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
N
Neubau202213 Aug 2022 12:11Sunny_OE schrieb:
As I mentioned, there is a buffer that can vary up to the amount you mentioned. Right now, we are focusing on our target and want to try to achieve it as best as possible. Ideas and tips are very welcome.
However, my main question was whether there are any ideas or suggestions for improvement regarding the floor plan, or if you notice any design flaws. That would be very helpful. We are already keeping an eye on our budget.The question then is whether questions are allowed to be costly or if they should rather not impact the budget. That does make a difference :-)
No doubt. It’s a nice house, but the budget will be more than tight :-)
M
motorradsilke13 Aug 2022 12:20A cost-saving measure for me would be to omit the bottom right recess. There is still enough space for the two bedrooms if you don’t need to put wardrobes in there.
The kitchen cabinets (tall units) can then be placed along the right-hand wall (since there are no windows there), and the island rotated 90 degrees. For the island, you should consider how you use your kitchen most efficiently. We also debated for a long time whether the island should have the stove, the sink, or nothing at all, and we ended up preferring it without either. I don’t chop vegetables in the sink; I do it dry and then rinse them briefly.
This way, you have a great countertop with a view outside.
And definitely consider adding a toilet near the sauna downstairs.
The kitchen cabinets (tall units) can then be placed along the right-hand wall (since there are no windows there), and the island rotated 90 degrees. For the island, you should consider how you use your kitchen most efficiently. We also debated for a long time whether the island should have the stove, the sink, or nothing at all, and we ended up preferring it without either. I don’t chop vegetables in the sink; I do it dry and then rinse them briefly.
This way, you have a great countertop with a view outside.
And definitely consider adding a toilet near the sauna downstairs.
Sunny_OE schrieb:
Thank you for your comments, @TmMike_2
Regarding the ground heat exchangers – our research has shown that they are a cost-effective and quickly implementable solution. In any case, cheaper than deep drilling.
As I said, I appreciate any suggestions.And what are the estimated costs for that?Sunny_OE schrieb:
I never said we wanted glass railings anywhere. But the picture clearly shows glass. And please don’t tell me the architect just drew that in randomly. It’s probably not going to be a solid wall or a picket fence. 😉
Stylish always comes with a higher price, and we’ve known for a long time here that most architects aren’t great at estimating costs.
Crystal ball: cost estimate 600,000€ (about $660,000), but unfortunately that’s net price, and at least 20% more will be added. So around 900,000 to 1,000,000€ (about $1,000,000 to $1,100,000).
Because anyone building a house like this won’t install a toilet for €29 (about $32) from B1.
(At least, I wouldn’t…)
motorradsilke schrieb:
Place the kitchen cabinets (tall units) against the right-hand wall in the planHowever, the design is not that simple, as the windows run from wall to wall along the bottom of the plan, and this effect is impacted by the tall units on the right-hand side of the plan.M
motorradsilke13 Aug 2022 12:59kbt09 schrieb:
However, the design is not that simple because the windows at the bottom of the plan run from wall to wall, and this effect is influenced by the tall cabinets on the right side of the plan.Well, the windows at the bottom of the plan can be adjusted.Similar topics