Dear all, I have been following the discussions in this forum for some time and find the feedback on individual questions very helpful. We are building for the first time – with all the knowledge gaps that come with it… ;-)
Our plot is challenging because it is triangular, narrow, and has a requirement of 4m (13 feet) setbacks at the front building line and 20m (66 feet) to the tip. However, the orientation is great, and we have a beautiful distant view. We want to preserve as much garden space as possible and also enjoy an unobstructed view of nature and maximum sunlight – from sunrise to sunset. That’s why we are considering a partly “floating” living area on the upper floor with a terrace and access to the garden. Direct access from the ground floor to the garden is not a priority for us.
Due to building regulations, a large portion to the east remains undevelopable or possibly usable for outbuildings. Access is intended through this area, which will become the front garden. The house should be wheelchair accessible. The space should be used optimally, with plenty of storage, flexible, multifunctional rooms, and large floor-to-ceiling windows/doors or fixed glazing.
What do you think of our ideas? What weaknesses do you see?
Thanks in advance for any honest criticism and suggestions.
Development plan
Plot size – 590m2 (6350 sq ft)
Slight slope and southwest orientation
Maximum height – 8m (26 feet)
Client requirements
Clear lines, flat or shed roof
Floors – ground floor, upper floor, attic, total approx. 190m2 (2045 sq ft)
Occupants – 2 people in their prime and 2 dogs
Office: home office
Annual guest sleepers – 5 to 10
Open architecture
Construction method – modern design, clear and minimal shapes with interesting accents and deliberate contrasts that give the house a discreet uniqueness (facade, materials, etc.)
Open kitchen, possibly an island, but with some visual screening (bar or similar)
Number of dining seats – 8
Fireplace – ideally as a room divider between living and dining areas
Music/sound wall – soundbar at the TV, additional speakers distributed throughout the house
Balcony, roof terrace – on upper floor and attic
Carport for 2 cars
House design
Architect’s plan
Ground floor – entrance, utility rooms, fitness/work/guest room, bathroom & sauna
Upper floor – living, cooking & dining, close to nature, sunny, cozy, “public area,” terrace
Attic – bedrooms, sunny private retreat area, terrace
Garden – ideally visually extended, covered terrace, biotope near the terrace
What do you particularly like?
The open living-dining area on the first floor, the floor-to-ceiling windows, the path of the sun through the living area.
What do you not like?
We feel the room layout could be better, and maybe the same living feeling can be achieved with less square footage.
On the ground floor, only the sauna is shown; shower, sink, and toilet are still missing. The large room for fitness/work/guest use seems a bit oversized.
Preferred heating technology: geothermal probes and photovoltaic panels on the roof
Attachments: site plan, floor plans, exterior view
Our plot is challenging because it is triangular, narrow, and has a requirement of 4m (13 feet) setbacks at the front building line and 20m (66 feet) to the tip. However, the orientation is great, and we have a beautiful distant view. We want to preserve as much garden space as possible and also enjoy an unobstructed view of nature and maximum sunlight – from sunrise to sunset. That’s why we are considering a partly “floating” living area on the upper floor with a terrace and access to the garden. Direct access from the ground floor to the garden is not a priority for us.
Due to building regulations, a large portion to the east remains undevelopable or possibly usable for outbuildings. Access is intended through this area, which will become the front garden. The house should be wheelchair accessible. The space should be used optimally, with plenty of storage, flexible, multifunctional rooms, and large floor-to-ceiling windows/doors or fixed glazing.
What do you think of our ideas? What weaknesses do you see?
Thanks in advance for any honest criticism and suggestions.
Development plan
Plot size – 590m2 (6350 sq ft)
Slight slope and southwest orientation
Maximum height – 8m (26 feet)
Client requirements
Clear lines, flat or shed roof
Floors – ground floor, upper floor, attic, total approx. 190m2 (2045 sq ft)
Occupants – 2 people in their prime and 2 dogs
Office: home office
Annual guest sleepers – 5 to 10
Open architecture
Construction method – modern design, clear and minimal shapes with interesting accents and deliberate contrasts that give the house a discreet uniqueness (facade, materials, etc.)
Open kitchen, possibly an island, but with some visual screening (bar or similar)
Number of dining seats – 8
Fireplace – ideally as a room divider between living and dining areas
Music/sound wall – soundbar at the TV, additional speakers distributed throughout the house
Balcony, roof terrace – on upper floor and attic
Carport for 2 cars
House design
Architect’s plan
Ground floor – entrance, utility rooms, fitness/work/guest room, bathroom & sauna
Upper floor – living, cooking & dining, close to nature, sunny, cozy, “public area,” terrace
Attic – bedrooms, sunny private retreat area, terrace
Garden – ideally visually extended, covered terrace, biotope near the terrace
What do you particularly like?
The open living-dining area on the first floor, the floor-to-ceiling windows, the path of the sun through the living area.
What do you not like?
We feel the room layout could be better, and maybe the same living feeling can be achieved with less square footage.
On the ground floor, only the sauna is shown; shower, sink, and toilet are still missing. The large room for fitness/work/guest use seems a bit oversized.
Preferred heating technology: geothermal probes and photovoltaic panels on the roof
Attachments: site plan, floor plans, exterior view
i_b_n_a_n schrieb:
Maybe the original poster has better things to do for a few days, like vacation or work? 😉I’ve been around here too long; it’s always the same routine 😉
a) At the beginning, neither vacation nor work seemed to affect the response rate.
b) As the previous poster mentioned, she is regularly online anyway 😉
I'll just throw the "Hornberger Schießen" phrase into the discussion. 😉
Despite...
Despite...
Sunny_OE schrieb:
Don't worry, I have no intention of leaving you. 😉 I find the content-related comments very helpful. I will keep you updated...
Nemesis schrieb:
I’ve been around here long enough, it’s always the same routine 😉And do you also wonder why many people here disengage?
I have responded thoroughly to every question many times. In many cases, I didn’t even get a response from the original poster.
I appreciate factual and critical arguments, especially when they relate directly to the topic. No one needs condescending or aggressive comments.
There are some very knowledgeable people here, which is evident from their professional answers.
A sincere thank you to everyone who addressed my actual question in a constructive way or wanted to offer advice and, most importantly, were able to do so. I won’t name anyone specifically, but I think you know who I mean.
Unfortunately, this forum is dominated by loud, sometimes unprofessional, and considerably less competent voices. This is not only the case in this thread, judging by the negative reactions I’ve seen from other original posters.
I believe the first 1, 2, 3 posters on the budget topic genuinely cared about the wellbeing of the project. However, after I repeatedly asked to focus on my main question (floor plan and space planning) and to leave the budget topic aside, further identical comments seem to reflect more about their authors than a genuine wish to help.
When the main question fades into the background, the tone gets more aggressive and cynical, and discussions revolve around assumptions and accusations, reading the comments becomes increasingly unpleasant. Therefore, I see no reason to continue here.
You don’t know anything about me or the development process so far, yet some feel entitled to speculate.
Sorry, I have to manage my time efficiently, and seeing how this thread develops, I don’t believe much more constructive input will come for my actual question.
Read through the thread and imagine yourself in my position. Honestly—how long would you have stayed this patient?
To quote one of your remarks in closing—do I believe it’s worth investing my time here?—“are you kidding?”
G
Gerichtsdiener20 Aug 2022 08:43Sunny_OE schrieb:
I therefore see no reason to continue this here. One reason would be to at least briefly share with those involved—who have genuinely invested brainpower and time into further developing your plans—the direction in which it ultimately evolved. After all, you did receive valuable feedback that can help guide your further planning.
Another reason is that everyone here without exception has expressed that the project is extremely exciting and the design very successful, and naturally, they would like to follow how it progresses after being "hooked."
There will always be critics offering unhelpful responses, and of course, you are not obligated to do anything. But I believe many would be happy if you shared at least some updates in the future. Perhaps this would also lead to more specific questions, which in turn could receive more concrete assistance from those willing to help.