Hello,
we would like to build an accessible bungalow for our parents. Our architect has already created a second design, but we are still not completely satisfied with it. More on that later.
Development Plan/Restrictions
Plot size: 562m² (6046 ft²)
Slope: no
Site coverage ratio 0.3
Floor area ratio 0.6
Building envelope, building line and boundary see site plan
Edge development as in NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of storeys: 2
Roof shape
Architectural style
Orientation -
Maximum heights/limits -
Other requirements -
Client Requirements
Architectural style, roof shape, building type: Bungalow with hipped roof and double garage
Basement, storeys -
Number of occupants, age: 2, 65
Space requirement on ground floor and upper floor: Ground floor only, but with fixed concrete stairs to attic as storage
Office: family use or home office? Hobby room for crafting / ironing
Guests per year: 0
Open or closed layout: rather closed
Conservative or modern construction -
Open kitchen, kitchen island: Separate kitchen with table for 3 people
Number of dining seats: 6 in dining room
Fireplace: no
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: double garage
Utility garden, greenhouse -
House Design
Designed by:
- Architect
What do you particularly like? Why? -
What do you not like? The floor area of 120m² (1290 ft²) is actually too small. Especially the living room with the sofa placed in the room is not appealing and takes up a lot of space.
Personal budget for the house including fittings: not relevant for now
Preferred heating system: heat pump
Why is the design the way it is now?
Second draft by the architect
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
Desired is a bungalow with double garage. Separate kitchen with enough work surface, small pantry. Living and dining rooms. An extra room for crafting/ironing or later use as a bedroom for a caregiver. Bathroom to be barrier-free with bathtub (the bathtub does not need to be barrier-free, only the shower, toilet and sink). My parents want a terrace facing east to enjoy the morning sun while having breakfast; natural shade from the house at midday and evening would be great.
I have attached the site plan and current floor plan.
What ideas do you have to optimize the house design? I have also considered integrating the garage partly into the house to possibly gain more space. Or, in the second plan, placing the kitchen crosswise and moving the living room further back. This would create more space on the lower level, but the question is how best to use it. Moreover, the pantry would no longer be integrated.
we would like to build an accessible bungalow for our parents. Our architect has already created a second design, but we are still not completely satisfied with it. More on that later.
Development Plan/Restrictions
Plot size: 562m² (6046 ft²)
Slope: no
Site coverage ratio 0.3
Floor area ratio 0.6
Building envelope, building line and boundary see site plan
Edge development as in NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of storeys: 2
Roof shape
Architectural style
Orientation -
Maximum heights/limits -
Other requirements -
Client Requirements
Architectural style, roof shape, building type: Bungalow with hipped roof and double garage
Basement, storeys -
Number of occupants, age: 2, 65
Space requirement on ground floor and upper floor: Ground floor only, but with fixed concrete stairs to attic as storage
Office: family use or home office? Hobby room for crafting / ironing
Guests per year: 0
Open or closed layout: rather closed
Conservative or modern construction -
Open kitchen, kitchen island: Separate kitchen with table for 3 people
Number of dining seats: 6 in dining room
Fireplace: no
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: double garage
Utility garden, greenhouse -
House Design
Designed by:
- Architect
What do you particularly like? Why? -
What do you not like? The floor area of 120m² (1290 ft²) is actually too small. Especially the living room with the sofa placed in the room is not appealing and takes up a lot of space.
Personal budget for the house including fittings: not relevant for now
Preferred heating system: heat pump
Why is the design the way it is now?
Second draft by the architect
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
Desired is a bungalow with double garage. Separate kitchen with enough work surface, small pantry. Living and dining rooms. An extra room for crafting/ironing or later use as a bedroom for a caregiver. Bathroom to be barrier-free with bathtub (the bathtub does not need to be barrier-free, only the shower, toilet and sink). My parents want a terrace facing east to enjoy the morning sun while having breakfast; natural shade from the house at midday and evening would be great.
I have attached the site plan and current floor plan.
What ideas do you have to optimize the house design? I have also considered integrating the garage partly into the house to possibly gain more space. Or, in the second plan, placing the kitchen crosswise and moving the living room further back. This would create more space on the lower level, but the question is how best to use it. Moreover, the pantry would no longer be integrated.
S
Stefan6742257816 Dec 2022 21:33ypg schrieb:
This is a very poor layout for a bungalow! It’s not a proper bungalow design, and too much importance is given to the "secondary staircase." The suggested improvement isn’t really an improvement. I think there are many amateur assumptions influencing the awkward room arrangement, which is why everything feels off compared to what was originally intended.
In my opinion, the plot itself isn’t bungalow-friendly either.
But okay, if that’s the wish, then at least I would make sure the living and common areas face south or west. More openness (for two people… over 65… you usually don’t need hallways), and I would question a double garage on a narrow lot, especially if no one needs to rush out in the morning.
The idea of a door between the utility room/garage doesn’t make sense because the garage door is right next to the front entrance door. A bedroom directly opposite the entrance door creates discomfort, and a kitchen with 15 m² (160 ft²) and very limited counter space is actually smaller than some kitchens that are only 10 m² (108 ft²).
There is still a lot of potential on this plot for a one-story house... but not for this design. I consider this draft to be poor quality and not a solid basis to work from. Thank you for your honest feedback. Basically, we are not satisfied with the layout either. However, the living/dining room doesn’t necessarily have to face south or west. My parents also don’t prefer large windows.
The double garage is a must, though. We know the plot isn’t ideal, but unfortunately there was no better option.
Do you have any ideas on how the floor plan could be completely redesigned in a better way?
My parents are also not happy with the layout. I don’t want to impose anything on them but rather help them with the house. That’s why I’m asking for help or ideas here.
Stefan67422578 schrieb:
Living/dining room facing south/west is not a must, though. Do you have a reason for that? For yourself or your parents?
Stefan67422578 schrieb:
My parents are also not necessarily in favor of large windows. Do they have a reason for that?
Stefan67422578 schrieb:
The double garage is the only requirement. Do they have a reason for that?
Stefan67422578 schrieb:
We know the plot is not ideal, but unfortunately, there was no better one available. I am not aware that an ideal plot exists for anyone.
Therefore, this statement doesn’t hold much weight for me.
What matters is the fact of an “existing plot”: you plan your needs based on what it offers. However, you are the wrong person to address this with, not only for me.
S
Stefan6742257816 Dec 2022 21:48Basically, I pass on the comments in both directions.
Regarding the orientation, it doesn’t matter much to them. The main reason they want to build is to have everything on one level. They also prefer a terrace facing east, which is unusual compared to most people.
As for the windows, they raised the practical point that they have to be cleaned as well. (As a counterexample, I have large sliding elements in the kitchen and living room.)
Regarding the garage, it needs to accommodate two cars, a motorcycle, and ideally a small workbench. My father already suggested dividing the garages so that there is one larger garage and a smaller one just for a car. This way, it might be possible to build on both sides up to the property boundary and gain more space.
My mother would like a covered terrace.
Regarding the orientation, it doesn’t matter much to them. The main reason they want to build is to have everything on one level. They also prefer a terrace facing east, which is unusual compared to most people.
As for the windows, they raised the practical point that they have to be cleaned as well. (As a counterexample, I have large sliding elements in the kitchen and living room.)
Regarding the garage, it needs to accommodate two cars, a motorcycle, and ideally a small workbench. My father already suggested dividing the garages so that there is one larger garage and a smaller one just for a car. This way, it might be possible to build on both sides up to the property boundary and gain more space.
My mother would like a covered terrace.
Stefan67422578 schrieb:
They don’t really care about the orientation. Maybe your parents should think about it? Please, dear parents, give it some thought!
Stefan67422578 schrieb:
My mother would like a covered terrace. Then it should be included in the planning. Mom, please have it planned.
Stefan67422578 schrieb:
The main reason they are building is to have everything on one level. Building a house doesn’t automatically mean everything has to be on one level. Please pass that on…
Stefan67422578 schrieb:
A terrace facing east is also something they like. (Unlike most people) Then the plot has a good orientation.
Stefan67422578 schrieb:
And with the windows they came up with the argument that they also have to be cleaned. Well, no windows means no living room. Perhaps pass on the idea that ownership, but also renting, comes with responsibilities. Generally regarding maintenance, but also preserving value. Or do your parents want to aim for having no cleaning at all? Please also pass on that question.
I can’t remember which bungalow discussion this floor plan reminded me of — there’s always tomorrow 🙂
Three things stand out to me primarily:
3. the house entrances are almost completely built over, missing the mark by a narrow margin;
2. the tight maximization of the building boundaries;
1. the residents are supposed to be 65 years old — at that age, I’m still familiar enough with the internet to not leave home-related discussions solely to the children; you’d still want to participate yourself, right?
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Three things stand out to me primarily:
3. the house entrances are almost completely built over, missing the mark by a narrow margin;
2. the tight maximization of the building boundaries;
1. the residents are supposed to be 65 years old — at that age, I’m still familiar enough with the internet to not leave home-related discussions solely to the children; you’d still want to participate yourself, right?
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
2 cars and a motorcycle? What kind of cars are these? The garage is quite narrow. And do you really need two cars? What about bicycles?
Maybe also consider combining dining and cooking into one open space, and having living/TV/sofa as a second room. This can save the need for a second dining area.
Maybe also consider combining dining and cooking into one open space, and having living/TV/sofa as a second room. This can save the need for a second dining area.
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