ᐅ New Single-Family Home Construction on a Slope in Baden-Württemberg: Floor Plan, Building Method & Architect – Looking for Opinions
Created on: 22 Dec 2025 01:39
B
beicampi
We are just at the very beginning of the process, but precisely for that reason, I would like to make use of the forum’s expertise right away instead of only asking questions once we possibly already have fixed ideas. I will orient myself along the list of questions from the floor plan section to “introduce” our project. I am interested in your opinions and ideas regarding the general layout and also the basic construction method.
We do not have an architect yet, and I’m not quite sure where to start finding the right one. Also, I’m uncertain whether it’s better to plan independently or to work with an architect employed by a construction company.
The location of the project is in BW. The plot is already owned, and an existing building will be demolished.
Development plan / restrictions
Plot size:
1,250 m² (13,455 sq ft), only 20 meters (66 feet) wide and approximately 60 meters (197 feet) long
The short side is the street frontage on the north side of the plot
Slope: the plot rises about 4 meters (13 feet) from street level in the north towards the south over more than 60 meters (197 feet) in length (I still need to measure this precisely and create an elevation profile)
Floor area ratio 0.4
Site occupancy index 0.4
Building envelope, building line, and boundary
The building envelope starts 20 meters (66 feet) back from the street and extends 16 meters (52 feet) “long/deep.” Officially, it spans the entire width of the plot, although I do not want construction up to the boundary, and this would not seem practical either.
There is an existing building that we plan to demolish to build a new one, including a basement. Due to the slope of the land, the basement is visible from the street side (although currently, even the existing building’s basement is somewhat below street level to allow garage access). Some neighboring buildings have only the “upper half” of their basements visible, see attached picture. On the south side, the ground floor opens directly onto the slightly sloping garden.
Number of parking spaces
We would like 3 parking spaces for cars in garages, plus space for bicycles etc. One or two garage spaces integrated into the building itself would be preferred.
Number of floors
One full story plus basement and attic (somewhat limited by the low knee wall height)
Roof shape
A gable roof with a 35° pitch is required. Ridge direction north-south, knee wall only 35 cm (14 inches) high. Dormers are officially not allowed according to the development plan but have become possible through an amendment (maximum width 4 meters (13 feet)).
Architectural style
A classic single-family home built to today’s standards, with a traditional plaster façade. I do not like very modern houses without roof overhangs. An attractive design is important to me, though I do not have very clear ideas yet.
Orientation: ridge direction north-south
Maximum heights / limits
Only the single-family house type is specified in the development plan, which means most surrounding houses have a small staircase up to the ground floor to make up for the last meter of height. Due to the slight slope, a basement will be practically necessary, which suits me well.
Further specifications
Style, roof shape, building type
I am a big fan of timber construction. Although I am open to solid construction and would consider it as well, I prefer wooden ceilings, the indoor climate, and the general idea of a wooden house. However, this is not set in stone, more of a strong preference. I find solid timber construction especially interesting but without an overuse of wood. Interior walls should be classic white (drywall), but ceilings and floors preferably made of solid wood with some additional wooden accents, such as a window seat. For example, houses made of dowel-laminated timber (e.g., from Kaufmannbau) are interesting to me in this context.
Number of occupants, ages
4 people: parents around 40 years old, children aged 9 and 6.
Space requirements on ground and upper floors
We like spacious rooms and higher ceilings, even in the basement. I would aim for 220+ m² (2,368+ sq ft) and rather one room too many than too few.
The upper floor would be completely for the children’s bedrooms, possibly with an additional guest room. Either one children’s bathroom or each bedroom with a small en-suite.
The ground floor should have the parents’ bedroom, dressing room, parents’ bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living room, and guest toilet.
In the basement, I would like a fitness room. Possibly also a mancave/home cinema (?) or basement bar. A guest room in the basement could be an alternative to the upper floor. An office could be located either in the basement or ground floor.
Office: family use or home office?
Currently no home office use, but possibly in the future. The office should be large enough for a double desk and some filing cabinets.
Guest stays per year: rare but possible.
Open or closed architecture: not extremely open, at least no open atriums or similar.
Conservative or modern construction: I’m not sure how to clearly define this, probably more modern.
Open kitchen, preferably with cooking island.
Number of dining seats: when we have guests, usually many; a large dining table is a must.
Fireplace: nice to have but not essential.
Music / home theater wall: typical setup with TV mounted on the living room wall.
Balcony, roof terrace: not necessary, although a balcony facing the garden (south side) could be nice.
Garage, carport: no carport, only garage(s).
Utility garden, greenhouse: not needed, maybe a raised bed.
Other wishes / special features / daily routine, also reasons why you want or don’t want something
I would like to build so that living on one level, suitable for aging in place, is possible in the future. In an extreme case, a shaft for a lift might be prepared?
House design
Who made the plan: none yet / existing building as reference.
What do you like most? Why? Based on the current building: the basement garage with house access is something I find very good.
What do you dislike? Why? The current ground floor entrance is outside via stairs, which I don’t like long-term (not suitable for aging in place, in my view). Perhaps ground reshaping would be possible to allow entrance level with the house despite the slope.
Estimated price according to architect/planner: N/A
Personal price expectation for the house: without land, €1.2 million (approx. 1.2 M€) would be my target, but not a strict limit.
Preferred heating technology: ground-source heat pump with active cooling and dew point monitoring; alternatively ground-source heat pump plus split air conditioning units (which are less attractive visually).
All without significant self-build, I am not capable and do not have time for that. I would like to have as turnkey a construction as possible.
If you had to give up something, which details/extra features could you omit?
- Could do without a dedicated guest room; it could also be used as a mancave or something similar.
- Garage integrated into the building would be nice but might be omitted. This would reduce the visible basement from the street side, possibly making the house more attractive overall.
What is non-negotiable:
- Active climate control
Specific questions:
We do not have an architect yet, and I’m not quite sure where to start finding the right one. Also, I’m uncertain whether it’s better to plan independently or to work with an architect employed by a construction company.
The location of the project is in BW. The plot is already owned, and an existing building will be demolished.
Development plan / restrictions
Plot size:
1,250 m² (13,455 sq ft), only 20 meters (66 feet) wide and approximately 60 meters (197 feet) long
The short side is the street frontage on the north side of the plot
Slope: the plot rises about 4 meters (13 feet) from street level in the north towards the south over more than 60 meters (197 feet) in length (I still need to measure this precisely and create an elevation profile)
Floor area ratio 0.4
Site occupancy index 0.4
Building envelope, building line, and boundary
The building envelope starts 20 meters (66 feet) back from the street and extends 16 meters (52 feet) “long/deep.” Officially, it spans the entire width of the plot, although I do not want construction up to the boundary, and this would not seem practical either.
There is an existing building that we plan to demolish to build a new one, including a basement. Due to the slope of the land, the basement is visible from the street side (although currently, even the existing building’s basement is somewhat below street level to allow garage access). Some neighboring buildings have only the “upper half” of their basements visible, see attached picture. On the south side, the ground floor opens directly onto the slightly sloping garden.
Number of parking spaces
We would like 3 parking spaces for cars in garages, plus space for bicycles etc. One or two garage spaces integrated into the building itself would be preferred.
Number of floors
One full story plus basement and attic (somewhat limited by the low knee wall height)
Roof shape
A gable roof with a 35° pitch is required. Ridge direction north-south, knee wall only 35 cm (14 inches) high. Dormers are officially not allowed according to the development plan but have become possible through an amendment (maximum width 4 meters (13 feet)).
Architectural style
A classic single-family home built to today’s standards, with a traditional plaster façade. I do not like very modern houses without roof overhangs. An attractive design is important to me, though I do not have very clear ideas yet.
Orientation: ridge direction north-south
Maximum heights / limits
Only the single-family house type is specified in the development plan, which means most surrounding houses have a small staircase up to the ground floor to make up for the last meter of height. Due to the slight slope, a basement will be practically necessary, which suits me well.
Further specifications
Style, roof shape, building type
I am a big fan of timber construction. Although I am open to solid construction and would consider it as well, I prefer wooden ceilings, the indoor climate, and the general idea of a wooden house. However, this is not set in stone, more of a strong preference. I find solid timber construction especially interesting but without an overuse of wood. Interior walls should be classic white (drywall), but ceilings and floors preferably made of solid wood with some additional wooden accents, such as a window seat. For example, houses made of dowel-laminated timber (e.g., from Kaufmannbau) are interesting to me in this context.
Number of occupants, ages
4 people: parents around 40 years old, children aged 9 and 6.
Space requirements on ground and upper floors
We like spacious rooms and higher ceilings, even in the basement. I would aim for 220+ m² (2,368+ sq ft) and rather one room too many than too few.
The upper floor would be completely for the children’s bedrooms, possibly with an additional guest room. Either one children’s bathroom or each bedroom with a small en-suite.
The ground floor should have the parents’ bedroom, dressing room, parents’ bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living room, and guest toilet.
In the basement, I would like a fitness room. Possibly also a mancave/home cinema (?) or basement bar. A guest room in the basement could be an alternative to the upper floor. An office could be located either in the basement or ground floor.
Office: family use or home office?
Currently no home office use, but possibly in the future. The office should be large enough for a double desk and some filing cabinets.
Guest stays per year: rare but possible.
Open or closed architecture: not extremely open, at least no open atriums or similar.
Conservative or modern construction: I’m not sure how to clearly define this, probably more modern.
Open kitchen, preferably with cooking island.
Number of dining seats: when we have guests, usually many; a large dining table is a must.
Fireplace: nice to have but not essential.
Music / home theater wall: typical setup with TV mounted on the living room wall.
Balcony, roof terrace: not necessary, although a balcony facing the garden (south side) could be nice.
Garage, carport: no carport, only garage(s).
Utility garden, greenhouse: not needed, maybe a raised bed.
Other wishes / special features / daily routine, also reasons why you want or don’t want something
I would like to build so that living on one level, suitable for aging in place, is possible in the future. In an extreme case, a shaft for a lift might be prepared?
House design
Who made the plan: none yet / existing building as reference.
What do you like most? Why? Based on the current building: the basement garage with house access is something I find very good.
What do you dislike? Why? The current ground floor entrance is outside via stairs, which I don’t like long-term (not suitable for aging in place, in my view). Perhaps ground reshaping would be possible to allow entrance level with the house despite the slope.
Estimated price according to architect/planner: N/A
Personal price expectation for the house: without land, €1.2 million (approx. 1.2 M€) would be my target, but not a strict limit.
Preferred heating technology: ground-source heat pump with active cooling and dew point monitoring; alternatively ground-source heat pump plus split air conditioning units (which are less attractive visually).
All without significant self-build, I am not capable and do not have time for that. I would like to have as turnkey a construction as possible.
If you had to give up something, which details/extra features could you omit?
- Could do without a dedicated guest room; it could also be used as a mancave or something similar.
- Garage integrated into the building would be nice but might be omitted. This would reduce the visible basement from the street side, possibly making the house more attractive overall.
What is non-negotiable:
- Active climate control
Specific questions:
- Should the demolition of the existing building be delayed and coordinated with construction, or should it be done beforehand? In the latter case, the site would need securing.
- Ideas for floor plans, possibly based on existing prefabricated house plans.
- Free planning vs. planning by a construction company offering turnkey building.
- Solid timber house: alternatives to dowel-laminated timber, supplier selection, possibly recommendations? Turnkey delivery is key for me.
- Solid construction vs. timber construction: what ultimately should reasonably determine the choice?
beicampi schrieb:
So the estimate is that demolishing the existing building costs more than 200,000 euros? How does that fit with the fact that tearing down old buildings and rebuilding is fairly common? I had estimated about 60,000 euros plus a 20-30% contingency for the demolition. 200k is my estimate for what I consider an unnecessary detour: demolition and returning to the status quo, meaning a teardown down to a bare construction pit and rebuilding nothing objectively more valuable than the existing structure. Simply wasted costs for no gain compared to now. We regularly see 20 to 30 percent cost overruns even in new builds, but the cost category “demolition (and disposal!)” practically knows no limits. I would avoid opening this Pandora’s box unless the existing building shows serious structural damage. Demolition usually sets back the landscaping drastically, reducing the recreational value of the property for easily seven years (at best five with a lot of time and money invested). And for what? For a bit more ceiling height or to avoid looking at an outdated staircase? “Nobly the world goes to ruin,” as my ancestors used to say. We’ve seen some terrible junk here, and many elegantly restored houses even from the Adenauer era and earlier. I wouldn’t entirely rule out a “pro new build” vote from an architect experienced with building within existing structures, but I consider it unlikely. I don’t have time right now to find the link, but there is also a thread here about building on a cellar that has stood exposed to weather for ten years. Seeking salvation primarily in “demolish and start fresh” is a pretty fashionable youthful mistake, but basically a hopeless pattern. I’m happy to inspect the property in person on site and would trust the old hands before erecting a pointless monument to disregard for existing substance.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
11ant schrieb:
I would not open this Pandora’s box if the existing structure does not show serious damage. I fully understand the reasoning and consider it technically completely valid.
Therefore, here are some more technical questions from a layperson’s perspective:
1) Does preserving the basement in some way already define parts of the floor plan on the ground floor and upper floor?
2) Is it possible to increase the house’s footprint, meaning the living area on the ground floor, even when the basement is preserved?
At the very least, the basement height would have to remain the same, since the development plan strictly mandates a single-family house. This would mean that the basement rooms could practically only be used as storage or utility rooms, no longer as a gym, office, guest room, home theater, etc. (one side would get daylight due to the slight slope). Of course, storage space does relieve the floor plan on the upper levels, and yes, this saves a lot of money. But what good is all that if we can no longer fit the rooms we want (some more, others less)?
By the way, the house could quite easily be demolished “from the front.” It obviously wouldn’t look nicer at first, but we wouldn’t have to clear a forest to get to the building.
beicampi schrieb:
At a minimum, the basement height should remain the same, since the development plan specifically requires a single-family house.Here, I suspect an autocorrect joke; it probably meant to say "ground floor finished floor height" :-(beicampi schrieb:
1) Does preserving the basement in any way already define parts of the floor plan on the ground floor and upper floor?
2) Is it possible to increase the house’s footprint, meaning the living area on the ground floor, even if the basement is preserved?1) Decoupling the above-ground floor plans from the basement ceiling is generally possible. I wouldn’t bring up such suggestions just to be a sadist and keep the building family locked into the old floor plan.2) Of course, the outer edges of the basement ceiling don’t necessarily define the entire house outline.
By the way, the finished floor height is usually not binding for the actual level of the ground floor finished floor but primarily intended to prevent it from being misused as a height reference to push other heights higher.
For a detached single-family house, the building is basically the winter core of residential culture, a place to retreat to in the evening or in unpleasant weather; therefore, I would recommend valuing the garden as a living space more highly rather than less.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
11ant schrieb:
Here I suspect a joke by the autocorrect function; it probably was meant to say "ground floor slab height" :-( Correct, the abbreviation "E.F.H." without separating dots is used in the development plan / zoning plan. Did I make a typo or did autocorrect intervene? No idea, but thanks for the attentive clarification!
11ant schrieb:
In a detached single-family house, the building basically represents the thermal core of the living space, where you retreat in the evenings or during bad weather; therefore, I would recommend not underestimating the garden as a living area. Absolutely, the garden is one of the main reasons this whole project is even an option for us. We could hardly value it any less. Still, the thermal core has to fit and ideally be better than our current one! The garden would certainly be an upgrade, which is why I am considering involving a landscape architect early on in the planning. Another advantage is that there is almost nothing to demolish in the garden area—it’s basically a clean slate.
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