ᐅ The floor plan "HOUSE FOR TWO" covers approximately 150 sqm and is introduced here.
Created on: 3 Jul 2020 13:23
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pagoni2020
So – now I’m presenting our “House Project for Two” expecting your honest and maybe harsh feedback. Don’t hold back, as I can only benefit from it.
The building permit / planning permission application is currently being submitted, and preliminary information suggests it should be approved. We deliberately avoided too many deviations from the very old development plan.
We like a modern, minimalist architectural style. The floor plan is a mix of our own living habits, our existing furniture including the kitchen, and the budget, since at this stage of life we don’t want to take on risky debt.
Our current condominium is very stylish and was just recently customized by ourselves, but life changes; besides, we want to be able to have a small fire in our own garden again.
We are now building with a general contractor (GC) who has a good reputation and has already allowed us to change many things without stress – so far. Ideally, we would have built with an independent architect or our friend who is an interior architect, which would have given us more freedom in choosing trades, but this time we want to focus more on details and avoid the running around that happened the first time, 30 years ago. No, this time I won’t be digging foundations or pouring the basement myself until my family doesn’t recognize me anymore.
Whether it will be a garage, carport, or parking space depends on the costs, as does the attached balcony, which would then be a so-called standing balcony; initially, it just needs to be approved. There will also be a larger garden house with an outdoor sauna.
The plot is quite large and has a nice view of greenery. Unfortunately, only to the north, about 500 m (1600 ft) away and at a lower level, there is a beautiful lake. For this reason alone, we decided not to build a bungalow, since having a lake view and not using it was out of the question (hence the “emergency balcony” at the bedroom). Originally, a house with a bend was planned, but it always looked ugly in the end.
HOUSE FOR TWO
Plot size: 1400 sqm (15,000 sq ft)
Slope: No
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 1.5
Roof type: Gable roof
Architectural style: modern-minimalist
Client requirements
Style, roof type, building type: clean lines
Basement, floors: no basement
Number of occupants, age: 2 (one of them still works a bit more…)
Guest stays per year: quite often, alternating
Conservative or modern construction: modern, open plan
Open kitchen, kitchen island: yes
Number of dining seats: 4
Fireplace: yes/no/undecided, possibly also gas fireplace
Balcony, roof terrace: possibly a balcony at the bedroom for lake view
Garage, carport: yes, depending on price
Additional wishes, etc.:
Separate guest area, possibly as a bedroom in old age, then guests upstairs
Custom furniture and kitchen integrated
Separate TV area from the gallery, next to it a separate relaxation area with recliner
Kitchen with 120 cm (47 inch) side-by-side refrigerator or 70 cm (28 inch) refrigerator by the window side
Monolithic Rock XL1 wood stove available, chimney planned outside for lower costs, appearance, and less space inside
Ground floor window areas separated by masonry walls due to chimney, possibly refrigerator placement but especially due to manufacturer’s limited width (according to GC)
Original idea was continuous window surfaces up to the eaves in living/dining area, now separated at ceiling height by masonry strip
Some parts in the plan/floor plan not labeled correctly yet (GC design implementation)
House design, who designed it: by the clients + partial coordination with interior architect, currently executed by a builder’s planner
What do you like most and why?
Simple architectural style, gallery, spacious window surfaces, external blinds, open layout
What don’t you like and why? I’m sure I’ll read about it here
Estimated price according to architect/planner: -
Features: The goal is to invest selectively and sensibly but consistently omit unnecessary, cost-driving frills (in my opinion)
Preferred heating system: undecided, unfortunately no gas connection available
If you had to skip something, which details or extensions could you do without? Maybe the fireplace… I’m still unsure about the location, I would like a built-in gas fireplace under the stairs, but only for that would we get a liquefied gas tank?
Why is the design the way it is? For example:
Own life circumstances, existing furniture, individual living habits
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
I welcome direct and constructive assessments. The building shape and location of carport/garage are fixed. The focus of questions is on layout details and usage/design options.
There will be a glass roof or slatted shading in front of the kitchen area.
The plot is almost flat, and the outdoor area will be simple and user-friendly, with a larger garden house including outdoor sauna, storage for gadgets, tools, etc.
The building permit / planning permission application is currently being submitted, and preliminary information suggests it should be approved. We deliberately avoided too many deviations from the very old development plan.
We like a modern, minimalist architectural style. The floor plan is a mix of our own living habits, our existing furniture including the kitchen, and the budget, since at this stage of life we don’t want to take on risky debt.
Our current condominium is very stylish and was just recently customized by ourselves, but life changes; besides, we want to be able to have a small fire in our own garden again.
We are now building with a general contractor (GC) who has a good reputation and has already allowed us to change many things without stress – so far. Ideally, we would have built with an independent architect or our friend who is an interior architect, which would have given us more freedom in choosing trades, but this time we want to focus more on details and avoid the running around that happened the first time, 30 years ago. No, this time I won’t be digging foundations or pouring the basement myself until my family doesn’t recognize me anymore.
Whether it will be a garage, carport, or parking space depends on the costs, as does the attached balcony, which would then be a so-called standing balcony; initially, it just needs to be approved. There will also be a larger garden house with an outdoor sauna.
The plot is quite large and has a nice view of greenery. Unfortunately, only to the north, about 500 m (1600 ft) away and at a lower level, there is a beautiful lake. For this reason alone, we decided not to build a bungalow, since having a lake view and not using it was out of the question (hence the “emergency balcony” at the bedroom). Originally, a house with a bend was planned, but it always looked ugly in the end.
HOUSE FOR TWO
Plot size: 1400 sqm (15,000 sq ft)
Slope: No
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 1.5
Roof type: Gable roof
Architectural style: modern-minimalist
Client requirements
Style, roof type, building type: clean lines
Basement, floors: no basement
Number of occupants, age: 2 (one of them still works a bit more…)
Guest stays per year: quite often, alternating
Conservative or modern construction: modern, open plan
Open kitchen, kitchen island: yes
Number of dining seats: 4
Fireplace: yes/no/undecided, possibly also gas fireplace
Balcony, roof terrace: possibly a balcony at the bedroom for lake view
Garage, carport: yes, depending on price
Additional wishes, etc.:
Separate guest area, possibly as a bedroom in old age, then guests upstairs
Custom furniture and kitchen integrated
Separate TV area from the gallery, next to it a separate relaxation area with recliner
Kitchen with 120 cm (47 inch) side-by-side refrigerator or 70 cm (28 inch) refrigerator by the window side
Monolithic Rock XL1 wood stove available, chimney planned outside for lower costs, appearance, and less space inside
Ground floor window areas separated by masonry walls due to chimney, possibly refrigerator placement but especially due to manufacturer’s limited width (according to GC)
Original idea was continuous window surfaces up to the eaves in living/dining area, now separated at ceiling height by masonry strip
Some parts in the plan/floor plan not labeled correctly yet (GC design implementation)
House design, who designed it: by the clients + partial coordination with interior architect, currently executed by a builder’s planner
What do you like most and why?
Simple architectural style, gallery, spacious window surfaces, external blinds, open layout
What don’t you like and why? I’m sure I’ll read about it here
Estimated price according to architect/planner: -
Features: The goal is to invest selectively and sensibly but consistently omit unnecessary, cost-driving frills (in my opinion)
Preferred heating system: undecided, unfortunately no gas connection available
If you had to skip something, which details or extensions could you do without? Maybe the fireplace… I’m still unsure about the location, I would like a built-in gas fireplace under the stairs, but only for that would we get a liquefied gas tank?
Why is the design the way it is? For example:
Own life circumstances, existing furniture, individual living habits
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
I welcome direct and constructive assessments. The building shape and location of carport/garage are fixed. The focus of questions is on layout details and usage/design options.
There will be a glass roof or slatted shading in front of the kitchen area.
The plot is almost flat, and the outdoor area will be simple and user-friendly, with a larger garden house including outdoor sauna, storage for gadgets, tools, etc.
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hampshire3 Jul 2020 19:05Your arguments are absolutely convincing, @Aphrodithe. Often, one is on the bottom and the other on top. That is perfectly fine as well.
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pagoni20203 Jul 2020 19:20[TQUOTE="Aphrodithe, post: 415726, member: 49988"]
Tastes vary so much! In our old house, we also had a gallery, but you have to ask yourself how often you actually use it and whether those 30m² (320 ft²) wouldn’t be better used as space on the ground floor. I’m not trying to convince anyone, just offering a thought: Do I really need 30m² (320 ft²) of open space upstairs, and how often would I use it if one partner is downstairs while the other is upstairs? Personally, I would prefer a differently designed room downstairs for shared use.
[/TQUOTE]
Absolutely, I see all this as food for thought and don’t need praise. Anyone who sets limits during brainstorming or feels attacked hasn’t understood its value. I really appreciate every idea, and at the same time, I have enough self-confidence and stubbornness from age to choose what suits me best. I truly welcome every response and reflect on it!
It’s actually true that we like to do our own thing and so often sit in the same apartment but with the necessary personal space… close enough to immediately hear the words, “Coffee is ready.” Only when it comes to “Please take out the trash” does the acoustics fail us.
Honestly, I’d like both—the large gallery with a TV lounge area and reading nook AND a huge room downstairs. That’s why I find it difficult... I fear I’m spoiled.
Thank you!
Tastes vary so much! In our old house, we also had a gallery, but you have to ask yourself how often you actually use it and whether those 30m² (320 ft²) wouldn’t be better used as space on the ground floor. I’m not trying to convince anyone, just offering a thought: Do I really need 30m² (320 ft²) of open space upstairs, and how often would I use it if one partner is downstairs while the other is upstairs? Personally, I would prefer a differently designed room downstairs for shared use.
[/TQUOTE]
Absolutely, I see all this as food for thought and don’t need praise. Anyone who sets limits during brainstorming or feels attacked hasn’t understood its value. I really appreciate every idea, and at the same time, I have enough self-confidence and stubbornness from age to choose what suits me best. I truly welcome every response and reflect on it!
It’s actually true that we like to do our own thing and so often sit in the same apartment but with the necessary personal space… close enough to immediately hear the words, “Coffee is ready.” Only when it comes to “Please take out the trash” does the acoustics fail us.
Honestly, I’d like both—the large gallery with a TV lounge area and reading nook AND a huge room downstairs. That’s why I find it difficult... I fear I’m spoiled.
Thank you!
I believe that for two people who get along well and don’t have to worry about money, a mezzanine is not a waste of space.
In such a situation, you can afford “impractical” features, whether it’s an open layout connecting the bedroom and bathroom, or a mezzanine with a view like here. Now you have the time and peace to enjoy it.
No staff will carry anyone up the stairs. Again, the elevator. Do you want to give up quality of life or feeling as long as technical solutions exist?
My experience is: avoid changes as long as possible.
Maybe you’ll need help and assistive devices someday, so the bedroom and bathroom should be suitable. No compromises.
If you are thinking about staff (caregivers are not uncommon), why not plan a guest room with a bathroom in an extension? Design the living area so that a bedroom can be separated off that is accessible with a walker. In the pantry, there are connections so it can be converted into a senior-friendly bathroom with space for a walker and caregiver.
There are also active seniors. I had a landlord who was physically and mentally fit almost until the end. At 90, she would never have thought about limiting herself because of stairs.
In such a situation, you can afford “impractical” features, whether it’s an open layout connecting the bedroom and bathroom, or a mezzanine with a view like here. Now you have the time and peace to enjoy it.
No staff will carry anyone up the stairs. Again, the elevator. Do you want to give up quality of life or feeling as long as technical solutions exist?
My experience is: avoid changes as long as possible.
Maybe you’ll need help and assistive devices someday, so the bedroom and bathroom should be suitable. No compromises.
If you are thinking about staff (caregivers are not uncommon), why not plan a guest room with a bathroom in an extension? Design the living area so that a bedroom can be separated off that is accessible with a walker. In the pantry, there are connections so it can be converted into a senior-friendly bathroom with space for a walker and caregiver.
There are also active seniors. I had a landlord who was physically and mentally fit almost until the end. At 90, she would never have thought about limiting herself because of stairs.
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pagoni20203 Jul 2020 19:48haydee schrieb:
I believe that for two people who get along well and don’t have to worry about money, having a gallery is not a waste. Especially in this situation, you can afford some “impractical” design features, whether it’s an open transition between sleeping and bathing areas or, as here, a gallery with a view. Now you have the time and peace to enjoy it.
No one is going to carry someone up the stairs—that’s what the lift is for. Would you want to give up quality of life or the feeling of home as long as there are technical solutions available? From my experience, people prefer no changes as long as possible. Maybe someday you will need assistance or aids, so the bedroom and bathroom should be suitable without compromise. If you consider staff (caregivers aren’t uncommon), why not have the guest room with a bathroom in an extension? Design the living area so that a bedroom can be separated and made walker-accessible. The pantry already has plumbing connections that could be converted into an elderly-friendly bathroom with space for a walker and caregiver. There are also active seniors. I once had a landlord who was physically and mentally fit until almost the end. At 90, she never considered limiting herself because of stairs.Absolutely, we see it the same way and maybe I expressed myself a bit too casually. The remark about staff was more of a mediocre joke; I hadn’t really thought of caregivers in this context. You want to consider and prepare for all points as best as possible, and that makes it difficult. For example, I like a straight staircase in the room, and the “underlying idea” is actually that maybe one day a small cart will need to be brought up, since we decided to prioritize the lake view and therefore want to access that area as long as possible. I completely agree with you there. Your idea of a separate guest area was on my mind from the start, though I do have some reservations (who came up with this idea of equality anyway?). It is really a good suggestion, and I’ll bring it up again: visitors, helpers, and similar people shouldn’t reduce your own living space since they are rarely there. That was my original idea, and I had 120m² (1300 sq ft) of living space. Hm… nothing is built yet…. time for another round of opinions.pagoni2020 schrieb:
The building application is currently being submitted, Then the review phase should also be finished... a bit late, I would say... or are you masochistically inclined?
So .. I also have an opinion ... I would spontaneously suggest:
What I really do not like about the current plan:
- Upper floor, top center horizontally .. living area with TV and lake view
- Upper floor, bottom right .. open space/void
- Upper floor, remaining area guest / bathroom
- Stairs to upper floor opposite current changed direction towards top of the plan, relatively directly into the living/TV area
- Ground floor, top center horizontally - bathroom / dressing room / bedroom
- Ground floor, right/bottom .. kitchen / dining
- Ground floor, left .. utility room / guest toilet / wardrobe
What I really do not like about the current plan:
- Forced access from garage / utility room / kitchen
- Kitchen layout .. position of the refrigerator relative to the work area is a no-go … simply no work triangle
- Guest area on ground floor currently unsuitable for shared sleeping area
- Stair direction towards bottom of the plan with little clearance to the bottom wall … hmm … if there is a great view to the east, then you should go upstairs … towards the wonderful view.
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