ᐅ Floor Plan Planning: Who Has the Master Bedroom on the Ground Floor?

Hello everyone,

Since we (M31 / W24) will soon have the notary appointment to purchase our desired 463 m2 (4991 sq ft) building plot in our hometown in southern Baden-Württemberg, we are currently starting to think about the plot and floor plan design. Fortunately, we are not in a hurry to start construction due to a very favorable rental situation.

First of all: we are already in contact with an architect who will create a preliminary design for us. Nevertheless, we are curious about completed projects that reflect our ideas.

We would like a classic single-family home of medium size (170–180 m2 (1830–1940 sq ft)?), for which there are countless proposals. However, it is very rare to see our wish realized: in addition to a large living/dining/kitchen area, a guest WC, and a utility/technical room serving as a passage to the attached garage, the master bedroom with a walk-in closet and a suitable bathroom (WC, double sink, large shower) should also be located on the ground floor — not just as a “possible option for old age,” but right from the start.

We understand that such a design will naturally consume a rare amount of space on the ground floor, while there is plenty of space available upstairs. This wish comes from my physical condition, as climbing stairs is sometimes difficult for me (balance issues, etc.).

Since we do not yet know whether having children is in the cards, we are considering planning only an office and a storage room upstairs, with the larger remaining area designed as a possible granny flat or separate apartment, which could be integrated back into the main living space during the “20 years with children” phase if a family develops.

As an example, the Living Haus Sunshine 210 is in this class but seems quite large to us.

So, what do you think? Has anyone implemented something similar and can share pictures, advice, or tips that should be considered for this specific kind of planning?

Good luck,
David

Pfefferfisch schrieb:

We would like a classic single-family home of medium size (170-180 m2 (1800-1937 sq ft)?),

That is not medium size; it is quite spacious (and nowadays also expensive).

Pfefferfisch schrieb:

However, it is very rare to see our wish realized to place, next to a large open-plan living/dining/kitchen area, a guest toilet and a utility/storage room serving as a passage to the directly attached garage, also the master bedroom with a walk-in closet and an appropriate bathroom (toilet, double sink, large shower) on the ground floor.

That is common. It is then called a bungalow. Given the space requirements on the ground floor, you quickly reach an area equivalent to a typical single-family home of about 120 m2 (1300 sq ft). Plus then the upper floor on top. That’s why there are almost no suitable standard floor plans for this.
You end up with unnecessary (and costly) space upstairs that nobody really needs.

Pfefferfisch schrieb:

Planning the larger remainder of the attic floor as a possible self-contained apartment, which can be added back to the main living area during the "20 years with children" phase if a family with one or two kids develops.

That will cause issues. You’d have to plan a proper staircase now. Separate utility connections. A kitchen upstairs. A full bathroom. Just for a hypothetical future scenario?

You build a house according to how you need and want it. This “just in case or maybe” approach leads to many compromises that also cost a lot of money.

If the plot allows, build a generous bungalow. In the attic, you can add a study or playroom for potential children.

An important factor when deciding how much floor area you are allowed to build on and how high the eaves or ridge may need to be is the zoning plan (building permit / planning permission)!
Nothing works without it. The roof design is also specified there.
So, what does the zoning plan say?
I know several floor plans that are well designed for 2 (up to 4) people on the ground floor, with either two rooms plus a bathroom in the attic or space intended for future expansion.
As an alternative, there is always the classic two-family house. However, this will have the space requirements of two separate units. Providing parking spaces for 2 residential units on a 460m² (4950 sq ft) lot will already be quite tight. Is that something you want on your desired plot?
And, of course, the building envelope (building area) also plays a role.

Having children sleep on a different level is impractical for many years.
You need a huge amount of space on the ground floor and have empty space on the upper floor.
Why don’t you consider planning a bungalow?

Please show a site plan. Is there a slope? What does the zoning plan / building permit say? Or is there no zoning plan / building permit?

Clarifying buildability before the notary appointment is a good idea.

We designed it this way to keep the upper floor from becoming too large by placing the utility room as an extension with a flat roof. This kind of solution is not available off the shelf and is probably not cost-effective either.