ᐅ Floor Plan Design for a Single-Family House on a Large Sloped Property
Created on: 18 Aug 2021 19:45
M
marvel-online
Hello dear forum,
we look forward to your input on our planning. The plot is fixed, but the design, construction method (solid/wood frame), and approach (general contractor, owner-builder) are still completely open.
Below you will find our questionnaire; I hope it is complete and not answered too extensively.
Development plan / restrictions
Plot size: 1000 m² (10,764 sq ft) buildable area, total 3600 m² (38,750 sq ft) including forest and meadow areas
Slope: There is a slope, rising approximately one story height from the street (north) towards the garden (south)
Floor space index / plot ratio: unplanned inner area, depends on surrounding development
Floor area ratio: unplanned inner area, depends on surrounding development
Building alignment, building line, and boundary: Building allowed up to the southern edge of the current existing structure
Edge development: see pictures
Number of parking spaces: two garage spaces for us, two garage spaces for the neighboring father-in-law to be built on our land, so a total of two double garages
Number of stories: Surrounding buildings have 1.5 stories with pitched roofs
Roof type: gable roofs or half-hipped roof (Dutch gable)
Architectural style: none specified
Orientation: north-south
Maximum heights/limits: height of neighboring buildings unknown
Other requirements
Owners’ requirements
Architectural style, roof type, building type:
We like the Mediterranean style and would probably decide on a half-hipped roof with north-south orientation. Stylistically, we find a low-pitched hipped roof in the Tuscan style most appealing, but it is uncertain whether this can be combined with 1.5 stories and sufficient living space.
Basement, floors: Our idea is a basement at street level and the ground floor with living space at terrace level. However, the surrounding buildings had difficulties with basement construction due to rocks. The garage, or a double garage, could possibly be integrated into the basement. The first upper floor would be the sleeping area, probably as a half-story with sloped ceilings, due to the other buildings.
Number of people, age: Currently two people (mid-30s), with two children planned.
Space requirements on ground floor (GF), upper floor (UF):
The ground floor should accommodate a large kitchen, which can be separated from the adjacent dining room by a sliding door. Additionally, there should be space for a large living room, a storage room, an office, and a small bathroom with a shower (approximately 100 m² (1076 sq ft)).
The upper floor should have a bedroom with a walk-in closet, a large bathroom, and two children’s rooms. We would like to include a sauna in the bathroom. It would also be nice to have a guest room and a fitness room, possibly in the basement.
Office: family use or home office? Home office, one person
Overnight guests per year: Approximately ten per year, as the property is quite rural and not accessible by public transport. My parents would probably use the sleeping option more frequently.
Open or closed architecture: The living area rooms should flow into each other, but we would like to be able to separate the kitchen with a sliding door. We do not like a long narrow layout connecting kitchen, living room, and dining room, as often seen in many designs. We prefer an “L-shaped” layout.
Conservative or modern construction: rather conservative (see above)
Open kitchen, kitchen island: A large kitchen is very important to us, as we both enjoy cooking. It should have a kitchen island with bar stools and a view of the garden and living area.
Number of dining seats: In the kitchen 2–4 at the counter. Our dining table seats eight.
Fireplace: Ideally in the living area, as there is a small forest with enough wood. However, we are unsure how this aligns with KfW 55 energy standards and underfloor heating, both in terms of energy efficiency and ecology. A gas fireplace or similar would also be acceptable.
Music / stereo wall: Sonos speakers are available and would be integrated.
Balcony, roof terrace: Not really necessary in our opinion, considering the large garden.
Garage, carport: Two garage parking spaces for us, preferably with a direct connection to the house. Since the current double garage of the father-in-law stands on the property and will be demolished, we have agreed to build a new double garage for him on our land, so a total of two double garages are to be built. Possibly, we would also add a carport, as this is more practical especially in summer.
Utility garden, greenhouse: We would like some raised beds with vegetables in front of the kitchen. Given the size of the plot, a further utility garden with fruit trees would also be possible further away.
The kitchen is the most important part of the house for us, so we would orient it to the south with direct access to the terrace. The dining room, separated by a sliding door, would adjoin it. The living room is planned behind this, not directly facing south. We want a large open design, but to avoid an impersonal feeling, a certain room structure should be maintained. Large south-facing windows on both the ground and upper floors are important to us, providing a nice view of the adjacent forest and fields. If the budget allows, we would also like to build a swimming pool in the garden.
House design
Who is the designer: Do it yourself
What do you particularly like? Why? Large open kitchen facing south, as well as a large open dining and living area that is visually somewhat separated.
What do you not like? Why? We are still unsure about the layout of the upper floor and the orientation of the staircase. Also, we are uncertain whether to place the entrance at basement level (street level) or on the ground floor, which would look better but would require a larger outdoor staircase.
Price estimate according to architect/planner: Between 450,000 and 700,000 (euros)
Personal price limit for the house, including equipment: We would actually like to manage with 500,000 € (euros) turnkey but will probably have to make some compromises for that
Preferred heating technology: Geothermal energy with additional solar thermal system
If you had to give up details / expansions:
- Could give up: sauna in bathroom, walk-in closet, fitness room, separate guest room (possibly use a sofa bed in the office), built-in pool
- Cannot give up: large kitchen with island, large bathroom, home office, large south-facing window front
Why is the design as it is now?
The design is our own. We also had a few sample designs created by prefab house companies and an architect. So far, however, we think our own somewhat revised design suits us best.
What is the most important / fundamental question regarding the layout in 130 characters?
The question is whether to build a basement despite the likely presence of rock. Or how to otherwise balance the height differences on the slope to keep the living area at garden level. The upper floor will have to be planned with sloped ceilings or dormers. An architect suggested split-level due to the slope, but we are unsure about this.
we look forward to your input on our planning. The plot is fixed, but the design, construction method (solid/wood frame), and approach (general contractor, owner-builder) are still completely open.
Below you will find our questionnaire; I hope it is complete and not answered too extensively.
Development plan / restrictions
Plot size: 1000 m² (10,764 sq ft) buildable area, total 3600 m² (38,750 sq ft) including forest and meadow areas
Slope: There is a slope, rising approximately one story height from the street (north) towards the garden (south)
Floor space index / plot ratio: unplanned inner area, depends on surrounding development
Floor area ratio: unplanned inner area, depends on surrounding development
Building alignment, building line, and boundary: Building allowed up to the southern edge of the current existing structure
Edge development: see pictures
Number of parking spaces: two garage spaces for us, two garage spaces for the neighboring father-in-law to be built on our land, so a total of two double garages
Number of stories: Surrounding buildings have 1.5 stories with pitched roofs
Roof type: gable roofs or half-hipped roof (Dutch gable)
Architectural style: none specified
Orientation: north-south
Maximum heights/limits: height of neighboring buildings unknown
Other requirements
Owners’ requirements
Architectural style, roof type, building type:
We like the Mediterranean style and would probably decide on a half-hipped roof with north-south orientation. Stylistically, we find a low-pitched hipped roof in the Tuscan style most appealing, but it is uncertain whether this can be combined with 1.5 stories and sufficient living space.
Basement, floors: Our idea is a basement at street level and the ground floor with living space at terrace level. However, the surrounding buildings had difficulties with basement construction due to rocks. The garage, or a double garage, could possibly be integrated into the basement. The first upper floor would be the sleeping area, probably as a half-story with sloped ceilings, due to the other buildings.
Number of people, age: Currently two people (mid-30s), with two children planned.
Space requirements on ground floor (GF), upper floor (UF):
The ground floor should accommodate a large kitchen, which can be separated from the adjacent dining room by a sliding door. Additionally, there should be space for a large living room, a storage room, an office, and a small bathroom with a shower (approximately 100 m² (1076 sq ft)).
The upper floor should have a bedroom with a walk-in closet, a large bathroom, and two children’s rooms. We would like to include a sauna in the bathroom. It would also be nice to have a guest room and a fitness room, possibly in the basement.
Office: family use or home office? Home office, one person
Overnight guests per year: Approximately ten per year, as the property is quite rural and not accessible by public transport. My parents would probably use the sleeping option more frequently.
Open or closed architecture: The living area rooms should flow into each other, but we would like to be able to separate the kitchen with a sliding door. We do not like a long narrow layout connecting kitchen, living room, and dining room, as often seen in many designs. We prefer an “L-shaped” layout.
Conservative or modern construction: rather conservative (see above)
Open kitchen, kitchen island: A large kitchen is very important to us, as we both enjoy cooking. It should have a kitchen island with bar stools and a view of the garden and living area.
Number of dining seats: In the kitchen 2–4 at the counter. Our dining table seats eight.
Fireplace: Ideally in the living area, as there is a small forest with enough wood. However, we are unsure how this aligns with KfW 55 energy standards and underfloor heating, both in terms of energy efficiency and ecology. A gas fireplace or similar would also be acceptable.
Music / stereo wall: Sonos speakers are available and would be integrated.
Balcony, roof terrace: Not really necessary in our opinion, considering the large garden.
Garage, carport: Two garage parking spaces for us, preferably with a direct connection to the house. Since the current double garage of the father-in-law stands on the property and will be demolished, we have agreed to build a new double garage for him on our land, so a total of two double garages are to be built. Possibly, we would also add a carport, as this is more practical especially in summer.
Utility garden, greenhouse: We would like some raised beds with vegetables in front of the kitchen. Given the size of the plot, a further utility garden with fruit trees would also be possible further away.
The kitchen is the most important part of the house for us, so we would orient it to the south with direct access to the terrace. The dining room, separated by a sliding door, would adjoin it. The living room is planned behind this, not directly facing south. We want a large open design, but to avoid an impersonal feeling, a certain room structure should be maintained. Large south-facing windows on both the ground and upper floors are important to us, providing a nice view of the adjacent forest and fields. If the budget allows, we would also like to build a swimming pool in the garden.
House design
Who is the designer: Do it yourself
What do you particularly like? Why? Large open kitchen facing south, as well as a large open dining and living area that is visually somewhat separated.
What do you not like? Why? We are still unsure about the layout of the upper floor and the orientation of the staircase. Also, we are uncertain whether to place the entrance at basement level (street level) or on the ground floor, which would look better but would require a larger outdoor staircase.
Price estimate according to architect/planner: Between 450,000 and 700,000 (euros)
Personal price limit for the house, including equipment: We would actually like to manage with 500,000 € (euros) turnkey but will probably have to make some compromises for that
Preferred heating technology: Geothermal energy with additional solar thermal system
If you had to give up details / expansions:
- Could give up: sauna in bathroom, walk-in closet, fitness room, separate guest room (possibly use a sofa bed in the office), built-in pool
- Cannot give up: large kitchen with island, large bathroom, home office, large south-facing window front
Why is the design as it is now?
The design is our own. We also had a few sample designs created by prefab house companies and an architect. So far, however, we think our own somewhat revised design suits us best.
What is the most important / fundamental question regarding the layout in 130 characters?
The question is whether to build a basement despite the likely presence of rock. Or how to otherwise balance the height differences on the slope to keep the living area at garden level. The upper floor will have to be planned with sloped ceilings or dormers. An architect suggested split-level due to the slope, but we are unsure about this.
With a 500k budget, in my opinion, it would be a fatal approach. It is pure utopia to believe that this can work. I also find it quite misleading to give a range from 450 to 700. The 700 is already more realistic, but only achievable with a lot of discipline. I believe that in this case, the question is more about whether it will reach seven figures or not.
marvel-online schrieb:
The design is our own. We also had some sample designs created by prefabricated house companies and an architect. So far, we have to say that we somehow like our own, slightly revised design best. They did all that for free? 😳
Considering these special requirements, which could easily turn into a million-dollar project, trying to reach the goal with a self-drawn plan—where even the front door has the wrong swing direction—I think that’s reckless.
driver55 schrieb:
Given these special requirements, which can easily turn into a million-dollar project, relying on self-made plans—where the front door is already installed on the wrong side—I consider it irresponsible to reach the goal that way. For self-flagellation, the original poster apparently wants to build a narrow corridor along the garage on a generously sized plot. Just as a precaution, in case using the entrance with a rope ladder is not punishment enough *ROTFL*
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
M
marvel-online19 Aug 2021 20:03Those are quite refreshing comments.
To emphasize again: we are at the very beginning of our planning, and the design is (as already explained) a preliminary draft by amateurs, without any sloped ceilings drawn in. The entrance is not meant to be accessed by a rope ladder, although I love the idea. We had imagined a slope next to the garage driveway or an external staircase. In principle, the entrance could also be placed in the basement. Why should the master bedroom move out of the south side? We would actually like to have the view here as well.
It was clear that a budget of 500,000 (USD) is unrealistic for our very long wish list. However, it should not reach seven figures either. I was mainly hoping for valuable tips that might help to reduce the floor plan and bring the whole project closer to the desired budget. But it’s also helpful to get properly “re-centered” sometimes.
If the secondary construction costs really approach 100,000 (USD) (which is difficult to estimate in advance), would a split-level design make more sense?
To emphasize again: we are at the very beginning of our planning, and the design is (as already explained) a preliminary draft by amateurs, without any sloped ceilings drawn in. The entrance is not meant to be accessed by a rope ladder, although I love the idea. We had imagined a slope next to the garage driveway or an external staircase. In principle, the entrance could also be placed in the basement. Why should the master bedroom move out of the south side? We would actually like to have the view here as well.
It was clear that a budget of 500,000 (USD) is unrealistic for our very long wish list. However, it should not reach seven figures either. I was mainly hoping for valuable tips that might help to reduce the floor plan and bring the whole project closer to the desired budget. But it’s also helpful to get properly “re-centered” sometimes.
If the secondary construction costs really approach 100,000 (USD) (which is difficult to estimate in advance), would a split-level design make more sense?
marvel-online schrieb:
To emphasize once again: we are at the very beginning of our planning, and the design is (as already explained) an amateur draft, without any roof slopes drawn in. And that is exactly the problem... the children's rooms are already not usable as they are. The staircase... a landing staircase is not possible within the planned staircase footprint. And with that, the floor plan fails.
G
GeradeSchräg19 Aug 2021 22:04marvel-online schrieb:
Those are refreshing comments.
To emphasize once again: we are at the beginning of our planning, and the design is (as already explained) an amateur draft, without any slopes indicated. The entrance is not meant to be accessed by a rope ladder, even though I really like the idea. We had imagined a slope next to the garage driveway or an external staircase. In principle, the entrance could also be placed in the basement. Why should the master bedroom be moved away from the south? We would actually like to have the view from there as well.
It was predictable that the budget of 500,000 (USD) would be unrealistic for our extensive wish list. But it shouldn’t end up in the seven figures either. I was mainly hoping for valuable advice to possibly reduce the floor plan and bring it closer to the target budget. But it is also helpful to be “reigned in” nicely.
If the additional construction costs really run up to 100,000 (USD) (which is difficult to estimate in advance), does a split-level design make more sense? It would make more sense to consult an architect or a prefabricated house provider who can meet your requirements. After initial discussions, they can give you an estimate of the overall cost. But one thing beforehand: it definitely will not end at 500,000 including fittings. And in my opinion, not even at 700,000.
Then you should decide whether to face reality or adjust your budget properly toward seven figures.
In my opinion, you haven’t done enough research yet. The fact is, for 500,000 currently you might get about 140 m² (1506 sq ft) with a basement. Additional costs for the garage and fittings will be extra.
The floor plan doesn’t need much discussion because a) the prerequisites are correct and b) as it stands, hopefully, it will never be built. It is not harmonious, and the proportions are off. Things that seem important are excessively large, while others could gladly use a bit more space.
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