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!
I think this "walk-in closet" is currently just trendy.
As long as both people have a regular job, it’s rather unnecessary. And even if you get up at different times, you can take out your clothes the night before.
However, nowadays, almost every show home includes such a walk-in closet, even though a 3–3.5 meter (10–11.5 feet) wardrobe in the bedroom would work just as well.
But ultimately, everyone has to decide for themselves whether they want to spend the square meters on a passage room.
As long as both people have a regular job, it’s rather unnecessary. And even if you get up at different times, you can take out your clothes the night before.
However, nowadays, almost every show home includes such a walk-in closet, even though a 3–3.5 meter (10–11.5 feet) wardrobe in the bedroom would work just as well.
But ultimately, everyone has to decide for themselves whether they want to spend the square meters on a passage room.
I want a walk-in closet *whaaaah*
Because while I can usually manage to prepare my stuff the night before, unfortunately my other (??) half never does...
So he tries to rummage quietly in the closet, almost 100% of the time bumps into something, mutters under his breath, turns on the flashlight on his phone, and almost certainly points it in the wrong direction (namely at me)... and eventually I’m also definitely awake *hm*
No walk-in closet, no deal!
But it’s true, something like that only makes sense if it’s properly planned.
Because while I can usually manage to prepare my stuff the night before, unfortunately my other (??) half never does...
So he tries to rummage quietly in the closet, almost 100% of the time bumps into something, mutters under his breath, turns on the flashlight on his phone, and almost certainly points it in the wrong direction (namely at me)... and eventually I’m also definitely awake *hm*
No walk-in closet, no deal!
But it’s true, something like that only makes sense if it’s properly planned.
Häuslebau3r13 Aug 2016 08:21Alex85 schrieb:
Personally, I find the ground floor a bit too angular. I prefer a more straightforward layout that is versatile. But that’s a matter of taste.
On the upper floor, the room sizes seem odd to me. The bedroom is relatively small, while the bathroom is huge or almost too big at 19m² (205 sq ft). In between is the walk-in closet, which has doors in all directions and apparently a window facing north. It’s 7.5m² (81 sq ft), which should fit about 3 meters (10 ft) of wardrobe space, maybe up to 4 meters (13 ft) with corner solutions. But then it would only be for storing clothes; you also need a bit of space for dressing, maybe a chair or somewhere to put things down. At the latest, when the partner wants to get into the bathroom, you’ll be in each other’s way.
In other words: I find 10 + 7.5m² (108 + 81 sq ft) = 17.5m² (188 sq ft) for a bedroom with a large double bed and wardrobes just barely “okay.” Reducing that even further by adding another wall, door, and window, minus the additional circulation space needed — that’s something everyone has to decide for themselves.
The kids’ room is an absolute palace. I’m not trying to start a debate, but just asking: Is that intentional, or does it just result from the overall layout?
If the latter applies to some other rooms as well, maybe it’s time to hit the “reset” button. Or ask a professional for a design (based on generic requirements, no fixed decisions!).Hello Alex,
Thanks for your input. I can only reply from my phone, so apologies if this is a bit brief.
First of all, I want to say this thread was not meant for detailed room planning or exact square meter layouts. The goal was only to fit different layout options within the building envelope, so we wouldn’t start the preliminary planning empty-handed but could bring some ideas.
Regarding the angular arrangement, as you said, that’s definitely a matter of taste and is probably not final anyway. As I mentioned above, we are still at the milestone of searching for the perfect floor plan.
As you can infer, the square meters came about naturally from the intended layout and the position of the house and garage, which also influenced the upper floor.
We are open to many more suggestions since, as I said, we are still at the very beginning, also concerning room sizes, and so forth.
Thanks and best regards,
Andi
Häuslebau3r13 Aug 2016 08:29RobsonMKK schrieb:
1. Ground floor hallway way too large
2. Pantry still doesn’t work. 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) deep minus at least 35 cm (14 inches) shelf leaves a 65 cm (26 inches) passage
3. Doors need to be at least 90 cm (35 inches) wide in the planning
4. What is that next to the bathroom? A balcony?
Overall very suboptimal. A little tip: check out Home by me. It’s an online tool where you can work with wall thicknesses, has a 3D function, and lets you furnish the space. Maybe that will clarify some things.Hi Robson,
Thanks for your input here as well.
Regarding the hallway, as mentioned in the other comment, it was mainly about the location and floor plans within the building plot, which have since changed quite a bit. But I’m happy to take on your points about the hallway.
Regarding the other points.
The pantry is modeled after the current one in my parents’ house and is fully sufficient for its intended use, depending on the measurements with masonry and so on. I read something about a freezer there... that’s actually not meant to go in there.
Thanks for the tip about door widths—I’ve learned something again. Great.
On the ground floor next to the guest WC is the dressing room, and upstairs it is intended to represent the entrance area.
I will look into that software.
Thanks, regards, Andi
@all,
I see the dressing room as quite useful for partners with different working hours, so as not to disturb each other, as already mentioned. Of course, it will be designed as efficiently as possible regarding square meters.
Answered via phone on the go
Let’s say “wardrobe room” instead of “dressing room,” which I also find very nice. It helps declutter the bedroom, and you don’t have tall cabinets standing there.
However, a wardrobe room should be designed to have enough space to accommodate everything a couple typically owns, including clothes for winter and summer, sportswear, and so on. In your last plan, you can, with some luck, fit about 300 to 350 cm (10 to 11.5 feet) of cabinets. I don’t find that generous for two people.
However, a wardrobe room should be designed to have enough space to accommodate everything a couple typically owns, including clothes for winter and summer, sportswear, and so on. In your last plan, you can, with some luck, fit about 300 to 350 cm (10 to 11.5 feet) of cabinets. I don’t find that generous for two people.
J
j.bautsch15 Aug 2016 10:03My husband and I get up at different times, so I always have to lay out my clothes the night before. However, this annoys me because the clothes end up on the bathroom floor (there's no storage space), and the cats make themselves comfortable there (shedding hair). Also, if the weather in the morning turns out to be very different from the forecast the night before, I have to disturb my husband again, as well as if I forget something. And as ktb09 also mentioned, there are no tall cabinets there. We want to use the walk-in closet for winter clothes, other shoes, bedding, and so on — I never want to have that in the bedroom again. Bed, nightstands, and TV. Period.
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