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?
JayneCobb schrieb:
Or do you mean shading caused by the balcony above? Although the original comment wasn’t from me, I’m quite sure that’s exactly what was meant. However, I don’t share those concerns. The overhang above the main window at the top of the plan caused by the balcony is only about 1 meter (3 feet). That should hardly affect the sunlight. In winter, the sun is low anyway, and in summer you usually don’t want too much sunlight inside the house.
Especially in hillside houses, I often see terraces or balconies on the ground floor (street level) that have an even larger overhang over the lower level than just 1 meter (3 feet).
ypg schrieb:
To be honest, I find soundproofing a bit unnecessary in a single-family home. Many of my acquaintances thought the same until they spent 24 hours a day with their entire family at home since Corona.
But even long before Corona: I believe there should always be two doors between the living room where people socialize and the children’s bedrooms. I remember many times in my childhood how annoyed I was closing the living room door in the evening, especially when my parents had guests over.
Proeter schrieb:
I remember myself how often in my childhood I was annoyed in the evening by theCool. I was always able to fall asleep very well to the murmur of voices. Everyone is different 🙂J
JayneCobb20 May 2021 23:46Hello everyone,
thank you again for your comments!
We have incorporated many of them.
This is now the revised draft; the garage has been shifted 2.50 m (8 feet) to the right due to the large side area (no longer allowed as a boundary garage).
It is of course a pity, as the south garden loses those 2.5 m (8 feet).
However, the extra space to the north can also be used; on the left side of the garage, we are planning a path/stairs leading into the garden.
There would also be space for a parking spot and a shed (or similar) for trash bins, bicycles, etc.
The garage was extended by one meter to 7 m (23 feet); the basement below has not been extended for now. This creates an offset below that might be useful for quick shelter.
I look forward to your opinions!
Many thanks in advance.
thank you again for your comments!
We have incorporated many of them.
This is now the revised draft; the garage has been shifted 2.50 m (8 feet) to the right due to the large side area (no longer allowed as a boundary garage).
It is of course a pity, as the south garden loses those 2.5 m (8 feet).
However, the extra space to the north can also be used; on the left side of the garage, we are planning a path/stairs leading into the garden.
There would also be space for a parking spot and a shed (or similar) for trash bins, bicycles, etc.
The garage was extended by one meter to 7 m (23 feet); the basement below has not been extended for now. This creates an offset below that might be useful for quick shelter.
I look forward to your opinions!
Many thanks in advance.
I really like it – this is going to be a beautiful house!
I’m joining the discussion a bit late, so please don’t be upset if I mention a few minor points that have already been discussed:
One other thing I noticed: the 14 kW air-to-water heat pump seems oversized. Have you consulted with a technical expert and feel confident? Otherwise, it’s worth planning this carefully and early.
Once again, congratulations on the great design!
I’m joining the discussion a bit late, so please don’t be upset if I mention a few minor points that have already been discussed:
- I would shift the door from the hallway to the study slightly upwards on the plan to align it with the adjacent wall.
- The following two points are subjective, but personally, I find the current layout a bit too compartmentalized and “cramped.”
- In this context, I would also remove the door between the hallway and living room and instead use the now widened opening (possibly with a small full-height shelf or something similar as a subtle divider).
- I would remove the door from the hallway to the small vestibule as well.
- I would straighten the awkward space in the upper right corner near Child I’s room by moving the exterior wall slightly to the left (not really critical, but I’m a bit particular and prefer clear lines).
- I know this has already been discussed, but I would also remove the door between the entrance and the living corridor to open up the corridor and increase light. Sound insulation to the children’s rooms can be managed by installing a specifically designed door.
- I would leave the space under the staircase open and probably design the stairs as open (without risers). Otherwise, the living corridor will feel quite narrow and dark.
- The downstairs bathroom is really huge – if desired, you could enlarge the dressing room by moving the wall between the bathroom and the dressing room to the left on the plan.
One other thing I noticed: the 14 kW air-to-water heat pump seems oversized. Have you consulted with a technical expert and feel confident? Otherwise, it’s worth planning this carefully and early.
Once again, congratulations on the great design!
Overall, I like the design at first glance. However, the longer I look at it, the more the staircase bothers me.
I am a fan of having a staircase in the living area. But only if it leads upstairs and serves as a design feature or room divider. Here, it’s just a hole.
This creates a huge hallway downstairs—actually, two hallways. You could call it a “living hallway,” but it’s more like a dark basement corridor, which you also want to separate toward the children’s area because it’s somehow too noisy.
Therefore, in my opinion, the current shape and/or orientation of the staircase is not the best fit for the house and its occupants.
A half-turn staircase where your utility room next to the kitchen is now located could, for example, be a better option.
I am a fan of having a staircase in the living area. But only if it leads upstairs and serves as a design feature or room divider. Here, it’s just a hole.
This creates a huge hallway downstairs—actually, two hallways. You could call it a “living hallway,” but it’s more like a dark basement corridor, which you also want to separate toward the children’s area because it’s somehow too noisy.
Therefore, in my opinion, the current shape and/or orientation of the staircase is not the best fit for the house and its occupants.
A half-turn staircase where your utility room next to the kitchen is now located could, for example, be a better option.
Hangman schrieb:
Congratulations again on the great design!Looking back at the initial planning stages, this is a great example of how much support a forum can provide.
Even though there are a few minor issues here and there, at least on paper (which has already been discussed), it will be a beautiful home with plenty of quality of life.
I probably would have swapped the levels, but you found a good compromise! 🙂
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