ᐅ Floor Plan Design for a Single-Family Home on a Sloped Site
Created on: 23 Nov 2020 16:56
J
JayneCobb
Hello everyone,
As I introduced myself here in the general forum, we have had several discussions with different general contractors, both for solid construction and timber frame.
We are now at the point where we have received some floor plan proposals.
I would like to present to you here (firstly?) the draft from the company Holz 1, which we particularly like because of the gallery and because it includes many of the features we communicated in advance.
I redrew this myself, so please forgive me if some elements appear a bit amateurish.
Most of the windows are not included in the drawing. What we would find extremely appealing is the (probably very expensive) idea of extending the eastern glass area at the southeast corner over two floors, but I couldn’t quickly find this option in the program.
I sketched in the larger bed on the ground floor to show proportions, as this room could potentially serve as a bedroom for us later.
From the linked thread above, it was already suggested by several forum members to locate the living/dining area on the garden level and the sleeping area upstairs.
Our reasons for planning it this way (though we are not yet entirely fixed):
- significantly shorter distances for carrying groceries, taking out trash, etc.
- nicer view from the living area into the greenery/mini-valley I described compared to the basement level
- more spacious feeling with an open ceiling/the gallery
- entering and being able to "just relax"
- simple accommodation of a frailty scenario (potentially living on one floor later, at least for a certain time)
We appreciate any further comments, ideas, etc. — thank you in advance!
Development Plan / Restrictions
Lot size: 791 sqm (8505 sq ft)
Slope: yes
Site coverage ratio: 0.35
Floor area ratio: 0.6
Building envelope, building line and boundary: see attachment
Number of parking spaces: 2 (double garage planned)
Number of floors: 2 to 2.5 (garden floor, ground floor, and possibly half an attic as a gallery with open space above ground floor)
Roof type: gable roof (35-42° specified)
Orientation: still open
Maximum heights/limits: ridge height 6.5 m (21 ft 4 in); eaves height 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in)
Additional requirements: Distance from house to street approx. 4.50 m (15 ft), terrain slopes downward from street
Owners’ Requirements
Style, roof form, building type:
Unfortunately, the development plan restricts us to a gable roof; if we had free choice, I would have opted for a clear Bauhaus style.
Basement, floors:
Garden floor 1/4 basement, 3/4 sleeping area. Above that, ground floor as living area, possibly a half open attic (gallery with open space + 1 room).
Number of people, ages:
3-4 people: 44 and 46 years old; son 1.5 years old, and husband’s 12-year-old daughter (she either spends every second weekend there or lives there permanently).
Space requirements on ground and upper floors:
Because the garage will likely need a basement due to the slope, we have planned the basement (storage, possibly workshop) there with access both from the garden side and from inside the house. On the garden/basement floor itself: technical room and laundry, three bedrooms, and main bathroom. On the ground floor (level with street, also accessible from garage) is the living area with kitchen, open living and dining area, pantry/utility room, an office/guest room, and a guest bathroom. An architect from a developer suggested the possibility of a half attic as a gallery with open space over the living area and a small room (guest room, office), which I really like.
Office: family use or home office?
There will definitely be some home office usage.
Number of guests per year:
Hard to say, but a small guest room is planned.
Open or closed architecture:
Rather open in the living area; above all, the view into the unbuildable, sloping green space (southeast) should be emphasized by high ceilings (no intermediate floor there) and large windows.
Open kitchen, kitchen island:
Kitchen can be separated by sliding door; no kitchen island needed.
Number of dining seats:
6
Fireplace:
Preferred (or wood stove), but not a must.
Music/Stereo wall:
Yes
Balcony, roof terrace:
Balcony on the ground floor facing southeast (preferably partly recessed into the house, but probably too little space), south side.
Garage, carport:
Garage preferred.
Productive garden, greenhouse:
Partly productive garden, partly digging/play area, partly nice to look at, partly play options for our son.
Other wishes/special features/daily routine, including reasons why something should or should not be:
We imagine a KfW55 standard house prepared for photovoltaic system installation.
I want the ground floor designed so that if mobility becomes limited in the future, we don’t have to move out immediately but can live on one level. Therefore, an additional room on the ground floor is a must, currently used as office/guest room and potentially convertible into a bedroom. For the same reason, the guest bathroom should already have a shower, and somewhere on the ground floor space for washing machine connections should be planned.
I personally lean toward spaciousness and many rooms but notice that the budget clearly limits this. My partner is more minimalist and wouldn’t mind if the house isn’t too large.
House Design
Planner:
Planner from a construction company
What do you particularly like? Why?
Gallery/open space (openness)
What do you not like? Why?
Less space (e.g. currently small bathroom, which can be adjusted) — budget-driven
Price estimate according to architect/planner:
520,000-550,000 euros gross (very rough estimate, no formal offer yet)
Personal price limit for house including fittings:
530,000 euros (but never say never)
Preferred heating technology:
Air-to-water heat pump
If you have to give up, on which details/extensions
- can you live without:
Garage can be shorter
- can you not live without:
Something open (some special feature/beautiful detail)
View of the biotope strip to the southeast
Why is the design the way it is now?
Were the corresponding/which wishes implemented by the architect?
Yes.
What makes it particularly good or bad in your eyes?
Airy, sufficient number of rooms
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
Is the layout of the house suitable to meet our requirements?
As I introduced myself here in the general forum, we have had several discussions with different general contractors, both for solid construction and timber frame.
We are now at the point where we have received some floor plan proposals.
I would like to present to you here (firstly?) the draft from the company Holz 1, which we particularly like because of the gallery and because it includes many of the features we communicated in advance.
I redrew this myself, so please forgive me if some elements appear a bit amateurish.
Most of the windows are not included in the drawing. What we would find extremely appealing is the (probably very expensive) idea of extending the eastern glass area at the southeast corner over two floors, but I couldn’t quickly find this option in the program.
I sketched in the larger bed on the ground floor to show proportions, as this room could potentially serve as a bedroom for us later.
From the linked thread above, it was already suggested by several forum members to locate the living/dining area on the garden level and the sleeping area upstairs.
Our reasons for planning it this way (though we are not yet entirely fixed):
- significantly shorter distances for carrying groceries, taking out trash, etc.
- nicer view from the living area into the greenery/mini-valley I described compared to the basement level
- more spacious feeling with an open ceiling/the gallery
- entering and being able to "just relax"
- simple accommodation of a frailty scenario (potentially living on one floor later, at least for a certain time)
We appreciate any further comments, ideas, etc. — thank you in advance!
Development Plan / Restrictions
Lot size: 791 sqm (8505 sq ft)
Slope: yes
Site coverage ratio: 0.35
Floor area ratio: 0.6
Building envelope, building line and boundary: see attachment
Number of parking spaces: 2 (double garage planned)
Number of floors: 2 to 2.5 (garden floor, ground floor, and possibly half an attic as a gallery with open space above ground floor)
Roof type: gable roof (35-42° specified)
Orientation: still open
Maximum heights/limits: ridge height 6.5 m (21 ft 4 in); eaves height 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in)
Additional requirements: Distance from house to street approx. 4.50 m (15 ft), terrain slopes downward from street
Owners’ Requirements
Style, roof form, building type:
Unfortunately, the development plan restricts us to a gable roof; if we had free choice, I would have opted for a clear Bauhaus style.
Basement, floors:
Garden floor 1/4 basement, 3/4 sleeping area. Above that, ground floor as living area, possibly a half open attic (gallery with open space + 1 room).
Number of people, ages:
3-4 people: 44 and 46 years old; son 1.5 years old, and husband’s 12-year-old daughter (she either spends every second weekend there or lives there permanently).
Space requirements on ground and upper floors:
Because the garage will likely need a basement due to the slope, we have planned the basement (storage, possibly workshop) there with access both from the garden side and from inside the house. On the garden/basement floor itself: technical room and laundry, three bedrooms, and main bathroom. On the ground floor (level with street, also accessible from garage) is the living area with kitchen, open living and dining area, pantry/utility room, an office/guest room, and a guest bathroom. An architect from a developer suggested the possibility of a half attic as a gallery with open space over the living area and a small room (guest room, office), which I really like.
Office: family use or home office?
There will definitely be some home office usage.
Number of guests per year:
Hard to say, but a small guest room is planned.
Open or closed architecture:
Rather open in the living area; above all, the view into the unbuildable, sloping green space (southeast) should be emphasized by high ceilings (no intermediate floor there) and large windows.
Open kitchen, kitchen island:
Kitchen can be separated by sliding door; no kitchen island needed.
Number of dining seats:
6
Fireplace:
Preferred (or wood stove), but not a must.
Music/Stereo wall:
Yes
Balcony, roof terrace:
Balcony on the ground floor facing southeast (preferably partly recessed into the house, but probably too little space), south side.
Garage, carport:
Garage preferred.
Productive garden, greenhouse:
Partly productive garden, partly digging/play area, partly nice to look at, partly play options for our son.
Other wishes/special features/daily routine, including reasons why something should or should not be:
We imagine a KfW55 standard house prepared for photovoltaic system installation.
I want the ground floor designed so that if mobility becomes limited in the future, we don’t have to move out immediately but can live on one level. Therefore, an additional room on the ground floor is a must, currently used as office/guest room and potentially convertible into a bedroom. For the same reason, the guest bathroom should already have a shower, and somewhere on the ground floor space for washing machine connections should be planned.
I personally lean toward spaciousness and many rooms but notice that the budget clearly limits this. My partner is more minimalist and wouldn’t mind if the house isn’t too large.
House Design
Planner:
Planner from a construction company
What do you particularly like? Why?
Gallery/open space (openness)
What do you not like? Why?
Less space (e.g. currently small bathroom, which can be adjusted) — budget-driven
Price estimate according to architect/planner:
520,000-550,000 euros gross (very rough estimate, no formal offer yet)
Personal price limit for house including fittings:
530,000 euros (but never say never)
Preferred heating technology:
Air-to-water heat pump
If you have to give up, on which details/extensions
- can you live without:
Garage can be shorter
- can you not live without:
Something open (some special feature/beautiful detail)
View of the biotope strip to the southeast
Why is the design the way it is now?
Were the corresponding/which wishes implemented by the architect?
Yes.
What makes it particularly good or bad in your eyes?
Airy, sufficient number of rooms
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
Is the layout of the house suitable to meet our requirements?
J
JayneCobb25 Nov 2020 01:4211ant schrieb:
Regarding the water, I was referring to the Bircorinne (in front of the garage). For the house, I would also prefer (but not necessarily) to raise it — however, the higher it is, the more I tend to see the "pro residential basement" group “winning” 🙂 Darn. 😉
Though: the higher it is, the more important/better the view from the ground floor becomes. 😎;)
11ant schrieb:
Two and a half meters means Baden-Württemberg?
I can hardly judge that, since I’m missing dimensions in the site plans. Yes, it’s Baden-Württemberg.
I’ve sent you an email. 🙂
J
JayneCobb25 Nov 2020 01:59I have two more designs available; they are only photographed, but I hope they are clear enough.
The first one is from Massiv 2; this house has already been built by them, and I have seen it from the outside.
By the way, the living area is on the ground floor and the bedrooms are in the basement. 😉
To better fit our plot, it was mirrored.
The house is very narrow, which is due to the elongated shape of the lot. We wouldn’t necessarily be tied to that.
Overall, we didn’t think it was bad (this is where we got the idea of a basement garage with direct access to the pantry, which we really liked).
What I don’t like is that the kitchen is completely open (I think it’s good to be able to close a door after a marathon cooking session) and you always have to walk through it to get to the living room.
I think the spot is too narrow to build in a wall.
We wouldn’t need the second bathroom downstairs (just saying for now).
The first one is from Massiv 2; this house has already been built by them, and I have seen it from the outside.
By the way, the living area is on the ground floor and the bedrooms are in the basement. 😉
To better fit our plot, it was mirrored.
The house is very narrow, which is due to the elongated shape of the lot. We wouldn’t necessarily be tied to that.
Overall, we didn’t think it was bad (this is where we got the idea of a basement garage with direct access to the pantry, which we really liked).
What I don’t like is that the kitchen is completely open (I think it’s good to be able to close a door after a marathon cooking session) and you always have to walk through it to get to the living room.
I think the spot is too narrow to build in a wall.
We wouldn’t need the second bathroom downstairs (just saying for now).
J
JayneCobb25 Nov 2020 02:07This is the first design created by the supplier Massiv 1.
It was made entirely based on our initial, rather amateurish wishes (especially the open space area, which takes up quite a bit of floor space) – I’m not sure if all of it makes sense, nor to what extent the architect of the general contractor considered it practical.
Then we developed a preference for an attached, basement garage with access to the utility room, which led us to mostly discard this design. But perhaps it will become more interesting again based on your feedback about the garage (unless it’s just a total waste of space)…?
It was made entirely based on our initial, rather amateurish wishes (especially the open space area, which takes up quite a bit of floor space) – I’m not sure if all of it makes sense, nor to what extent the architect of the general contractor considered it practical.
Then we developed a preference for an attached, basement garage with access to the utility room, which led us to mostly discard this design. But perhaps it will become more interesting again based on your feedback about the garage (unless it’s just a total waste of space)…?
J
JayneCobb25 Nov 2020 09:02Good morning,
here are some photos of the plot, which might help to give a better idea.
1st photo: View from south to north
2nd: View from north to south
3rd: Panorama
Rest: Views “from ground level”
here are some photos of the plot, which might help to give a better idea.
1st photo: View from south to north
2nd: View from north to south
3rd: Panorama
Rest: Views “from ground level”
Looking at the pictures, having a basement under the garage could make sense.
The panoramic view is nice— but how often will you actually see it?
Priorities change with a garden and/or children.
The garden becomes additional living space. A dining area. A playground.
The garden is either work or relaxation.
No one would think of separating the kitchen from the dining area.
The panoramic view is nice— but how often will you actually see it?
Priorities change with a garden and/or children.
The garden becomes additional living space. A dining area. A playground.
The garden is either work or relaxation.
No one would think of separating the kitchen from the dining area.
1. A garage is also possible without a basement. A wall pier or a small basement on the downhill side and a concrete floor are sufficient. Ideally, a carport instead of a garage would be better. This option at least saves the need for a 5 m (16 ft) driveway here in our area.
2. Open space in the first design. In this case, the open space consumes a lot of energy, especially since only the office is usable space. Isn’t there an office on the ground floor anyway? So why have the extra floor at all? It looks nice on the plan and in photos, but it’s different when it comes to livability. There was a program on WDR where the homeowner built a very beautiful house with a huge open space. When the acoustics didn’t work out, the architect just shrugged.
3. Passage to the garage. It’s nice, but it also costs extra. Fire protection door, possibly a double wall, and don’t forget the increased development costs. I had an unpleasant additional charge because suddenly the garage was counted as floor area.
2. Open space in the first design. In this case, the open space consumes a lot of energy, especially since only the office is usable space. Isn’t there an office on the ground floor anyway? So why have the extra floor at all? It looks nice on the plan and in photos, but it’s different when it comes to livability. There was a program on WDR where the homeowner built a very beautiful house with a huge open space. When the acoustics didn’t work out, the architect just shrugged.
3. Passage to the garage. It’s nice, but it also costs extra. Fire protection door, possibly a double wall, and don’t forget the increased development costs. I had an unpleasant additional charge because suddenly the garage was counted as floor area.
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