ᐅ Ground Floor Layout: Ideas for Division and Arrangement

Created on: 24 Jul 2020 19:20
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Flugi05
Good evening,
we need some help designing our entrance area. Somehow, it lacks character; our wishes are included, but it should also be functional and not look too generic.
In terms of space, we are not tied to plus or minus one meter because the plot is large enough and the building complies with regulation 34 (the surrounding houses are similar or much larger). However, we do not want to build unnecessarily large just for the sake of size and essentially throw money out the window. The architect has already drawn the plans this way, but unfortunately, he mostly just copies our ideas and doesn’t really contribute his own input. That’s why we are now trying to realize it ourselves according to our preferences.
We would therefore be grateful if you could take a look at our floor plan, and of course, we welcome any ideas!

Here are some thoughts on what is important to us:
- inviting / open / bright entrance area
- spacious cloakroom
- separate basement staircase at the side entrance (no outdoor stairs desired)
- open living area; the kitchen should be “part of it” but also be able to be closed off with large glass sliding doors when needed
- above the sofa there should be a loft space, so this area is higher and the windows extend over two stories
- window seat
- kitchen with seating and an island, short distances to the pantry
- the house should have corners; we don’t like fully square designs
- the garage is located on the north side near the side entrance.
Since we are not yet sure about the ground floor, I am not posting the other floors yet, but there are already drafts.
As an explanation: the corner in the kitchen area will only be built on the ground floor, half masonry and the upper part will be glass.
I would really appreciate your feedback.
Kind regards
Flugi
Y
ypg
26 Jul 2020 02:11
Flugi05 schrieb:

We have two large dogs and horses, live in a rural area, want three children, and have a large family with kids who often visit.

Such factors, meaning needs and habits, are covered in the questionnaire. Why do you only mention this in passing?
Flugi05 schrieb:

But why shouldn’t we fulfill our wishes if we are able to?

I don’t see any clear wishes mentioned, nor evidence that anything like that has been implemented. The two entrances are basically redundant since they lead to the same room and floor, which gets dirty as a result.
Flugi05 schrieb:

Since the upper floors might mirror or change based on the staircase and void space, it doesn’t make sense to look at the upper floor right now if the ground floor isn’t right yet.

It makes sense to first share the site plan, as described in the pinned post, in order to properly assess the design. I don’t see any paddocks, so there appears to be no need for them. Accordingly, I wouldn’t consider this design sensible. Even with the assumptions you mentioned, I don’t see any parallels here.
I also think openness is very important. But nearly 100 sqm (1,076 sq ft) with an open “sofa roof” can quickly become quite uncomfortable. Size does not necessarily equal quality. Regarding noise on the upper floor and the resulting disturbances in the children’s rooms, there have already been many comments about the void space.
I think the ground floor is so large and inflated because you are planning an excessive amount of living space for the upper floor. I would suggest reconsidering the proportions and, for example, moving the master suite downstairs.
The oversized hallway and open living area provide enough square meters to accommodate the master or guest wing on the ground floor (guests staying 2-3 times a year I would even accommodate in a hotel).
Flugi05 schrieb:

So there are quite a few trades that we can cover almost entirely ourselves and through our families and close friends.

Sorry, but DIY work done by close friends or family often leads to poor planning: on one hand, a proper and valid contractor invoice is needed for any warranty, so no savings there; on the other hand, favors from friends often can’t be called on exactly when needed. I would also see it as backwards if a huge house (including stables for horses) is built relying on friends’ help—that can easily be perceived as exploitation or taking advantage of them.
Personally, I’m happy to help my brother paint his Flair 109, but if my sister expects me to install flooring in her 350 sqm (3,767 sq ft) villa, she’s mistaken. She can forgo 30 sqm (323 sq ft). However, I’m not willing to sacrifice my evenings and rest for such grand projects.