ᐅ Vacation Home Floor Plan Tuscany – 175 sqm on a Moderate Hillside Location
Created on: 22 Oct 2024 23:37
J
Janne01
Hello everyone,
I have been reading the forum for a while now and am impressed by the amount of information and tips shared here. If possible, I would also like to hear your opinions and assessments regarding our project.
We are still in the planning phase and have had initial discussions with our architects. Therefore, the information base is limited. Nevertheless, I would already like to receive feedback from you about what we should definitely pay attention to, what you think is realistic, and so on.
About the project: We have purchased a plot of land in Tuscany (10,500 sqm (2.6 acres)) located on a hillside (I would say a moderate slope / with an elevation change of 2m (6.5 ft) across the area where the house will be built), overlooking a small town in the valley and the hills of Tuscany. The plot faces northeast. The house (and later a small separate studio as well as a pool) will be a gathering place for the entire family.
The architects have already created initial floor plan drafts and have also consulted with the relevant authorities regarding size and construction method to ensure that the volume can be built as planned. An official building permit / planning permission has not yet been granted, as it is still early in the process.
I have attached a topographic map showing the house positioning as the architects suggested it would be most sensible, especially considering the view (towards the northeast). There is another house nearby that is already connected to electricity and water. The water is sourced from a spring. The pipes run along the lower edge of our plot, meaning the water must be brought up to the house (height difference about 7m (23 ft)).
We are commissioning the architects for the entire process, including tendering, bid comparison, work acceptance, site supervision, construction management, submitting applications, dealing with authorities … really everything, since we will not be on site. The architects are established in the region and have completed many projects there (for private clients, hotels, municipalities). They want EUR 80,000 plus VAT for the complete service, approximately EUR 100,000 gross in total. This also includes structural engineering, soil reports (already available), surveying, etc. They are designing the main house, studio, and outdoor areas. However, due to budget restrictions, only the main house will be built initially.
Budget: For the house, including earthworks, slab foundation, ancillary costs, taxes, and immediate outdoor areas around the house, we have communicated a budget of EUR 540,000 to the architects. The house has a floor area of about 175 sqm (1,883 sq ft) over two floors. We want to build the house using separate contracts. The architect believes this approach can make the project about 20–30% cheaper compared to a turnkey contract. He would, however, like to obtain a comparable turnkey offer for comparison. He mentioned Rubner as a potential home builder.
How do you assess the costs for the architects? How do you see the project budget-wise, and are there aspects we should pay close attention to? What do you think of the floor plan? I wonder if there is enough storage space. Maybe this is still too early a detail, but would you install air conditioning, and on the northeast side, would a pergola be sufficient for shading the kitchen/living area, or would you recommend blinds or shutters instead?
Thank you very much for your help in advance
I have been reading the forum for a while now and am impressed by the amount of information and tips shared here. If possible, I would also like to hear your opinions and assessments regarding our project.
We are still in the planning phase and have had initial discussions with our architects. Therefore, the information base is limited. Nevertheless, I would already like to receive feedback from you about what we should definitely pay attention to, what you think is realistic, and so on.
About the project: We have purchased a plot of land in Tuscany (10,500 sqm (2.6 acres)) located on a hillside (I would say a moderate slope / with an elevation change of 2m (6.5 ft) across the area where the house will be built), overlooking a small town in the valley and the hills of Tuscany. The plot faces northeast. The house (and later a small separate studio as well as a pool) will be a gathering place for the entire family.
The architects have already created initial floor plan drafts and have also consulted with the relevant authorities regarding size and construction method to ensure that the volume can be built as planned. An official building permit / planning permission has not yet been granted, as it is still early in the process.
I have attached a topographic map showing the house positioning as the architects suggested it would be most sensible, especially considering the view (towards the northeast). There is another house nearby that is already connected to electricity and water. The water is sourced from a spring. The pipes run along the lower edge of our plot, meaning the water must be brought up to the house (height difference about 7m (23 ft)).
We are commissioning the architects for the entire process, including tendering, bid comparison, work acceptance, site supervision, construction management, submitting applications, dealing with authorities … really everything, since we will not be on site. The architects are established in the region and have completed many projects there (for private clients, hotels, municipalities). They want EUR 80,000 plus VAT for the complete service, approximately EUR 100,000 gross in total. This also includes structural engineering, soil reports (already available), surveying, etc. They are designing the main house, studio, and outdoor areas. However, due to budget restrictions, only the main house will be built initially.
Budget: For the house, including earthworks, slab foundation, ancillary costs, taxes, and immediate outdoor areas around the house, we have communicated a budget of EUR 540,000 to the architects. The house has a floor area of about 175 sqm (1,883 sq ft) over two floors. We want to build the house using separate contracts. The architect believes this approach can make the project about 20–30% cheaper compared to a turnkey contract. He would, however, like to obtain a comparable turnkey offer for comparison. He mentioned Rubner as a potential home builder.
How do you assess the costs for the architects? How do you see the project budget-wise, and are there aspects we should pay close attention to? What do you think of the floor plan? I wonder if there is enough storage space. Maybe this is still too early a detail, but would you install air conditioning, and on the northeast side, would a pergola be sufficient for shading the kitchen/living area, or would you recommend blinds or shutters instead?
Thank you very much for your help in advance
Janne01 schrieb:
We live in an apartment without a garden. Janne01 schrieb:
There is some truth in that. However, I have to emphasize that a nice view at any time (inside the house or outside) has always been something wonderful for me, something I really enjoy and appreciate. Sure.
But have you ever been on a holiday? I don’t mean skiing or sailing through the North Sea in winter.
Where do you usually spend your time then? How often do you stay indoors and look out the window?