ᐅ Floor Plan Planning: Who Has the Master Bedroom on the Ground Floor?
Created on: 27 May 2024 17:46
P
Pfefferfisch
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
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
P
Pfefferfisch28 May 2024 10:08Good morning,
thank you for your input!
Attached is our building plot in the site plan, including the marked building area (approx. 17 x 17m (56 x 56 ft)). The plot slopes less than 1m (3 ft) from north to south.
What is not current on the plan: the adjacent path to the north is fully asphalted; the marked walkway and green space do not exist. Access road to the west; to the east runs a drainage ditch, then a farm track and a field.
In our view, the development plan is quite relaxed:
- Site coverage ratio 0.4 without outbuildings, floor space index 0.8.
- Garage and other ancillary areas may be located outside the building area.
- 2 full stories allowed.
- Eaves and ridge height sufficient.
- Roof shape is freely selectable (we want a gable roof (permitted 27–45°) or a hip roof (permitted 25–40°)).
- Dormers and roof recesses are permitted, max. 2/3 of the roof length and minimum distance 1.5m (5 ft) from the gable.
- 2 parking spaces per dwelling unit, only 1 parking space if under 50m2 (540 ft²).
- 5m (16 ft) queueing space in front of the garage; however, some have already been allowed to reduce this to 3m (10 ft) in the development area, which we might also consider.
Idea: The house and front door should face north; the necessary setback area towards the adjacent path is to be used as parking space parallel to the path. The planned double garage will be placed in the northwest corner, with access from the west. Terrace on the southwest side. The plan is not more detailed yet.
To be honest, we have not really considered a bungalow; they are very rare in our area—I don’t know a single one among acquaintances.
From initial research, I think our property might be too small for that?
thank you for your input!
Attached is our building plot in the site plan, including the marked building area (approx. 17 x 17m (56 x 56 ft)). The plot slopes less than 1m (3 ft) from north to south.
What is not current on the plan: the adjacent path to the north is fully asphalted; the marked walkway and green space do not exist. Access road to the west; to the east runs a drainage ditch, then a farm track and a field.
In our view, the development plan is quite relaxed:
- Site coverage ratio 0.4 without outbuildings, floor space index 0.8.
- Garage and other ancillary areas may be located outside the building area.
- 2 full stories allowed.
- Eaves and ridge height sufficient.
- Roof shape is freely selectable (we want a gable roof (permitted 27–45°) or a hip roof (permitted 25–40°)).
- Dormers and roof recesses are permitted, max. 2/3 of the roof length and minimum distance 1.5m (5 ft) from the gable.
- 2 parking spaces per dwelling unit, only 1 parking space if under 50m2 (540 ft²).
- 5m (16 ft) queueing space in front of the garage; however, some have already been allowed to reduce this to 3m (10 ft) in the development area, which we might also consider.
Idea: The house and front door should face north; the necessary setback area towards the adjacent path is to be used as parking space parallel to the path. The planned double garage will be placed in the northwest corner, with access from the west. Terrace on the southwest side. The plan is not more detailed yet.
To be honest, we have not really considered a bungalow; they are very rare in our area—I don’t know a single one among acquaintances.
From initial research, I think our property might be too small for that?
P
Pfefferfisch28 May 2024 13:43Please don’t focus too much on the Sunshine 210 I mentioned – we just liked the ground floor layout from our first Google search. Nothing more.
M
motorradsilke28 May 2024 19:27I would build a bungalow with an expandable attic. Initially, everything suitable for you on the ground floor. If you have children later, you can finish the attic for them. If not, then you don’t have to.
B
Buchsbaum06628 May 2024 21:50I wouldn’t recommend having a bedroom on the ground floor. It’s not ideal. I personally slept on the ground floor during the construction phase, and it was a disaster. I have no idea why—maybe it was underground water veins or noises—but it was unpleasant and not good for our sleep. My wife had problems too. We were happy to go back to sleeping upstairs.
I’m actually considering installing a home lift and removing the stairs. It doesn’t get more practical than that. If I were building a new house today, I would definitely install such a lift. You can also get in with a wheelchair as you get older.
The costs aren’t astronomical. Compared to a staircase, it’s not significantly more expensive. Of course, a backup power supply is necessary, but that can be arranged.
My neighbor can no longer use the stairs after an accident resulting in an open leg fracture. Installing a lift is difficult. The whole house is inaccessible for her. She’s stuck in the living room and kitchen. From the front door, there are 8 steps down to the garden path. With a lift, at least she could get up to the bedroom.
I’m actually considering installing a home lift and removing the stairs. It doesn’t get more practical than that. If I were building a new house today, I would definitely install such a lift. You can also get in with a wheelchair as you get older.
The costs aren’t astronomical. Compared to a staircase, it’s not significantly more expensive. Of course, a backup power supply is necessary, but that can be arranged.
My neighbor can no longer use the stairs after an accident resulting in an open leg fracture. Installing a lift is difficult. The whole house is inaccessible for her. She’s stuck in the living room and kitchen. From the front door, there are 8 steps down to the garden path. With a lift, at least she could get up to the bedroom.
Similar topics