ᐅ A unique floor plan set in a natural environment with views of lakes
Created on: 23 Dec 2018 14:10
M
Melanie L.
Hello everyone,
I purchased a plot of land mid-year, where a roughly built wooden cabin once stood. I have already demolished and removed it.
By early December, I was almost finished with the planning, and last week I showed the plans to my family at a pre-Christmas gathering. Naturally, not all 12 adults agreed with my views. Unfortunately, I’m already mentally fixed on my plans, and it’s difficult for me to rethink everything from scratch now. I’m hoping to find ideas and inspiration in this forum.
The view of the lakes is unique; in summer we flew a drone over the area, and in winter you naturally have an even clearer view of the lakes!
I’ve completed the questionnaire to the best of my knowledge.
Development Plan / Restrictions
Requirements from the homeowners
House Design
If you have to forgo anything, which details/features would you give up?
Why is the design as it is now?
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
The planning of the kitchen including living area + windows (size, number, placement). Kitchen/living area should be open and cozy.
I purchased a plot of land mid-year, where a roughly built wooden cabin once stood. I have already demolished and removed it.
By early December, I was almost finished with the planning, and last week I showed the plans to my family at a pre-Christmas gathering. Naturally, not all 12 adults agreed with my views. Unfortunately, I’m already mentally fixed on my plans, and it’s difficult for me to rethink everything from scratch now. I’m hoping to find ideas and inspiration in this forum.
The view of the lakes is unique; in summer we flew a drone over the area, and in winter you naturally have an even clearer view of the lakes!
I’ve completed the questionnaire to the best of my knowledge.
Development Plan / Restrictions
- Plot size: 640sqm (6889 sq ft)
- Slope: none
- Plot ratio (site coverage): 0.09
- Floor area ratio: 0.13
- Building envelope, building line and boundary: 3m (10ft) from neighboring plots, and the forest protection strip must be observed; 55sqm (592 sq ft) building footprint; parking space (carport only, no garage) outside the buildable area 20sqm (215 sq ft)
- Edge development: see site plan
- Number of parking spaces: 1
- Number of stories: 1.5
- Roof type: gable roof or shed roof; neighbors have built flat roofs as well. Considering the number of stories, the ceiling height had to be lowered to 2.30m (7 ft 7 in) at one third of the height.
- Maximum heights / limits: 8m (26 ft)
- Other specifications: building plinth must not exceed 0.35m (14 in)
Requirements from the homeowners
- Style, roof type, building type: shed roof
- Basement, stories: basement + 1.5 stories
- Number of people, age: 1 person, 42 years old
- Space requirement on ground floor and upper floor: approx. 60sqm (646 sq ft)
- Use: residential
- Guest sleepers per year: 25 (1-2 persons simultaneously excluding myself)
- Open or closed architecture: open
- Conservative or modern style: modern
- Open kitchen, kitchen island: preferably kitchen island
- Number of dining seats: 2-4
- Fireplace: no
- Music/Stereo wall: no
- Balcony, roof terrace: no
- Garage, carport: no, not planned for now
- Vegetable garden, greenhouse: small-scale vegetable cultivation
- Other wishes: an open kitchen/living area is desirable (for info: I budgeted 20-25 thousand euros for the kitchen). It would be a plus but not a must to fit a TV somewhere on the ground floor. The floor-to-ceiling windows will all be sliding doors as I prefer level access to my terrace. This terrace will extend a bit further south than currently shown on the plan. On the upper floor, I plan a bay window seating area; on the ground floor, that would also be welcome.
House Design
- Who created the design: myself, with input from my family (uncles and aunts enjoy giving their “two cents”)
- Draftsman from a building company: I have a draftsman who has long worked with my builder (a very good friend of mine who also built in this neighborhood)
- What do you particularly like? Why?: The location is outstanding as it is surrounded by greenery, and from the upper floor you have views of two lakes; in winter there is also a view from the ground floor. The small settlement (a former weekend holiday home area) is on a hill in our small town, far from busy roads.
- What do you dislike? Why?: I can’t exactly say I dislike anything, but due to the very limited building area and the resulting building envelope, this won’t be a standard house — the floor plan is unique.
- Price estimate according to architect/planner: 220,000 euros (excluding kitchen)
- Personal price limit for house including fixtures: 280,000 euros
- Preferred heating technology: air-to-water heat pump, energy efficiency class 55; my uncle is advising me on energy efficiency
If you have to forgo anything, which details/features would you give up?
- Could give up: solar panels, carport
- Cannot give up: kitchen with dining area
Why is the design as it is now?
- Standard design from planner: no, due to the restricted building field; the maximum buildable footprint is 55sqm (592 sq ft), with 1.5 stories
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
The planning of the kitchen including living area + windows (size, number, placement). Kitchen/living area should be open and cozy.
Melanie L.23 Dec 2018 19:06The 4-meter (13 feet) width is due to the right angles; overall, the buildable floor area of 55 square meters (592 square feet) is fully utilized.
Utility connections will go into the basement, where a utility room is also planned.
Regarding the kitchen layout, I do not see a U-shape design; I had it drafted but didn’t like it at all. I preferred a version with a small kitchen island, but the kitchen’s location still isn’t ideal. I am also open to other ideas if there are any.
I had some doubts about the shower in the bathroom as well, but I am about 1.60 meters (5 feet 3 inches) tall, and my designer said that the sloped ceiling is not a problem. I’ve also looked at showers in several neighbors’ homes, so I’m no longer worried about it.
Utility connections will go into the basement, where a utility room is also planned.
Regarding the kitchen layout, I do not see a U-shape design; I had it drafted but didn’t like it at all. I preferred a version with a small kitchen island, but the kitchen’s location still isn’t ideal. I am also open to other ideas if there are any.
I had some doubts about the shower in the bathroom as well, but I am about 1.60 meters (5 feet 3 inches) tall, and my designer said that the sloped ceiling is not a problem. I’ve also looked at showers in several neighbors’ homes, so I’m no longer worried about it.
So, what about my questions regarding the living room... meaning an open-plan kitchen and living area?
And it’s a pity that you want us to collect ideas first without sharing your own ideas. That slightly dampens my enthusiasm because I’m not really keen on coming up with something when some assumptions that you unconsciously set with your furnishing are not met. You must not forget, after all, that we don’t know you.
And it’s a pity that you want us to collect ideas first without sharing your own ideas. That slightly dampens my enthusiasm because I’m not really keen on coming up with something when some assumptions that you unconsciously set with your furnishing are not met. You must not forget, after all, that we don’t know you.
Melanie L.23 Dec 2018 19:48@kbt09, yes, I don’t know you either, but I have already shared a lot. Please don’t feel pressured, and I don’t expect anyone else here or in my circle to be as involved as I am.
A sufficiently large counter with seating (bench and stools) would be enough.
@Bookstar, yes, it would be a problem if the building area did not allow for 55 sqm (600 sq ft) construction, as is the case with many plots with makeshift buildings up there. So I can only see it positively.
If I swap the stairs with the toilet, what should it look like then? Should the stairs to the basement be swapped as well? That’s a valid point. And what do you think about the kitchen?
A sufficiently large counter with seating (bench and stools) would be enough.
@Bookstar, yes, it would be a problem if the building area did not allow for 55 sqm (600 sq ft) construction, as is the case with many plots with makeshift buildings up there. So I can only see it positively.
If I swap the stairs with the toilet, what should it look like then? Should the stairs to the basement be swapped as well? That’s a valid point. And what do you think about the kitchen?
I wouldn’t design it completely without partition walls.
Personally, I think it’s good if the entrance isn’t immediately visible from the dining table or sofa. Likewise, I miss a separation for the small clutter in the entrance area as well as for the toilet.
The staircase is somehow squeezed into the corner, and so is the toilet. I don’t really see the point yet, since both could be used as room dividers.
Are the 55 m² (590 ft²) fully used up by the floor area? It’s amazing how much space is taken up by the exterior walls.
Personally, I think it’s good if the entrance isn’t immediately visible from the dining table or sofa. Likewise, I miss a separation for the small clutter in the entrance area as well as for the toilet.
The staircase is somehow squeezed into the corner, and so is the toilet. I don’t really see the point yet, since both could be used as room dividers.
Are the 55 m² (590 ft²) fully used up by the floor area? It’s amazing how much space is taken up by the exterior walls.
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