the ground floor barrier-free at any time with minor modifications, including an elevator if needed. In case of emergency, the guest apartment could also be used for a carer, although hopefully this will never be necessary.
Zoning Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 2,100m² (0.52 acres)
Slope: Yes, see elevations
Floor area ratio: no zoning plan
Floor space index: no zoning plan
Building envelope, building line and boundary: no zoning plan, we keep at least 6.0m (20 feet) clearance all around
Edge development: No
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 1 story, basement
Roof style: hinted “shed roof”
Architectural style: ???
Orientation: North/South
Maximum height / limitations: No specifications
Further requirements: No valid zoning plan, planning permission granted for usual residential construction
Owner’s Requirements
Style, roof type, building type: one-story bungalow with basement (prepared for barrier-free access)
Basement, floors: basement yes, single-story with open roof structure
Number of people, age: 2, me 50, her 48, 1 dog
Space requirements ground floor / upper floor: see floor plan
Office: family use or home office? Occasional home office for me
Overnight guests per year: many
Open or closed architecture: rather open
Conservative or modern construction: special
Open kitchen, kitchen island: definitely yes
Number of dining seats: minimum 8
Fireplace: yes
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: integrated in the house
Utility garden, greenhouse: no
Further wishes / special features / daily routine, also reasons why something should or should not be included
House Design
Who created the design?
- Planner from a construction company
- Architect
- Do-it-Yourself (DIY)
The planning was done by us ourselves.
What do you particularly like? Why?
Optimized for our personal wishes— we have incorporated all our requirements.
What do you dislike? Why?
Price estimate according to architect/planner:
Personal price limit for house including fittings: We estimate construction costs around €700,000–800,000 (about $750,000–860,000), but financing is secured and this is not the main focus here.
Preferred heating technology: not finalized yet, definitely photovoltaic and solar panels on the roof, air-to-water heat pump or geothermal energy.
If you had to give up something, on which details / additional features could you do without?
Good question, probably the pool if it meant we could get a hot tub instead...
What can you absolutely not do without?
The large open space and the guest apartment.
Why did the design turn out the way it is? For example:
Standard planter’s template? No, we simply planned according to our preferences, open roof structure, large open space because we like to entertain guests, wellness area is a must.
Which wishes were implemented by the architect?
A mix of many examples from various magazines...
What makes it particularly good or bad in your opinion?
What is the most important fundamental question regarding the floor plan, summarized in 130 characters?
Does an expansion of the inner core building zone require the involvement and consultation of the municipal council and other authorities first?
Basically, it’s a great plot.
For a generous budget, though, I have to say the design feels quite conservative and rather large for just two people.
In older age, everything needs to be maintained, and more importantly, actually lived in.
I would orient the building more towards the plot. A fully south-facing side is important for many, but when the hot sun arrives every summer, it becomes a problem that is usually addressed with awnings, blinds, or shade sails—solutions that rarely look good.
Personally, I find small niches distributed throughout more interesting.
With so many skylights, I would reconsider the overall design.
It feels like you don’t really need a pitched roof if you’re going to cut it up again with glass anyway.
I would always position the garage at the property boundary. Even if it’s less important with a plot this size, you never know where you might want to put a nice pool later!
Overall, I find the layout quite complicated, with a lot of hallway space (dead space). But, of course, that’s a matter of personal taste.
Is the budget net? I find it hard to imagine it’s sufficient for this size.
We have 153m² (1645 sq ft) of living space and a 50m² (538 sq ft) garage for the same amount. Without landscaping and expensive extras like KNX systems or conservatories.
I’m curious to see how your project develops.
Basically, it’s a great plot.
For a generous budget, though, I have to say the design feels quite conservative and rather large for just two people.
In older age, everything needs to be maintained, and more importantly, actually lived in.
I would orient the building more towards the plot. A fully south-facing side is important for many, but when the hot sun arrives every summer, it becomes a problem that is usually addressed with awnings, blinds, or shade sails—solutions that rarely look good.
Personally, I find small niches distributed throughout more interesting.
With so many skylights, I would reconsider the overall design.
It feels like you don’t really need a pitched roof if you’re going to cut it up again with glass anyway.
I would always position the garage at the property boundary. Even if it’s less important with a plot this size, you never know where you might want to put a nice pool later!
Overall, I find the layout quite complicated, with a lot of hallway space (dead space). But, of course, that’s a matter of personal taste.
Is the budget net? I find it hard to imagine it’s sufficient for this size.
We have 153m² (1645 sq ft) of living space and a 50m² (538 sq ft) garage for the same amount. Without landscaping and expensive extras like KNX systems or conservatories.
I’m curious to see how your project develops.
Hello Malunga,
Thank you for your feedback.
The large roof surfaces facing north provide light without direct sunlight.
I was inspired by my company, as we still have an old warehouse with a sawtooth roof and windows on the north side, which creates an excellent indoor climate, especially in summer...
What do you mean by "complex"? Basement or ground floor?
Thank you for your feedback.
The large roof surfaces facing north provide light without direct sunlight.
I was inspired by my company, as we still have an old warehouse with a sawtooth roof and windows on the north side, which creates an excellent indoor climate, especially in summer...
What do you mean by "complex"? Basement or ground floor?
If budget is not an issue, I would recommend writing down all your wishes, preferences, and requirements in text form, and then taking that to an architect or professional planner. This is a distinct profession for a reason, and you would probably be surprised at what they can achieve.
You can still implement the architect’s design later with a construction company of your choice, but I would let the professionals handle it.
Regarding the floor plans themselves, it’s hard to say much without dimensions, but at first glance, some corners appear awkwardly shaped or too narrow for passage. When building so generously, you really don’t need to include such tight spots.
Edit: I found the dimensions. 😉
You can still implement the architect’s design later with a construction company of your choice, but I would let the professionals handle it.
Regarding the floor plans themselves, it’s hard to say much without dimensions, but at first glance, some corners appear awkwardly shaped or too narrow for passage. When building so generously, you really don’t need to include such tight spots.
Edit: I found the dimensions. 😉
I also find the layout too complicated. The entrance area feels like a maze, with a winding path to the stairs and then further on. For a wardrobe that can be properly filled, the space labeled "entrance" seems too awkwardly shaped.
Regarding the basement in general: this will be a full floor, right? So overall, it's a two-story building. However, the windows appear to be too small.
Overall, some walls and doors could probably be removed throughout. For example, the access to the dressing room. The hallway in front of it feels excessive. Is there a bathtub in the bathroom?
Are those a washing machine and dryer in the dressing room? This would be a no-go for laundry: despite the ventilation, the room will become very humid during drying and is not good for clothing. I would also look for a direct drying option here for items that can’t be tumble dried. I would generally orient the bed so the room isn’t entered from the head side.
The toilet is located four doors away from the sauna. In principle, I like the idea of having the sauna/wellness area in a separate wing, but with fewer doors and possibly with an accessible relaxation area, and maybe a fitness area for later use.
The kitchen/dining area feels too busy. From the table, you look at the stairlift; from the kitchen, you see the hallway and dressing room… plus, there’s a half-height partition wall facing the living room. Window grilles… despite the size and panoramic windows, it doesn’t feel spacious. The open roof adds to the busy appearance.
The roof is a matter of taste. The pitch seems a bit too steep or pronounced in terms of visual effect, almost like a church. I like open roofs or loft spaces, but I would plan a nice gallery with one large room that allows you to look down, rather than a small chamber accessed by a ladder. Rooms that are wider than they are tall are generally more comfortable. For example, is the sauna three times as tall as it is wide?
(We have an open 26-degree roof, and with a room width of 4.5 meters (15 feet), the effect is already borderline. Next time, I would plan a shallower pitch.) Given current policies, which will likely also push us towards more sustainable behavior, I would avoid empty volumes that need to be heated.
In principle, a dealbreaker for me is the “floating” of the living floor: if I design a living level, I want to be able to go outside from nearly every room and have direct garden access. Don’t you? Especially if the plot size would allow exits from the bathroom and/or bedroom, kitchen, and living area. As far as I can see, access is only possible from the dining area terrace. This concept is reflected in the skylights. Almost nothing connects to the garden or plot. This could create a kind of “earth-cave effect” where you feel enclosed and only see the sky.
I scrolled back up and wonder whether you are open to criticism or just want to present your house project unconditionally.
I would definitely hire an architect for the planning without bringing your own drawings. If you are lucky enough to have a strong financing position enabling you to afford a substantial house, this should be reflected in the professional planning. For example, sightlines are completely missing. Just because standard houses can’t afford these doesn’t mean a custom house should neglect these valuable details.
That said, I must also say I don’t see a house like the one you have drawn fitting into the budget.
Regarding the basement in general: this will be a full floor, right? So overall, it's a two-story building. However, the windows appear to be too small.
Overall, some walls and doors could probably be removed throughout. For example, the access to the dressing room. The hallway in front of it feels excessive. Is there a bathtub in the bathroom?
Are those a washing machine and dryer in the dressing room? This would be a no-go for laundry: despite the ventilation, the room will become very humid during drying and is not good for clothing. I would also look for a direct drying option here for items that can’t be tumble dried. I would generally orient the bed so the room isn’t entered from the head side.
The toilet is located four doors away from the sauna. In principle, I like the idea of having the sauna/wellness area in a separate wing, but with fewer doors and possibly with an accessible relaxation area, and maybe a fitness area for later use.
The kitchen/dining area feels too busy. From the table, you look at the stairlift; from the kitchen, you see the hallway and dressing room… plus, there’s a half-height partition wall facing the living room. Window grilles… despite the size and panoramic windows, it doesn’t feel spacious. The open roof adds to the busy appearance.
The roof is a matter of taste. The pitch seems a bit too steep or pronounced in terms of visual effect, almost like a church. I like open roofs or loft spaces, but I would plan a nice gallery with one large room that allows you to look down, rather than a small chamber accessed by a ladder. Rooms that are wider than they are tall are generally more comfortable. For example, is the sauna three times as tall as it is wide?
(We have an open 26-degree roof, and with a room width of 4.5 meters (15 feet), the effect is already borderline. Next time, I would plan a shallower pitch.) Given current policies, which will likely also push us towards more sustainable behavior, I would avoid empty volumes that need to be heated.
In principle, a dealbreaker for me is the “floating” of the living floor: if I design a living level, I want to be able to go outside from nearly every room and have direct garden access. Don’t you? Especially if the plot size would allow exits from the bathroom and/or bedroom, kitchen, and living area. As far as I can see, access is only possible from the dining area terrace. This concept is reflected in the skylights. Almost nothing connects to the garden or plot. This could create a kind of “earth-cave effect” where you feel enclosed and only see the sky.
wolko22 schrieb:
and want to share our house design with you.
I scrolled back up and wonder whether you are open to criticism or just want to present your house project unconditionally.
I would definitely hire an architect for the planning without bringing your own drawings. If you are lucky enough to have a strong financing position enabling you to afford a substantial house, this should be reflected in the professional planning. For example, sightlines are completely missing. Just because standard houses can’t afford these doesn’t mean a custom house should neglect these valuable details.
That said, I must also say I don’t see a house like the one you have drawn fitting into the budget.
Phew, a lot of information at once. But that’s exactly how it should be. Thanks for that.
@kati1337
An architect is obviously planned, but we’re still at the very beginning and wanted to try it ourselves first. It’s a hobby of mine after all...
@ypg
The entrance area is actually more like an airlock, and the route to the stairs is awkward, so we’ll have to work on that. Maybe also make it visually more open with glass elements and a recessed door, but we don’t want the entrance to be completely open. Thanks for the note about the full basement (KG) level; I’ll keep that in mind for further planning.
A continuous access around the garden certainly has its charm, but at the moment I can’t imagine how that would work on a sloped plot like ours when considering the natural terrain and without fully embedding the basement. We now have direct access from the kitchen and from the hallway/wellness area to the south/east terrace. Do you think that’s too little?
What do you mean by four doors from the sauna to the toilet? Of course, we also use the guest toilet ourselves and don’t always walk through the dressing room to get to the main bathroom. As for the bathroom, the bathtub isn’t very important to us; we mostly prefer showers. We could actually leave out the bathtub entirely, but maybe my back will ache someday after all 😉
Regarding your request for criticism, we’re happy to hear your honest opinions and welcome any feedback. Admittedly, we are quite convinced of the open roof design and don’t want to change that easily, but if for whatever reason it doesn’t make sense, we will reconsider everything. Currently, we have an open gable roof with a 45° pitch and about 4.20 meters (14 feet) ceiling height under the ridge, and we really like it. But whether the additional meter and the skylights negatively affect the overall impression is hard for me to judge.
I noticed that I didn’t attach the building section with the ceiling heights yesterday, so I’ll add it here now. You can also see, for example, that the roof in the wellness area isn’t open up to the ridge; the ceiling height there is about 3.50 meters (11.5 feet).
@kati1337
An architect is obviously planned, but we’re still at the very beginning and wanted to try it ourselves first. It’s a hobby of mine after all...
@ypg
The entrance area is actually more like an airlock, and the route to the stairs is awkward, so we’ll have to work on that. Maybe also make it visually more open with glass elements and a recessed door, but we don’t want the entrance to be completely open. Thanks for the note about the full basement (KG) level; I’ll keep that in mind for further planning.
A continuous access around the garden certainly has its charm, but at the moment I can’t imagine how that would work on a sloped plot like ours when considering the natural terrain and without fully embedding the basement. We now have direct access from the kitchen and from the hallway/wellness area to the south/east terrace. Do you think that’s too little?
What do you mean by four doors from the sauna to the toilet? Of course, we also use the guest toilet ourselves and don’t always walk through the dressing room to get to the main bathroom. As for the bathroom, the bathtub isn’t very important to us; we mostly prefer showers. We could actually leave out the bathtub entirely, but maybe my back will ache someday after all 😉
Regarding your request for criticism, we’re happy to hear your honest opinions and welcome any feedback. Admittedly, we are quite convinced of the open roof design and don’t want to change that easily, but if for whatever reason it doesn’t make sense, we will reconsider everything. Currently, we have an open gable roof with a 45° pitch and about 4.20 meters (14 feet) ceiling height under the ridge, and we really like it. But whether the additional meter and the skylights negatively affect the overall impression is hard for me to judge.
I noticed that I didn’t attach the building section with the ceiling heights yesterday, so I’ll add it here now. You can also see, for example, that the roof in the wellness area isn’t open up to the ridge; the ceiling height there is about 3.50 meters (11.5 feet).
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