ᐅ Floor Plan / Layout Ideas for a Single-Family Home of 180 m² with 3 Children's Bedrooms
Created on: 1 Apr 2018 23:13
D
derJohnson
Hello everyone,
I have been a silent reader for a few months now, and regarding our building project, we have already reached the point where we have chosen a construction company and, most importantly, a floor plan. From our perspective, the floor plan is really good, but we are looking for a more "realistic" view from others on our floor plan idea. By realistic, I mean practical for everyday living. We simply lack experience in building design, so I kindly ask the community to evaluate the floor plan. Of course, we are also open to other suggestions for improvement!
Development plan/restrictions:
Nothing significant
Plot size:
20 x 40 m (66 x 131 feet), see site plan. Approx. 809 m² (8,710 sq ft)
Slope:
Very slight downward slope towards the street front
Site coverage ratio
0.4
Floor area ratio
0.8
Building envelope, building line and boundaries
See site plan
Boundary construction
Garage may be built on the boundary line; otherwise, a 3 m (10 feet) distance to neighboring properties is required
Number of parking spaces
2 according to the development plan
Number of storeys
2
Roof style
Gable roof
Architectural style
Classic
Orientation
?
Maximum height restrictions
Eaves height: 4.50 m (15 feet)
Ridge height: 8.50 m (28 feet)
Other requirements
-
Client requirements
Style, roof type, building type
Classic style with gable roof
Basement, storeys
No basement, two storeys as far as the eaves height allows
Number of occupants, ages
Currently 2 adults, both 30 years old, a 6-month-old daughter, and planning 2 more children within the next 4 years
Space requirements for ground floor and upper floor
No precise square meter expectations. Generally a very generous open living, dining, and kitchen area, as we believe most family life will happen there.
Office: family use or home office?
Currently used as a home office; in old age, it is planned to convert the office into the master bedroom for single-level living
Guests per year
None
Open or closed architecture
Open living, dining, and kitchen area; otherwise closed architecture due to the expected noise level from 3 children
Conservative or modern construction
Rather conservative
Open kitchen, kitchen island
As mentioned above, not necessarily a kitchen island; prefer the stove against the wall
Number of dining seats
Kitchen with U-shape layout, breakfast bar extending into the living area
Main dining table in the conservatory
Fireplace
Not planned
Music/stereo wall
No
Balcony, roof terrace
Not desired
Garage, carport
Garage 4 x 9 m (13 x 30 feet), or possibly 3.57 x 9 m (12 x 30 feet) for cost reasons
Utility garden, greenhouse
On the property, a roughly 100 m² (1,076 sq ft) turtle enclosure and possibly a chicken coop will be established
Other wishes/special features/daily routine, including reasons for choices or exclusions
The wife works shifts, so access to the bedroom through the dressing room is preferred
House design
Who is responsible for the planning?
- Planner from a construction company
What do you especially like? Why?
The highlight will be the spacious conservatory in the living area. Anyone who has visited the show home by Stommel Haus in the prefabricated house village in Frechen will understand – it inspired us because we were absolutely enthusiastic about it. My father is a carpenter and will install an open “fake” beam ceiling inside, which will then be finished with a pale whitewash.
What do you not like? Why?
Basement floor plan: Personally, I would prefer the shower access in the upstairs bathroom to be from the side, so water does not splash into the bathroom while showering.
Ground floor plan: Are there options to redesign the staircase (wall), so that one can look directly at the double doors to the living room from the entrance?
Price estimate according to architect/planner:
Not relevant
Personal price limit for the house including fittings:
Not relevant
Preferred heating technology:
District heating mandatory
If you have to give up details/finishes
- Can compromise on: Basically very flexible
- Cannot give up: Conservatory, third gable at the front
Why was the floor plan designed as it is now?
Our wishes were taken into account by the builder.
What do you think makes the floor plan particularly good or bad?
Basically, all our wishes are realized in the floor plan; I do not see much that is bad.
What is the most important/basic question about the desired floor plan, summarized in 130 characters?
As mentioned, I would like feedback on the "everyday practicality" of our floor plan idea. Suggestions for improving the upstairs bathroom and staircase position welcome.
Thank you very much!
Best regards
derJohnson
I have been a silent reader for a few months now, and regarding our building project, we have already reached the point where we have chosen a construction company and, most importantly, a floor plan. From our perspective, the floor plan is really good, but we are looking for a more "realistic" view from others on our floor plan idea. By realistic, I mean practical for everyday living. We simply lack experience in building design, so I kindly ask the community to evaluate the floor plan. Of course, we are also open to other suggestions for improvement!
Development plan/restrictions:
Nothing significant
Plot size:
20 x 40 m (66 x 131 feet), see site plan. Approx. 809 m² (8,710 sq ft)
Slope:
Very slight downward slope towards the street front
Site coverage ratio
0.4
Floor area ratio
0.8
Building envelope, building line and boundaries
See site plan
Boundary construction
Garage may be built on the boundary line; otherwise, a 3 m (10 feet) distance to neighboring properties is required
Number of parking spaces
2 according to the development plan
Number of storeys
2
Roof style
Gable roof
Architectural style
Classic
Orientation
?
Maximum height restrictions
Eaves height: 4.50 m (15 feet)
Ridge height: 8.50 m (28 feet)
Other requirements
-
Client requirements
Style, roof type, building type
Classic style with gable roof
Basement, storeys
No basement, two storeys as far as the eaves height allows
Number of occupants, ages
Currently 2 adults, both 30 years old, a 6-month-old daughter, and planning 2 more children within the next 4 years
Space requirements for ground floor and upper floor
No precise square meter expectations. Generally a very generous open living, dining, and kitchen area, as we believe most family life will happen there.
Office: family use or home office?
Currently used as a home office; in old age, it is planned to convert the office into the master bedroom for single-level living
Guests per year
None
Open or closed architecture
Open living, dining, and kitchen area; otherwise closed architecture due to the expected noise level from 3 children
Conservative or modern construction
Rather conservative
Open kitchen, kitchen island
As mentioned above, not necessarily a kitchen island; prefer the stove against the wall
Number of dining seats
Kitchen with U-shape layout, breakfast bar extending into the living area
Main dining table in the conservatory
Fireplace
Not planned
Music/stereo wall
No
Balcony, roof terrace
Not desired
Garage, carport
Garage 4 x 9 m (13 x 30 feet), or possibly 3.57 x 9 m (12 x 30 feet) for cost reasons
Utility garden, greenhouse
On the property, a roughly 100 m² (1,076 sq ft) turtle enclosure and possibly a chicken coop will be established
Other wishes/special features/daily routine, including reasons for choices or exclusions
The wife works shifts, so access to the bedroom through the dressing room is preferred
House design
Who is responsible for the planning?
- Planner from a construction company
What do you especially like? Why?
The highlight will be the spacious conservatory in the living area. Anyone who has visited the show home by Stommel Haus in the prefabricated house village in Frechen will understand – it inspired us because we were absolutely enthusiastic about it. My father is a carpenter and will install an open “fake” beam ceiling inside, which will then be finished with a pale whitewash.
What do you not like? Why?
Basement floor plan: Personally, I would prefer the shower access in the upstairs bathroom to be from the side, so water does not splash into the bathroom while showering.
Ground floor plan: Are there options to redesign the staircase (wall), so that one can look directly at the double doors to the living room from the entrance?
Price estimate according to architect/planner:
Not relevant
Personal price limit for the house including fittings:
Not relevant
Preferred heating technology:
District heating mandatory
If you have to give up details/finishes
- Can compromise on: Basically very flexible
- Cannot give up: Conservatory, third gable at the front
Why was the floor plan designed as it is now?
Our wishes were taken into account by the builder.
What do you think makes the floor plan particularly good or bad?
Basically, all our wishes are realized in the floor plan; I do not see much that is bad.
What is the most important/basic question about the desired floor plan, summarized in 130 characters?
As mentioned, I would like feedback on the "everyday practicality" of our floor plan idea. Suggestions for improving the upstairs bathroom and staircase position welcome.
Thank you very much!
Best regards
derJohnson
Sorry, following the descriptions this morning is a bit too much to ask.
I’m attaching the site plan again because not many people can open PDFs:
Regarding your enclosed terrace: it will be a dark, uncomfortable space. At first glance, a caveman might think, "Great, a cave." But that feeling quickly fades once the family realizes it's much nicer to sunbathe in the sunlight.
I wasn’t thinking of moving the entrance – just considering a different staircase option.
I’m attaching the site plan again because not many people can open PDFs:
Regarding your enclosed terrace: it will be a dark, uncomfortable space. At first glance, a caveman might think, "Great, a cave." But that feeling quickly fades once the family realizes it's much nicer to sunbathe in the sunlight.
I wasn’t thinking of moving the entrance – just considering a different staircase option.
ypg schrieb:
Could I please get the site plan as a jpg?
I can’t open it. Ah, I see. Here’s the zoomed-in section with the measurements again:
D
derJohnson2 Apr 2018 10:10Oh, thanks for the quick reply, Katja,
I have some difficult relatives over now, so have a blast
My responses will take a bit longer from now on.
Regarding the uncomfortable hole, it’s only about 3m (10 feet) being enclosed, so I actually thought it wouldn’t block that much light.
I have some difficult relatives over now, so have a blast
My responses will take a bit longer from now on.
Regarding the uncomfortable hole, it’s only about 3m (10 feet) being enclosed, so I actually thought it wouldn’t block that much light.
kaho674 schrieb:
Oh, I see. Here is the zoomed-in view with the measurements:
[emoji8]
derJohnson schrieb:
...
Regarding the ground floor, this partly reflects our preferences.
We wanted direct access from the utility room to both the kitchen and the hallway, so that when entering the house through the garage, you don’t have to walk all the way through the kitchen/living room to reach the cloakroom.
....
We are still looking for a solution. Moving the staircase to the rear and placing the entrance to the utility room close to the front door is one option.
And where would the cloakroom be? You are using the entire hallway going around the stairs, which isn’t practical.
...
I find the kitchen too long and therefore not very practical.
Living room: sofa placement feels cramped.
I agree with Katja about the hallway, utility room, and bathroom.
Regarding the bathroom: since part of it is above the entrance, the waste pipe positioning has to be planned very carefully. The pipe also needs to run inside the house on the ground floor. It probably shouldn’t be placed in front of the stairs, etc. There aren’t many options.
With three children, I wouldn’t want to give up the shower on the ground floor.
The conservatory faces west. Most of the wind comes from the west. For this reason, I would extend the garage closer to the street and enclose the corner with bushes, so the wind can pass through the leaves and no wind pockets (is that the right term?) form.
A door to the storage room on the terrace doesn’t work well; it’s better to place it out of sight around the corner.
I would shorten the kitchen, maybe add a prep island, and behind it, a pantry/backup kitchen. The utility room should be accessible from the front and also have wardrobe cabinets for five people. Count the number of your jackets and shoes for the whole year.
The WC with shower and window should be positioned so that cabinets can be installed as well.
I made a sketch:
... but I still don’t find it fully coherent — especially regarding the kitchen and cloakroom.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to simply move a staircase by half a meter.
Better to opt for a complete redesign!
D
derJohnson2 Apr 2018 17:27Hello Yvonne,
Thank you very much for your detailed response and your drawing!
Unfortunately, I forgot to mention that the furniture/kitchen shown in the drawing is not planned by us. The sofa should be arranged as you suggested.
We are planning a U-shaped kitchen that runs along the upper end of the house, leaving the U open towards the utility room below.
What I just realized, which I honestly hadn’t measured before, is that the kitchen will actually be quite small.
The wall facing the garage is only about 3m (10 feet) long, which does seem quite limited for a U-shaped kitchen, or am I mistaken?
If I allow for a 1.50m (5 feet) walkway, that adds up to 6.50m (21 feet), of which approximately 2m (6.5 feet) is taken up by the stove, sink, and refrigerator, leaving an effective work surface of 4.50m (15 feet). That seems rather little to me. Our current rental apartment has only 50cm (20 inches) less countertop or kitchen space.
The wardrobe is currently planned under the stairs, which are designed to be open.
Regarding the pipes in the upstairs bathroom, I asked our builder, and he said it wouldn’t be an issue. I will check again just to be sure.
The note about the wind is also good; we haven’t considered that yet. I’ll need to have that checked, especially since it can be quite windy there.
About your drawing with the kitchen, utility room, and pantry: I discussed it with my wife. We’re not very fond of this idea because we want to use the full width of the house for the living area. The current proposal creates a large square room that will feel quite small due to the small wall to the left of the entrance. Without that wall, there would be no small separation for the “TV area.”
On the other hand, redesigning the ground floor bathroom with access to the utility room is definitely a great idea—that’s exactly what I meant in my previous post to Tanja. We had a similar suggestion from another builder.
The downside is that combined with our wish to use the entire width of the house for the kitchen and living area, the utility room becomes quite small.
What changes did you mean with the 4 crosses on the guest room side facing the living room?
Should the wall be moved?
Best regards,
derJohnson
Thank you very much for your detailed response and your drawing!
Unfortunately, I forgot to mention that the furniture/kitchen shown in the drawing is not planned by us. The sofa should be arranged as you suggested.
We are planning a U-shaped kitchen that runs along the upper end of the house, leaving the U open towards the utility room below.
What I just realized, which I honestly hadn’t measured before, is that the kitchen will actually be quite small.
The wall facing the garage is only about 3m (10 feet) long, which does seem quite limited for a U-shaped kitchen, or am I mistaken?
If I allow for a 1.50m (5 feet) walkway, that adds up to 6.50m (21 feet), of which approximately 2m (6.5 feet) is taken up by the stove, sink, and refrigerator, leaving an effective work surface of 4.50m (15 feet). That seems rather little to me. Our current rental apartment has only 50cm (20 inches) less countertop or kitchen space.
The wardrobe is currently planned under the stairs, which are designed to be open.
Regarding the pipes in the upstairs bathroom, I asked our builder, and he said it wouldn’t be an issue. I will check again just to be sure.
The note about the wind is also good; we haven’t considered that yet. I’ll need to have that checked, especially since it can be quite windy there.
About your drawing with the kitchen, utility room, and pantry: I discussed it with my wife. We’re not very fond of this idea because we want to use the full width of the house for the living area. The current proposal creates a large square room that will feel quite small due to the small wall to the left of the entrance. Without that wall, there would be no small separation for the “TV area.”
On the other hand, redesigning the ground floor bathroom with access to the utility room is definitely a great idea—that’s exactly what I meant in my previous post to Tanja. We had a similar suggestion from another builder.
The downside is that combined with our wish to use the entire width of the house for the kitchen and living area, the utility room becomes quite small.
What changes did you mean with the 4 crosses on the guest room side facing the living room?
Should the wall be moved?
Best regards,
derJohnson
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