ᐅ Floor Plan Optimization for Renovation: Converting a Two-Family House into a Single-Family Home, Built in 1957
Created on: 3 Feb 2023 12:09
L
letosaspe
Dear forum members,
I have been reading various sections for a while and have already gained a lot of very helpful information – thank you for that!!
We have purchased a two-family house built in 1957, which we plan to completely renovate (energy-efficient refurbishment + interior finishing) and use as a single-family home.
We are very happy to receive help and constructive feedback on the floor plans!
Here is the slightly modified questionnaire:
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 454 sqm (4,886 sq ft)
Slope: yes
Adjacent buildings: no
Number of parking spaces: 1 garage
Roof type: gable
Owners’ Requirements
Basement, floors: basement + 2 full floors + attic to be partially converted
Number of occupants, ages: 3 people, aged 32, 38 and 10 months
Room requirements on ground floor and upper floor:
Ground floor – living room, dining area, kitchen, guest toilet
Upper floor – 3 bedrooms + bathroom
Office: office for 2 people needed, partially home office planned in attic
Guest stays per year: 3 times per year
Open or closed architecture: rather closed, based on existing conditions
Open kitchen, kitchen island: closed kitchen also acceptable
Number of dining seats: 4–6
Fireplace: yes
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: yes
Garage, carport: garage available, additional parking space to be created
House Design
Who created the design: do-it-yourself
What is particularly liked? Why?
The upper floor has evenly sized rooms and a sufficiently large bathroom; orientation of living and dining areas toward the south side facing the garden with large window fronts
What is disliked? Why?
Layout of hallway, guest bathroom, kitchen including doors and access on the ground floor is “complicated”; kitchen may be open or closed, should not be a constant thoroughfare; is loss of two-family house character acceptable?
Cost estimate from architect/designer:
400,000–500,000
Personal maximum budget for renovation including fittings: 500,000
Preferred heating system: air-to-water heat pump with photovoltaic system
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
Does the two-family house character get lost by opening the staircase area on the ground floor with a glass door/front? How can the hallway, guest toilet, and kitchen area on the ground floor be optimally designed?
Attached are the original construction plans showing the current condition and the plans/ideas we have created so far.
Many thanks and best regards
letosaspe
I have been reading various sections for a while and have already gained a lot of very helpful information – thank you for that!!
We have purchased a two-family house built in 1957, which we plan to completely renovate (energy-efficient refurbishment + interior finishing) and use as a single-family home.
We are very happy to receive help and constructive feedback on the floor plans!
Here is the slightly modified questionnaire:
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 454 sqm (4,886 sq ft)
Slope: yes
Adjacent buildings: no
Number of parking spaces: 1 garage
Roof type: gable
Owners’ Requirements
Basement, floors: basement + 2 full floors + attic to be partially converted
Number of occupants, ages: 3 people, aged 32, 38 and 10 months
Room requirements on ground floor and upper floor:
Ground floor – living room, dining area, kitchen, guest toilet
Upper floor – 3 bedrooms + bathroom
Office: office for 2 people needed, partially home office planned in attic
Guest stays per year: 3 times per year
Open or closed architecture: rather closed, based on existing conditions
Open kitchen, kitchen island: closed kitchen also acceptable
Number of dining seats: 4–6
Fireplace: yes
Music/stereo wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: yes
Garage, carport: garage available, additional parking space to be created
House Design
Who created the design: do-it-yourself
What is particularly liked? Why?
The upper floor has evenly sized rooms and a sufficiently large bathroom; orientation of living and dining areas toward the south side facing the garden with large window fronts
What is disliked? Why?
Layout of hallway, guest bathroom, kitchen including doors and access on the ground floor is “complicated”; kitchen may be open or closed, should not be a constant thoroughfare; is loss of two-family house character acceptable?
Cost estimate from architect/designer:
400,000–500,000
Personal maximum budget for renovation including fittings: 500,000
Preferred heating system: air-to-water heat pump with photovoltaic system
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
Does the two-family house character get lost by opening the staircase area on the ground floor with a glass door/front? How can the hallway, guest toilet, and kitchen area on the ground floor be optimally designed?
Attached are the original construction plans showing the current condition and the plans/ideas we have created so far.
Many thanks and best regards
letosaspe
L
letosaspe5 Feb 2023 16:00K a t j a schrieb:
@letosaspe please describe how the staircase currently looks. That is, the material, appearance, walkability, etc. I would actually tend to just improve its appearance, if necessary. Between the basement and the ground floor, there is a light-tiled concrete staircase. From the ground floor to the upper floor, there is a wooden staircase from the original construction year, painted white underneath (and wallpapered). Photos will follow. We were thinking of keeping the concrete staircase by simply installing a new floor covering, but beyond that we are unsure about preservation. On one hand, the underfloor heating with its construction will probably cause problems, and on the other hand, the 1960s staircase does not really suit our taste. The question is also whether it is sufficient (to get rid of the character of the two-family house) to open the stairwell wall on the ground floor starting from the new restroom wall and to install a glass element with a glass door for thermal reasons and safety against falling, or if the door should be moved further inward, aligned with the extension of the wall between the cloakroom and the kitchen, to practically add the hallway to the stairwell.
My dad separated the ground floor from the upper floor with a glass door, just as you described. I’m not sure if it’s a matter of getting used to it, but we don’t notice it at all. However, the door has an immediate effect on energy efficiency. So from my perspective, a clear yes to a glass door in an older house.
I think a nice staircase is very important in my home. Everyone has their own priorities. If underfloor heating is going to be installed anyway and needs to be adjusted, then I would definitely go for it. 😉
I think a nice staircase is very important in my home. Everyone has their own priorities. If underfloor heating is going to be installed anyway and needs to be adjusted, then I would definitely go for it. 😉
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