Hello everyone,
we are planning to build a 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) house and are currently optimizing our floor plan... Overall, we are quite happy with it, but there are still a few doubts.
I’m a bit uncertain about the following areas:
- Living room: Is the sofa placement very awkward? I’d prefer not to rotate it 90 degrees, as that would require placing the TV on the short window wall...
- Kitchen: Do we need a separate heating source, or will the living/dining area provide enough warmth for the kitchen? I can’t immediately think of a good spot to install a heater there.
- Pantry: Is it practical in this layout? Of course, the space with a width of 60 cm (24 inches) isn’t ideal, but could it still be used for spare chairs or similar items? Additionally, we want to store drinks, cordless vacuum cleaner, paper/plastic waste, baking trays, etc. — basically all things not used very often or too bulky for kitchen cabinets.
- Upstairs bathroom: I’d rather not fill the large room with very expensive bathroom cabinets, which is why I came up with the idea of the space behind the shower/bathtub. Is there enough room between the sink and the bathtub/shower for 2 to 4 people to move comfortably if needed? I’m quite enthusiastic about this idea. Previously, the sanitary fixtures were just placed around the edges and there wasn’t even space left for a cabinet.
If anyone feels like taking a look and sharing their thoughts, I’d really appreciate it!
Thank you,
hemali
The floor plan and measurements are approximate, please excuse the odd values!
Top is west, right is north, bottom is east, left is south.
The windows are not perfectly aligned vertically, but that’s not a concern for us since the sides of the house are barely visible from outside, so the asymmetry doesn’t bother us much.
Development plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 800 m² (8,611 sq ft)
Slope: none
Site coverage ratio: -
Floor area ratio: -
Building envelope, setback lines, boundaries: -
Edge development: -
Number of parking spaces: -
Number of floors: 1.5
Roof type: gable roof, 45 degrees
Architectural style: classic/modern
Orientation: entrance east, terrace west
Maximum heights / limits: -
Additional requirements: -
Client requirements
Style, roof type, building type –
Basement, floors: no basement, 1.5 floors
Number of occupants, ages: 2 adults, 2 children (2 and 5 years old)
Space requirement on ground and upper floor: as shown in the floor plan
Office: family use or home office? No, filing cabinets in utility room
Guest bedrooms per year: negligible
Open or closed architecture: semi-open kitchen
Conservative or modern construction: -
Open kitchen, island: semi-open kitchen
Number of dining seats: 6, expandable
Fireplace: no
Music/Stereo wall: yes, preferably a whole wall with storage
Balcony, rooftop terrace: no
Garage, carport: no
Utility garden, greenhouse: no
Other wishes/special features/daily routine –
House design
Planning origin: original developer plan, customized by us
What do you particularly like? Ground floor extra shower, pantry, large utility room, masonry shower upstairs, large bedrooms, upstairs storage room
What do you dislike? -
Cost estimate by architect/planner: not relevant
Personal price limit for house including equipment: not relevant
Preferred heating system: gas boiler + solar with 400-liter (105-gallon) water storage tank
If you had to give up certain details/add-ons:
- Could you do without: –
- Could you not do without: –
we are planning to build a 150 m² (1,615 sq ft) house and are currently optimizing our floor plan... Overall, we are quite happy with it, but there are still a few doubts.
I’m a bit uncertain about the following areas:
- Living room: Is the sofa placement very awkward? I’d prefer not to rotate it 90 degrees, as that would require placing the TV on the short window wall...
- Kitchen: Do we need a separate heating source, or will the living/dining area provide enough warmth for the kitchen? I can’t immediately think of a good spot to install a heater there.
- Pantry: Is it practical in this layout? Of course, the space with a width of 60 cm (24 inches) isn’t ideal, but could it still be used for spare chairs or similar items? Additionally, we want to store drinks, cordless vacuum cleaner, paper/plastic waste, baking trays, etc. — basically all things not used very often or too bulky for kitchen cabinets.
- Upstairs bathroom: I’d rather not fill the large room with very expensive bathroom cabinets, which is why I came up with the idea of the space behind the shower/bathtub. Is there enough room between the sink and the bathtub/shower for 2 to 4 people to move comfortably if needed? I’m quite enthusiastic about this idea. Previously, the sanitary fixtures were just placed around the edges and there wasn’t even space left for a cabinet.
If anyone feels like taking a look and sharing their thoughts, I’d really appreciate it!
Thank you,
hemali
The floor plan and measurements are approximate, please excuse the odd values!
Top is west, right is north, bottom is east, left is south.
The windows are not perfectly aligned vertically, but that’s not a concern for us since the sides of the house are barely visible from outside, so the asymmetry doesn’t bother us much.
Development plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 800 m² (8,611 sq ft)
Slope: none
Site coverage ratio: -
Floor area ratio: -
Building envelope, setback lines, boundaries: -
Edge development: -
Number of parking spaces: -
Number of floors: 1.5
Roof type: gable roof, 45 degrees
Architectural style: classic/modern
Orientation: entrance east, terrace west
Maximum heights / limits: -
Additional requirements: -
Client requirements
Style, roof type, building type –
Basement, floors: no basement, 1.5 floors
Number of occupants, ages: 2 adults, 2 children (2 and 5 years old)
Space requirement on ground and upper floor: as shown in the floor plan
Office: family use or home office? No, filing cabinets in utility room
Guest bedrooms per year: negligible
Open or closed architecture: semi-open kitchen
Conservative or modern construction: -
Open kitchen, island: semi-open kitchen
Number of dining seats: 6, expandable
Fireplace: no
Music/Stereo wall: yes, preferably a whole wall with storage
Balcony, rooftop terrace: no
Garage, carport: no
Utility garden, greenhouse: no
Other wishes/special features/daily routine –
House design
Planning origin: original developer plan, customized by us
What do you particularly like? Ground floor extra shower, pantry, large utility room, masonry shower upstairs, large bedrooms, upstairs storage room
What do you dislike? -
Cost estimate by architect/planner: not relevant
Personal price limit for house including equipment: not relevant
Preferred heating system: gas boiler + solar with 400-liter (105-gallon) water storage tank
If you had to give up certain details/add-ons:
- Could you do without: –
- Could you not do without: –
H
hemali200322 May 2016 12:56@Bauexperte: Yes, I can imagine that. At least I’m aware that this is not the ultimate bargain. It really depends on your expectations, doesn’t it? Anyone who thinks they will get a finished house for the land price plus the house offer price will be disappointed.
But I actually hope that I have clearly highlighted all the areas where additional costs will arise.
However, you can’t be certain with any provider—there are simply too many variables involved (on both sides).
@BeHaElJa: I think it really depends on the individual partner/licensee. Town & Country essentially provides only the basic framework—what the individual builder makes of it is another matter. Our licensee definitely has a very good reputation, and we have a really good gut feeling about them. I’d prefer that to an unknown builder who is 10,000 euros cheaper.
But I actually hope that I have clearly highlighted all the areas where additional costs will arise.
However, you can’t be certain with any provider—there are simply too many variables involved (on both sides).
@BeHaElJa: I think it really depends on the individual partner/licensee. Town & Country essentially provides only the basic framework—what the individual builder makes of it is another matter. Our licensee definitely has a very good reputation, and we have a really good gut feeling about them. I’d prefer that to an unknown builder who is 10,000 euros cheaper.
H
hemali200322 May 2016 12:59Can anyone share some information about heating in the kitchen? Is a separate heating system absolutely necessary, or can the dining room heater also warm the kitchen?
Opinions on the new bathroom layout are also welcome.
Opinions on the new bathroom layout are also welcome.
You can also heat with a fireplace in the center of the house... whether that makes sense is another question. Town & Country is a good provider and will most likely carry out a room-by-room heat load calculation; that will answer your question.
Does that mean you are heating with gas? Are the service charges included in the price so far, and is the technical concept coordinated?
To my knowledge, Town & Country already sets the module prices for extensions, or am I mistaken?
Does that mean you are heating with gas? Are the service charges included in the price so far, and is the technical concept coordinated?
To my knowledge, Town & Country already sets the module prices for extensions, or am I mistaken?
C
Caspar202022 May 2016 13:21hemali2003 schrieb:
Can anyone provide information about the heating in the kitchen? Is a separate unit absolutely necessary, or can the dining room heater provide sufficient warmth?That explains a lot. So that's why it's so "affordable." I had assumed that when building "on your own" today, one would aim for KfW55 standard, underfloor heating, and controlled ventilation with heat recovery.
What type of heating system is planned?
hemali2003 schrieb:
In the house design, I prioritize my needs over the neighbors’ aesthetics.
But do I really need an office just to store 10 file folders?
I have expanded the shower entrance.
Phew, should I design a house so that I can sell it easily? No, sorry... our floor plan isn’t that unique, I think. I’m building for myself, not for other people.Yes, I was aware that the shortcomings in the house design are strongly defended. But a house should also withstand appreciation and function properly – I don’t see it as a solution to equate a poor layout, bad planning, or unattractive appearance with a “custom design just for us.”
hemali2003 schrieb:
A shower in the laundry room just doesn’t work for me.Remove the "just" – I hate nitpicking.
hemali2003 schrieb:
Can someone tell me about the heating in the kitchen? Is a separate heater absolutely necessary, or can the dining room heater also heat the kitchen?Are you planning without underfloor heating? I would definitely include a radiator in the kitchen if you are building without underfloor heating – only in the kitchen is it really important because that’s where dish towels are dried.
H
hemali200322 May 2016 13:35BeHaElJa schrieb:
You can also heat the house with a fireplace located in the center... whether that makes sense is another question. Town & Country is a reputable provider and will likely perform a room-by-room heating load calculation; that will answer your question.
So, you mean you’re heating with gas? Is the price including the standard technical equipment and is the technical concept coordinated?
To my knowledge, Town & Country already sets fixed module prices for extensions, or am I wrong?Exactly, the standard is gas heating with a 400-liter (105-gallon) solar storage tank. OK, I’ll wait and see what comes up.
What do you mean by module prices? For example, I was quoted a price just over 1000 euros all-inclusive for the shower.
Caspar2020 schrieb:
That explains a lot. So that’s why it’s "affordable." I assumed that if you build yourself today, you aim for KfW55 efficiency standard, underfloor heating, and controlled residential ventilation with heat recovery.
What type of heating system is planned?Gas boiler with a 400-liter (105-gallon) solar storage tank – standard at Town & Country. No KfW55 standard, no underfloor heating, no controlled residential ventilation...
ypg schrieb:
Yes, I was aware that the shortcomings of the house design are strongly defended. But a house should also stand up to scrutiny and work properly – I don’t see it as a solution to equate a poor floor plan, design errors, or unattractive appearance with a “custom design just for us.”
Strike “emergency” – I hate nitpicking.
Are you planning without underfloor heating?
I would definitely plan for a radiator in the kitchen if you’re not going with underfloor heating – the kitchen is the only place where a radiator is truly important, as this is where dish towels get dried. Well, I had my own thoughts about the floor plan as well. So I’m explaining my reasons. Call it “strongly defending” if you want – that’s fine. I’m defending my work.
Whether it works or not, I asked here for feedback, thanked everyone, and explained how I came up with these seemingly absurd ideas.
Sorry, but “poor floor plan, bad planning, and unattractive appearance” – for heaven’s sake, what kind of terrible building are we supposed to construct here? Sorry...
For me, the shower would also be more of an emergency option. Nobody wants to shower daily in the utility room, I guess. If it can be done differently, great! And I think the ground floor bathroom is quite acceptable overall.
I’ll keep the heating in the kitchen in mind. No, no underfloor heating.
Thank you all!
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