ᐅ Floor Plan Design for a Single-Family Home without a Basement / 4-Person Household
Created on: 21 Dec 2020 20:23
M
Mr.Graves138
Hello dear forum,
what do the experts say about the following floor plan (especially regarding the questions described below)? Does anything stand out to you as something that should definitely be avoided?
Thank you in advance
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 447m² (5400 sq ft)
Slope: no, but the plot slopes down about 80cm (31 inches) from the street and needs to be filled
Site coverage ratio 0.4
Floor area ratio 0.4
Building envelope, building line, building boundary
Border development: see attachment
Number of parking spaces: single garage + 2 outdoor parking spaces
Number of floors: 1.5 (only 1 full floor = ground floor)
Roof type: gable roof
Orientation: north/south
Maximum heights / limits: ridge height 5.30m (17 ft 5 in); wall height 5.60m (18 ft 5 in); full height 10.80m (35 ft 5 in); storey height 7.70m (25 ft 3 in)
Homeowners’ Requirements
Style, roof shape, building type: solid house, gable roof approx. 37° pitch, knee wall approx. 95cm (37 inches)
Basement, floors: no basement, 1.5 floors
Number of occupants, ages: 4 (parents 32 and 29, children 5 and 1)
Room requirements ground floor / upper floor: ground floor 90m² (970 sq ft), upper floor 80m² (860 sq ft)
Office: family use or home office? both
Guests per year: 6
Open or closed architecture: closed? see floor plan
Conservative or modern construction: modern
Open kitchen, cooking island: open, with seating (bar)
Number of dining seats: 6-8
Fireplace: no
Music / stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no balcony, terrace on ground floor
Garage, carport: single garage, possibly carport for 2 spaces
Utility garden, greenhouse: no
Further wishes / special features: photovoltaic system, half-turned narrow-wing staircase with landing, alternatively solid stair
House Design
Planning by: general contractor and DIY
What do you especially like? Large living/dining area, open kitchen, many storage rooms, large walk-in shower
What do you not like? Why? A lot of space is lost through the hallway/corridor. Perhaps the rooms could be arranged more space-efficiently?
Price estimate according to architect/planner: 400,000 without ancillary construction costs
Personal price limit for the house, incl. equipment: 430,000 without ancillary construction costs
Preferred heating system: air-to-water heat pump with cooling function and underfloor heating
If you had to compromise, on which details / extra features
-can you do without: walk-in closet in the master bedroom, glass sliding door in living/dining room, possibly smaller utility room, cooling function of the air-to-water heat pump
-can’t do without: large living/dining room with open kitchen, spacious shower, storage rooms and attic storage
Why was the design developed like this?
The general contractor planned the house at 10.5m x 8.50m (34 ft 5 in x 28 ft) with basement (waterproof concrete). Because of the groundwater level, the house would be about 80cm (31 inches) higher than the street, knee wall 1.20m (47 inches), attic height only 1.20m (47 inches). A staircase to the house entrance would be necessary. Due to the small rooms and expensive basement, I designed a floor plan without a basement myself. I increased the living room width from 3.85m to 4.50m (from 12 ft 7 in to 14 ft 9 in).
What is the most important / fundamental question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
How can I make the room layout and arrangement more efficient? How and where can I save space? The hallway on the ground floor takes up a lot of square meters, even though it is only 1.25m (49 inches) wide. One reason is the large staircase, but also the long corridor consumes space and feels somewhat narrow. Is it possible to cleverly reduce the living space from currently about 170m² (1,830 sq ft) to 160m² (1,720 sq ft) or less? Different staircase? Move the entrance door? Is there an effective alternative to the cooling function of the underfloor heating? The goal is to save costs through optimization.
I appreciate every opinion, suggestion, and sketch!
what do the experts say about the following floor plan (especially regarding the questions described below)? Does anything stand out to you as something that should definitely be avoided?
Thank you in advance
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 447m² (5400 sq ft)
Slope: no, but the plot slopes down about 80cm (31 inches) from the street and needs to be filled
Site coverage ratio 0.4
Floor area ratio 0.4
Building envelope, building line, building boundary
Border development: see attachment
Number of parking spaces: single garage + 2 outdoor parking spaces
Number of floors: 1.5 (only 1 full floor = ground floor)
Roof type: gable roof
Orientation: north/south
Maximum heights / limits: ridge height 5.30m (17 ft 5 in); wall height 5.60m (18 ft 5 in); full height 10.80m (35 ft 5 in); storey height 7.70m (25 ft 3 in)
Homeowners’ Requirements
Style, roof shape, building type: solid house, gable roof approx. 37° pitch, knee wall approx. 95cm (37 inches)
Basement, floors: no basement, 1.5 floors
Number of occupants, ages: 4 (parents 32 and 29, children 5 and 1)
Room requirements ground floor / upper floor: ground floor 90m² (970 sq ft), upper floor 80m² (860 sq ft)
Office: family use or home office? both
Guests per year: 6
Open or closed architecture: closed? see floor plan
Conservative or modern construction: modern
Open kitchen, cooking island: open, with seating (bar)
Number of dining seats: 6-8
Fireplace: no
Music / stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no balcony, terrace on ground floor
Garage, carport: single garage, possibly carport for 2 spaces
Utility garden, greenhouse: no
Further wishes / special features: photovoltaic system, half-turned narrow-wing staircase with landing, alternatively solid stair
House Design
Planning by: general contractor and DIY
What do you especially like? Large living/dining area, open kitchen, many storage rooms, large walk-in shower
What do you not like? Why? A lot of space is lost through the hallway/corridor. Perhaps the rooms could be arranged more space-efficiently?
Price estimate according to architect/planner: 400,000 without ancillary construction costs
Personal price limit for the house, incl. equipment: 430,000 without ancillary construction costs
Preferred heating system: air-to-water heat pump with cooling function and underfloor heating
If you had to compromise, on which details / extra features
-can you do without: walk-in closet in the master bedroom, glass sliding door in living/dining room, possibly smaller utility room, cooling function of the air-to-water heat pump
-can’t do without: large living/dining room with open kitchen, spacious shower, storage rooms and attic storage
Why was the design developed like this?
The general contractor planned the house at 10.5m x 8.50m (34 ft 5 in x 28 ft) with basement (waterproof concrete). Because of the groundwater level, the house would be about 80cm (31 inches) higher than the street, knee wall 1.20m (47 inches), attic height only 1.20m (47 inches). A staircase to the house entrance would be necessary. Due to the small rooms and expensive basement, I designed a floor plan without a basement myself. I increased the living room width from 3.85m to 4.50m (from 12 ft 7 in to 14 ft 9 in).
What is the most important / fundamental question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
How can I make the room layout and arrangement more efficient? How and where can I save space? The hallway on the ground floor takes up a lot of square meters, even though it is only 1.25m (49 inches) wide. One reason is the large staircase, but also the long corridor consumes space and feels somewhat narrow. Is it possible to cleverly reduce the living space from currently about 170m² (1,830 sq ft) to 160m² (1,720 sq ft) or less? Different staircase? Move the entrance door? Is there an effective alternative to the cooling function of the underfloor heating? The goal is to save costs through optimization.
I appreciate every opinion, suggestion, and sketch!
Mr.Graves138 schrieb:
consider sufficient. Some have recommended wider dimensions to me here in the forum.That might be because no one here settles for "sufficient." Could you please quote that or specify the post?Mr.Graves138 schrieb:
At the moment, I’m leaning more toward the independent architect, as she also plans and specifies the photovoltaic system, carport, and terrace.But that’s not included in the price, is it?P
Pinkiponk22 Jan 2021 08:15Mr.Graves138 schrieb:
...Wouldn’t you like to add a few more windows in the attic? I’m a big fan of windows and follow the (my ;-) ) motto "More windows, less furniture." ;-)P
Pinkiponk22 Jan 2021 08:25Mr.Graves138 schrieb:
- The "storage room on the ground floor" is, for example, intended for two bicycles/sleds or similar items. That’s really original, and I think it’s great. If we were building larger, I would do the same.
S
Simon-18922 Jan 2021 12:50Hello,
I would try mirroring the upper floor. Currently, the two children's rooms are located on the east side. Personally, I would place them on the west side instead, so they get more sun at midday and in the afternoon. The guest bathroom on the ground floor next to the living room is also a concern for me. I wouldn’t want to hear noises from there while in the living room 😉
I would try mirroring the upper floor. Currently, the two children's rooms are located on the east side. Personally, I would place them on the west side instead, so they get more sun at midday and in the afternoon. The guest bathroom on the ground floor next to the living room is also a concern for me. I wouldn’t want to hear noises from there while in the living room 😉
I actually think the designs are quite good.
I notice that with the utility room of 11 sqm (118 sq ft) and pantry of over 4 sqm (43 sq ft), you already have a good amount of storage and workspace. I would reduce the pantry slightly to create a dedicated storage room in the hallway for a built-in wardrobe. At least the bulky seasonal jackets could go there, and a separate cupboard could be placed under the stairs.
For four people, I would make the downstairs office a bit smaller and also plan for a shower in the bathroom.
I would design the kitchen island a little deeper – though I doubt anyone will be sitting there. Bar stools aren’t that comfortable.
I would position the sliding patio door directly opposite the door to the open-plan living area. That looks more balanced. You should also install a glass door there, right?
In the kitchen, I would replace one window with a patio door. The utility room can still have a window.
I find windows 80 cm (31½ inches) wide too narrow and small; I would go for at least 100 cm (39 inches). My windows in the attic are 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) wide.
Regarding the attic: you had the great idea with the shower, but I found the hallway there quite cramped and the rest didn’t feel well shaped. I used your drawing as a base but reverted to the other hallway layout. I think both options have been optimized as much as possible.
In the bathroom, I gave the washing machine its own niche. In the bedroom, I added sliding doors with a depth of 120 cm (47 inches), enough space to store suitcases behind the clothing.
Personally, I would like the house overall, even though I’m not a fan of the staircase and long open-plan area.
Please pay close attention to the furniture dimensions: for example, a washbasin is often only 40 cm (16 inches) deep, but a large one is actually about 48 cm (19 inches) deep, plus the wall system adds another 15 cm (6 inches) or so. My double vanity is 160 cm (63 inches) wide, and the bathtub is 180 cm (71 inches) in a 190 cm (75 inches) niche.
P.S. I would also mirror the layout, but then the whole house including the carport 🙂
I notice that with the utility room of 11 sqm (118 sq ft) and pantry of over 4 sqm (43 sq ft), you already have a good amount of storage and workspace. I would reduce the pantry slightly to create a dedicated storage room in the hallway for a built-in wardrobe. At least the bulky seasonal jackets could go there, and a separate cupboard could be placed under the stairs.
For four people, I would make the downstairs office a bit smaller and also plan for a shower in the bathroom.
I would design the kitchen island a little deeper – though I doubt anyone will be sitting there. Bar stools aren’t that comfortable.
I would position the sliding patio door directly opposite the door to the open-plan living area. That looks more balanced. You should also install a glass door there, right?
In the kitchen, I would replace one window with a patio door. The utility room can still have a window.
I find windows 80 cm (31½ inches) wide too narrow and small; I would go for at least 100 cm (39 inches). My windows in the attic are 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) wide.
Regarding the attic: you had the great idea with the shower, but I found the hallway there quite cramped and the rest didn’t feel well shaped. I used your drawing as a base but reverted to the other hallway layout. I think both options have been optimized as much as possible.
In the bathroom, I gave the washing machine its own niche. In the bedroom, I added sliding doors with a depth of 120 cm (47 inches), enough space to store suitcases behind the clothing.
Personally, I would like the house overall, even though I’m not a fan of the staircase and long open-plan area.
Please pay close attention to the furniture dimensions: for example, a washbasin is often only 40 cm (16 inches) deep, but a large one is actually about 48 cm (19 inches) deep, plus the wall system adds another 15 cm (6 inches) or so. My double vanity is 160 cm (63 inches) wide, and the bathtub is 180 cm (71 inches) in a 190 cm (75 inches) niche.
P.S. I would also mirror the layout, but then the whole house including the carport 🙂
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