ᐅ Floor Plan Optimization – Fireplace Issue

motorradsilke schrieb:

But the chimney isn’t aligned between the ground floor and the upper floor.
Our general contractor refused to integrate a chimney within the wall at that time, saying it would cause cracks.

We would have preferred to have it in the wall as well, but since this wall (ground floor) is load-bearing, the architect also told us that it was not possible.

Thank you in advance to everyone who took the time to read the text, consider it, and ultimately respond!

Today, I mentally redesigned the shower bathroom and hope the architect will confirm on Monday that this plan is feasible. This way, the chimney will be concealed within the shower bathroom and inside a built-in closet.

I’m looking forward to it..

HomeSweetHome1 schrieb:

Sorry, no offense, but please stay on topic.
Still, thank you for your opinion and effort.

The "effort" is not an end in itself, but meant to be helpful. I always stay on topic, but if I also stayed strictly on the question (in the sense of limiting myself to the narrow scope of the original wording despite broader expertise), that would come close to failing to provide assistance (and volunteering in an emergency service is not about withholding help).

HomeSweetHome1 schrieb:

We would have liked to have it in the wall as well, but since this (ground floor) is load-bearing, the architect told us it is not possible.

That is only roughly or simply true; in this sense, a ridge beam (ridge purlin) is also a "load-bearing wall."

HomeSweetHome1 schrieb:

First of all: What does the plot of land have to do with my question and the basement?
And secondly: What exactly does my forum name have to do with the architect’s planning?

When someone’s username suggests a self-planner software (and the design result may visually appear like a professional plan but structurally reflects an amateur’s approach), my conclusion naturally follows.
The location of the chimney has little to do with the plot itself (neighbor distance requirements for the chimney were already mentioned), but the economic aspect of deciding "for or against a basement" is very much related to the plot. So when a basement suddenly becomes part of the plan, this follow-up question naturally follows like “amen” in church.

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https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

11ant schrieb:

The “effort” is not an end in itself but is meant to be useful. I always stick to the topic; only if I stayed strictly with the question (in the sense of sticking rigidly to the literal wording without broader expertise), it would border on neglecting to help (and that’s not why one volunteers in an ambulance service).

That is only roughly or simplified true; and in this sense, a ridge beam is also a “load-bearing wall.”

If someone calls themselves a do-it-yourself planning software (and their design result looks like professional planning on the surface but structurally reflects the nature of amateur planning), my conclusion is straightforward. The chimney location question has less to do with the plot (the neighbor distances for the chimney have already been mentioned), but the economic aspect of the “for or against a basement” decision is very much tied to the plot. So if a basement suddenly appears as planned, this follow-up question follows as naturally as “amen” in church.

Unfortunately, the software tells me nothing, sorry!

But now, to get straight to the point: where exactly do you see this amateur planning? Please list specifically what is poorly planned.

(Except for the bedroom floor area, which has already been mentioned.)

For your information:
Yes, the storage room was intentionally not planned next to the kitchen, as there is direct access to the garage and garden.
With three children, a basement is essential. And that was not part of the question.
So which question follows “as naturally as an amen”? Whether we need a basement?

HomeSweetHome1 schrieb:

Unfortunately, I don’t recognize the software you mentioned, sorry! But let’s get to the point: where exactly do you think the so-called amateur planning is? Please list everything that you consider poorly planned.

No need to apologize, I’m actually relieved if the inspiration for your forum name doesn’t come from SH3D. Several examples of points that experienced planners would have done differently have already been listed for you.

HomeSweetHome1 schrieb:

With three kids, a basement is essential. Also, that was not part of the original question. So what question exactly are you referring to when you say it follows "directly"? Whether we need a basement?

I don’t know any kids who would specifically request a basement—though I do know many who are just too lazy to sell clutter they no longer want. Here, the approach is always to look at construction projects as a whole and to suggest improvements in the overall concept accordingly. If you’re looking for a forum where you get answers only to the exact question asked—and nothing more—I can’t really recommend one. Therefore, it makes sense not only to discuss the fireplace and the floors it architecturally affects, but to consider the entire spatial program. Since a basement is often a significant cost factor, it inevitably raises the question of how the site’s topography influences the decision (see here under the keyword "11ant basement rule" or externally by searching "With or without basement: a rule as a decision-making tool"). Of course, there are people who are willing to accept a general taboo around their basement question at an additional cost of around 100k. But that’s not really what this forum is about (as mentioned: holistic advice).

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https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/

HomeSweetHome1 schrieb:

Where exactly do you think the so-called amateur planning is?

The entrance area with the cloakroom is terrible. You usually only accidentally trip over the first step when leaving in small terraced houses while trying to move children away from the door. I find it hard to understand that you want it like this in such a large house.