ᐅ Floor plan design for a new build modern semi-detached house with 6-meter ceiling height and 239 square meters of living space

Created on: 9 Nov 2025 23:46

Hello everyone,

I am planning to demolish my existing semi-detached house and build a modern residential building on my property.
The new house will again be attached directly to the existing neighboring half.

The plot measures 1,027 sqm (about 11,060 sq ft), and the design comes from my architect.
I would appreciate honest and constructive feedback on the floor plan and room layout.
Elevations and floor plans are attached.

Development plan / restrictions

Plot size: 1,027 sqm (half share use for semi-detached house)
Slope: no slope, flat area
Site coverage ratio: 0.3
Floor area ratio: 0.5
Building envelope / building line / building boundary: according to development plan, semi-detached house permitted
Edge development: attached to existing neighboring half
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 1.5 floors
Roof type: gable roof
Architectural style: modern, clean lines
Orientation: garden facing southwest
Maximum building height: 10 m (33 ft)
Other requirements: only one full storey allowed

Client requirements

Building type: semi-detached house, new build after demolition
Basement: no
Living area: approx. 239 sqm (2,572 sq ft)
Occupants: 5 persons (2 adults, 3 children)
Ceiling height in living area: approx. 6 m (20 ft)
Living/dining area: approx. 44 sqm (473 sq ft), open and bright
Office: home office on ground floor
Guest bedrooms: rare use (max. 2–3 times per year)
Architecture: open, modern, large windows
Construction method: solid construction
Kitchen: open with cooking island
Seating capacity: 6–8 people
Fireplace: not planned
Music/stereo wall: possible
Balcony / roof terrace: currently not planned
Garage / carport: double carport
Garden: low maintenance, for family use
Special features: high, open living area with gallery

House design

Designed by: independent architect
Positive aspects: the open living area with gallery and high ceiling, generous lighting
Less favorable aspects: access to the gallery not yet optimal
Price estimate according to architect: approx. 850,000 euros (including fittings, excluding landscaping)
Personal budget limit: approx. 900,000 euros
Heating system: air-to-water heat pump with underfloor heating
Could be omitted: guest room on ground floor
Must have: high ceiling in living area, open kitchen, gallery
Reason for design: combination of modern living concept and development plan requirements (only 1 full storey, mandatory attachment)
Special features: despite semi-detached structure, a spacious feel through 6 m ceiling height and open gallery

I look forward to honest criticism and suggestions for improvement, especially regarding:

Floor plan layout
Lighting and window areas
Proportions with 1.5 floors
Practical everyday use (family with three children)

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

Best regards,
lucaskilam

Two-story floor plan of a house with kitchen, living room, and bedrooms

3D view of a brick house model with dormer windows, brick facade, and dark roof

Modern two-story brick house facade with large glass fronts, 3D rendering.

Section through a house showing roof, stairs, and foundation in raw construction state

lucaskilam13 Nov 2025 12:34

#61

ypg schrieb:

Does he have any references?

Not really. It was certainly a big mistake on my part not to research him properly beforehand. A friend recently hired the same architect for a single-family home and was very satisfied. That’s why I basically trusted him blindly.

hanghaus202313 Nov 2025 12:41

#62

I’m reading here about 6 m (20 feet) ceilings and then this???

Cross-section of building with staircase, ceiling joists, and supports – technical drawing

2.25 m (7 feet 5 inches) ceiling height. I can only recommend choosing a different architect.

lucaskilam13 Nov 2025 12:41

#63

ypg schrieb:

[ATTACH alt="Screenshot 2025-11-13 at 11.11.55.png"]93576[/ATTACH]

Quick & dirty 🙂 Brainstorming allowed..

Shed and half of the auxiliary rooms are single-story, with a block for the children’s area and a block for the parents’ section above.
The courtyard could also be designed with an overhang from the upper floor. South is at the bottom..
But now I’m going for a walk with the dog, he’s waiting.

Looks interesting as well. For now, I’ll wait to see his second draft without influencing it with my own ideas beforehand. This time I won’t limit him. He should let loose, and then we’ll see what comes out of it.

lucaskilam13 Nov 2025 12:51

#64

hanghaus2023 schrieb:

I’m reading about 6-meter (20-foot) ceilings here, and then this???

2.25 m ceiling height (7 ft 5 in). I can only recommend consulting a different architect.

Could it be that certain points have to align with the neighboring house? The existing old building as well as the neighbor’s house both have a prominent basement level, a main floor, and above that a small attic with a loft, totaling about 45 sqm (484 sq ft) of living space. The new build, however, is planned to have only a ground floor and an upper floor.

hanghaus202313 Nov 2025 13:02

#65

Please share some photos of the existing building. The street view of the design looks quite unusual. What does the zoning plan say about roof structures?

hanghaus202313 Nov 2025 13:05

#66

lucaskilam schrieb:

Could it be that certain points need to align with the neighboring house? The existing old building and the neighbor’s house both have a prominent basement, one upper floor, and above that a small attic with a loft, totaling around 45 sqm (484 sq ft) of living space. The new build is planned to have only a ground floor and one upper floor.

A ceiling height of 2.25 m (7 ft 5 in) in a new building is not considered living space, regardless of what the neighbor has. Are there as-built plans available?

ᐅ Floor plan design for a new build modern semi-detached house with 6-meter ceiling height and 239 square meters of living space

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