Good morning everyone,
after the great advice on the topic of "terrace house" in the general forum, we have now purchased the small plot and will soon have the first more detailed discussions with general contractors (and possibly architects), from whom we would like to have the house built "turnkey."
Since I would like to be well prepared for the discussions and ask the right questions straight away, I would really appreciate any feedback, suggestions, or criticism on the first amateur floor plan draft.
The design and interior layout are not meant to be exact to the centimeter but rather to show what is basically possible within the building envelope. Since it is a terrace house, no windows are allowed on the east-facing wall. We are initially planning with a basement. Compared to many other examples here, this is probably a fairly classic or rather plain design for most, but I’m afraid not much else is possible.
Many thanks in advance!
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size – 240 sqm (2,583 sq ft)
Slope – none
Floor area ratio 0.4
Building envelope, building line, and boundary – 8.5 x 11 m (28 x 36 ft)
Border development – terrace house, meaning direct boundary development on the left (still vacant) and right (already developed)
Roof type – gable roof 35°-40°
Maximum heights / limits – ridge height max. 9.5 m (31 ft); eaves height max. 6.0 m (20 ft)
Client Requirements
Basement, floors – basement yes, 2 full floors, attic as potential conversion space
Number of people, ages – 3 persons (32, 34, 4)
House design
Planning source: do-it-yourself
Personal budget for the house: €300,000 + €50,000 basement + €50,000 ancillary building costs
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
Does the floor plan make sense as is, or could a small separate office be included through a smarter layout? Should certain rooms be bigger or smaller?


after the great advice on the topic of "terrace house" in the general forum, we have now purchased the small plot and will soon have the first more detailed discussions with general contractors (and possibly architects), from whom we would like to have the house built "turnkey."
Since I would like to be well prepared for the discussions and ask the right questions straight away, I would really appreciate any feedback, suggestions, or criticism on the first amateur floor plan draft.
The design and interior layout are not meant to be exact to the centimeter but rather to show what is basically possible within the building envelope. Since it is a terrace house, no windows are allowed on the east-facing wall. We are initially planning with a basement. Compared to many other examples here, this is probably a fairly classic or rather plain design for most, but I’m afraid not much else is possible.
Many thanks in advance!
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size – 240 sqm (2,583 sq ft)
Slope – none
Floor area ratio 0.4
Building envelope, building line, and boundary – 8.5 x 11 m (28 x 36 ft)
Border development – terrace house, meaning direct boundary development on the left (still vacant) and right (already developed)
Roof type – gable roof 35°-40°
Maximum heights / limits – ridge height max. 9.5 m (31 ft); eaves height max. 6.0 m (20 ft)
Client Requirements
Basement, floors – basement yes, 2 full floors, attic as potential conversion space
Number of people, ages – 3 persons (32, 34, 4)
House design
Planning source: do-it-yourself
Personal budget for the house: €300,000 + €50,000 basement + €50,000 ancillary building costs
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
Does the floor plan make sense as is, or could a small separate office be included through a smarter layout? Should certain rooms be bigger or smaller?
I tried working on the floor plan. Unfortunately, the software crashed on me.
I see the staircase where you drew it, although possibly narrower. I would place the office at the top left of the plan, and the living room in the middle with skylights facing the carport. I’d position the kitchen and dining area on the south side, using about 11 meters (36 feet) for the lower part and 9 meters (30 feet) for the other half (kitchen at the bottom right of the plan with a recessed terrace). The dining area would then be like a conservatory with lots of windows.
I see the staircase where you drew it, although possibly narrower. I would place the office at the top left of the plan, and the living room in the middle with skylights facing the carport. I’d position the kitchen and dining area on the south side, using about 11 meters (36 feet) for the lower part and 9 meters (30 feet) for the other half (kitchen at the bottom right of the plan with a recessed terrace). The dining area would then be like a conservatory with lots of windows.
I can understand the desire for a garage (for bicycles, etc.) that is slightly wider than 3 meters (10 feet) in external dimension. It simply makes it more practical to use.
@ypg, Yvonne, it’s a shame your software crashed—I would have liked to see your idea. Like you, I see the kitchen facing the garden, so here is the ground floor within the property boundaries of @Mbk84.

Kitchen arranged in three sections with plenty of storage.
The tall cabinet wall includes a 45cm (18 inch) pantry unit, oven/dishwasher at secondary height (around 120cm (47 inches), providing countertop space for a coffee machine, etc.), and then a combined fridge/freezer.
The cooking area is on the right side wall with exhaust venting downwards, and there is a large preparation/sink island.
Dining area with a 100 x 200 cm (39 x 79 inches) table and bench, allowing enough room for movement in front of the sliding door to the terrace.
The living room is more private... with a “library area” in the corridor.
__________________
And here is the upper floor:

I would place the master bed along the exterior wall so that both sides have enough space for bedside tables.
A 350 cm (138 inch) sliding door closet and around 350 cm (138 inch) chest of drawers should provide sufficient storage.
Bathroom: WC positioned above the WC on the ground floor, privacy panel = shower partition wall. On the bottom side, a washbasin, for example a countertop basin, next to free space where the washing machine can be placed underneath.
On the left side there is room for a shallow (about 25 cm (10 inch)) bathroom cabinet or possibly a heated towel rail.
@Mbk84 .. was it already confirmed whether the garage roof can be used as a terrace?
Also, would windows generally be possible on the right side of the upper floor, or not due to the terrace potential on the garage?
@ypg, Yvonne, it’s a shame your software crashed—I would have liked to see your idea. Like you, I see the kitchen facing the garden, so here is the ground floor within the property boundaries of @Mbk84.
Kitchen arranged in three sections with plenty of storage.
The tall cabinet wall includes a 45cm (18 inch) pantry unit, oven/dishwasher at secondary height (around 120cm (47 inches), providing countertop space for a coffee machine, etc.), and then a combined fridge/freezer.
The cooking area is on the right side wall with exhaust venting downwards, and there is a large preparation/sink island.
Dining area with a 100 x 200 cm (39 x 79 inches) table and bench, allowing enough room for movement in front of the sliding door to the terrace.
The living room is more private... with a “library area” in the corridor.
__________________
And here is the upper floor:
I would place the master bed along the exterior wall so that both sides have enough space for bedside tables.
A 350 cm (138 inch) sliding door closet and around 350 cm (138 inch) chest of drawers should provide sufficient storage.
Bathroom: WC positioned above the WC on the ground floor, privacy panel = shower partition wall. On the bottom side, a washbasin, for example a countertop basin, next to free space where the washing machine can be placed underneath.
On the left side there is room for a shallow (about 25 cm (10 inch)) bathroom cabinet or possibly a heated towel rail.
@Mbk84 .. was it already confirmed whether the garage roof can be used as a terrace?
Also, would windows generally be possible on the right side of the upper floor, or not due to the terrace potential on the garage?
kbt09 schrieb:
Would windows generally be possible on the right side of the upper floor, or rather not..? If you mean the wall adjoining the neighbor’s property, I would say no. Unless someone knows a way to comply with the following additional condition from the building approval (see below) in a different way.
@Mbk84 Have you considered a carport? Personally, I find the front too enclosed.
kbt09 schrieb:
@ypg, Yvonne, it's a pity that your program crashed, I would have liked to see the idea. Like you, I see the kitchen facing the garden .. so here within the property boundaries of @Mbk84 the ground floorBut he saved it... I'll go ahead and share the sketch... you all know me as someone who just shares ideas, not tips on where to store magazines
Underground garage? A basement is already planned anyway. But an underground garage... there might be issues with the driveway length. Or am I wrong? That was at least my initial thought. Also, there is probably a requirement to have a garage to achieve that connected house effect.
Extending the house of course improves the space situation and definitely allows for two children’s rooms plus an office/guest room. I understood that a second child isn’t necessarily planned. If that does become the case, extending the house is definitely something to consider.
Also, clarify whether a fully enclosed garage is required or if an open one would be acceptable. At least an open space as wide as the walkway is helpful for gardening tasks and similar activities.
An advantage of having the garden façade not end in a straight line is that you don’t sit directly aligned with the neighbors, giving you a kind of retreat area in the garden. (Otherwise, you can’t even whisper gossip.)
Extending the house of course improves the space situation and definitely allows for two children’s rooms plus an office/guest room. I understood that a second child isn’t necessarily planned. If that does become the case, extending the house is definitely something to consider.
Also, clarify whether a fully enclosed garage is required or if an open one would be acceptable. At least an open space as wide as the walkway is helpful for gardening tasks and similar activities.
An advantage of having the garden façade not end in a straight line is that you don’t sit directly aligned with the neighbors, giving you a kind of retreat area in the garden. (Otherwise, you can’t even whisper gossip.)
Similar topics