ᐅ Planning the Location of the House and Garage Within the Building Envelope *Preliminary Planning*
Created on: 9 Aug 2016 10:52
H
Häuslebau3r
Hello everyone,
I have been following the forum for quite some time now and am gradually approaching the “house building” project step by step, trying to learn as much as possible in advance.
Thanks to the many experts here, this has truly been an enjoyable experience in the way the community contributes. (end of flattery mode) 🙂
As I already mentioned in my first major thread, we are currently working on preliminary planning and considering the house design and its orientation on the plot, even before our first meetings with potential builders.
Taking several factors into account regarding the plot, such as price and an undeveloped east-facing location (sloping gently down to the east), we found a micro-location that we really like. We weren’t able to get our ideal size, but with 770m² (8300 sq ft), I think it’s more than sufficient. The main advantage for us is that the land can be fully paid for from our own funds, so until construction starts in early 2018, we will continue saving equity and paying off any remaining debts.
Source: Excerpts from the development plan / self-created images
A building permit inquiry (building permit / planning permission) has already been submitted regarding the desired architectural style, and I have received approval to expand the building envelope up to 8 meters (26 feet) along the eastern boundary.
At the moment, we are leaning toward a rather classic city villa style (2 full floors with a hipped roof at 25° and a double garage).
Source: Weberhaus
Based on the budget we have personally set, we are initially planning without a basement. If it turns out to be feasible later on, we can still include it.
We have already visited model homes that appealed to us in terms of external design and even traveled from Bavaria to the Rhineland, and from there to Wuppertal for inspiration.
Right now, before the first planning meetings, we want to focus on finding the best possible orientation for the house and garage on the property, for example:
Source: Excerpts from the development plan
For me, one thing is already decided: the staircase, which I want to have exactly like this due to the fantastic light conditions. It captivated me at first sight.
Source: Weberhaus
Furthermore, we want to keep as much space as possible on the west and south sides to create what I consider an ideal sunny aspect and garden atmosphere.
This is also the tricky part, as the arrangement between house and garage is causing us some headaches.
Many questions arise, such as whether the garage should be placed in front of the house to free up more space on the south side, or rather beside the house (which would include a covered entrance area). A passage from the garage directly into the house is also under consideration. Or should the main entrance be on the west side instead, which might mean it would be uncovered?
Source for covered entrance: Weberhaus
I will post further key data throughout the thread as needed, in case I have forgotten anything important.
However, these points above need to be clarified first before we can continue planning the positioning of the dining, living, and kitchen areas, etc. (Of course, with a preference for south/west orientation).
I would appreciate any information and lively discussions.
Best regards, Andreas, and thank you in advance!
I have been following the forum for quite some time now and am gradually approaching the “house building” project step by step, trying to learn as much as possible in advance.
Thanks to the many experts here, this has truly been an enjoyable experience in the way the community contributes. (end of flattery mode) 🙂
As I already mentioned in my first major thread, we are currently working on preliminary planning and considering the house design and its orientation on the plot, even before our first meetings with potential builders.
Taking several factors into account regarding the plot, such as price and an undeveloped east-facing location (sloping gently down to the east), we found a micro-location that we really like. We weren’t able to get our ideal size, but with 770m² (8300 sq ft), I think it’s more than sufficient. The main advantage for us is that the land can be fully paid for from our own funds, so until construction starts in early 2018, we will continue saving equity and paying off any remaining debts.
Source: Excerpts from the development plan / self-created images
A building permit inquiry (building permit / planning permission) has already been submitted regarding the desired architectural style, and I have received approval to expand the building envelope up to 8 meters (26 feet) along the eastern boundary.
At the moment, we are leaning toward a rather classic city villa style (2 full floors with a hipped roof at 25° and a double garage).
Source: Weberhaus
Based on the budget we have personally set, we are initially planning without a basement. If it turns out to be feasible later on, we can still include it.
We have already visited model homes that appealed to us in terms of external design and even traveled from Bavaria to the Rhineland, and from there to Wuppertal for inspiration.
Right now, before the first planning meetings, we want to focus on finding the best possible orientation for the house and garage on the property, for example:
Source: Excerpts from the development plan
For me, one thing is already decided: the staircase, which I want to have exactly like this due to the fantastic light conditions. It captivated me at first sight.
Source: Weberhaus
Furthermore, we want to keep as much space as possible on the west and south sides to create what I consider an ideal sunny aspect and garden atmosphere.
This is also the tricky part, as the arrangement between house and garage is causing us some headaches.
Many questions arise, such as whether the garage should be placed in front of the house to free up more space on the south side, or rather beside the house (which would include a covered entrance area). A passage from the garage directly into the house is also under consideration. Or should the main entrance be on the west side instead, which might mean it would be uncovered?
Source for covered entrance: Weberhaus
I will post further key data throughout the thread as needed, in case I have forgotten anything important.
However, these points above need to be clarified first before we can continue planning the positioning of the dining, living, and kitchen areas, etc. (Of course, with a preference for south/west orientation).
I would appreciate any information and lively discussions.
Best regards, Andreas, and thank you in advance!
So, as I understand it, this is about setback distances. A building requires a certain distance from the property boundary, usually 3 meters (10 feet). This distance increases proportionally if the house is taller, meaning the difference between one- and two-story buildings.
If you have a two-story house, it must be positioned further away from the boundary. This is related to the height of the external wall facing the neighbor.
Secondly, an exception to setback requirements applies to garages: they are allowed to be built within the setback zone. However, the garage must be considered a separate building.
Your example may already not comply because the part of the building with the utility room and bedroom does not meet the setback distance to the neighbor. If you separate the garage including the storage room, the garage would be considered detached, but I wouldn't want to guarantee that. The size of this unit itself might no longer be permitted either.
Furthermore, I want to emphasize for the third time that you are exceeding your budget. Consider that this garage including the extension will likely cost around 30,000. For every element, you should plan for 5,000 to 10,000, the staircase as well, the 180-cm (71-inch) chimney about 15,000, and every square meter (square foot) around 1,700.
But I’m not a cost expert here.
If you have a two-story house, it must be positioned further away from the boundary. This is related to the height of the external wall facing the neighbor.
Secondly, an exception to setback requirements applies to garages: they are allowed to be built within the setback zone. However, the garage must be considered a separate building.
Your example may already not comply because the part of the building with the utility room and bedroom does not meet the setback distance to the neighbor. If you separate the garage including the storage room, the garage would be considered detached, but I wouldn't want to guarantee that. The size of this unit itself might no longer be permitted either.
Furthermore, I want to emphasize for the third time that you are exceeding your budget. Consider that this garage including the extension will likely cost around 30,000. For every element, you should plan for 5,000 to 10,000, the staircase as well, the 180-cm (71-inch) chimney about 15,000, and every square meter (square foot) around 1,700.
But I’m not a cost expert here.
ypg schrieb:
However, the garage must be considered externally as a separate building. I believe this depends on the interpretation of the respective building authority.
Our architect initially planned our garage on the property line. From the beginning, it was connected to the main building (in the first design without windows on the right side, but unfortunately I don’t have a digital version of that):
Otherwise, I agree with @Climbee and @ypg: Write down your list of requirements and schedule a free initial consultation with an architect. If you get along well with the architect, they might also provide you with a preliminary design. It’s also worth contacting a local general contractor.
You already have the orientation on the plot in mind, which was the main point here. For everything else, I would give the architect or planner some creative freedom.
Jochen104 schrieb:
A T-30 fire door has to be installed there.Exactly!
However, no living area is allowed _within_ these setback zones.
But as I said: partial knowledge is why architects exist!
I can really relate to the original poster. We were in a similar situation and had also fallen in love with the floor plan from the prefabricated house manufacturer shown in the first post.
We then modified it ourselves with the help of a civil engineer. We liked the result until a professional, the brother-in-law of a business colleague who is an architect, reviewed it and pointed out the weak points.
After that, we spoke with three architects, and all three offered to create a preliminary design for us free of charge, which took our space requirements into account.
And what can I say, I’m glad we did that.
What I want to say is this: @Häuslebau3er, don’t try to design everything yourself. At some point, you get tunnel vision and become so convinced by your drafts that you don’t even notice some of the criticism. Go to an architect or a reputable turnkey builder—although those are quite rare since many just use their standard floor plans—and have them create something proper for you.
We then modified it ourselves with the help of a civil engineer. We liked the result until a professional, the brother-in-law of a business colleague who is an architect, reviewed it and pointed out the weak points.
After that, we spoke with three architects, and all three offered to create a preliminary design for us free of charge, which took our space requirements into account.
And what can I say, I’m glad we did that.
What I want to say is this: @Häuslebau3er, don’t try to design everything yourself. At some point, you get tunnel vision and become so convinced by your drafts that you don’t even notice some of the criticism. Go to an architect or a reputable turnkey builder—although those are quite rare since many just use their standard floor plans—and have them create something proper for you.
Similar topics