ᐅ Floor Plan Design / Initial Draft for Preliminary Feedback
Created on: 30 Mar 2014 01:03
L
LiquidSky
Hello,
I would appreciate any feedback on these ideas. Much of it is not yet finalized because I am primarily looking for initial input.
The planned house will be built on a plot that slopes approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet) from north to south. However, the ground floor can only be 30 cm (12 inches) above street level. The house must have a 40° pitched roof. Two full stories are possible, but we are planning for 1.5 stories with a knee wall height of 1.50 meters (5 feet). Eventually, two adults and two children will live in the house. I have not yet planned the upper floor because, in my view, the ground floor is more complex; once that is finalized, I will work on the upper floor.
The current design is based on a 10 x 10 meter (33 x 33 feet) slab foundation. Wall thicknesses may add to this, or the rooms might be slightly smaller. The wall between the guest room and living room could possibly be moved along the yellow line. Likewise, the closet in the hallway might be relocated under the stairs. The red/gray areas in the images are placeholders for the fireplace.
I created everything on the computer since it allows me to try different variations more quickly.
I look forward to your feedback and plan to post the next steps here as well.
Good luck,
LiquidSky
I would appreciate any feedback on these ideas. Much of it is not yet finalized because I am primarily looking for initial input.
The planned house will be built on a plot that slopes approximately 1 meter (3.3 feet) from north to south. However, the ground floor can only be 30 cm (12 inches) above street level. The house must have a 40° pitched roof. Two full stories are possible, but we are planning for 1.5 stories with a knee wall height of 1.50 meters (5 feet). Eventually, two adults and two children will live in the house. I have not yet planned the upper floor because, in my view, the ground floor is more complex; once that is finalized, I will work on the upper floor.
The current design is based on a 10 x 10 meter (33 x 33 feet) slab foundation. Wall thicknesses may add to this, or the rooms might be slightly smaller. The wall between the guest room and living room could possibly be moved along the yellow line. Likewise, the closet in the hallway might be relocated under the stairs. The red/gray areas in the images are placeholders for the fireplace.
I created everything on the computer since it allows me to try different variations more quickly.
I look forward to your feedback and plan to post the next steps here as well.
Good luck,
LiquidSky
W
Wanderdüne2 Apr 2014 01:05Bauexperte schrieb:
I would like to kindly ask for further clarification regarding this statement.I honestly don’t know what else I can explain, as it seems quite clear. I also searched online; the terms “introverted house” and “introverted living room” already exist. Regarding the latter, this thread is actually quite prominent.
My approach is creative, partly thanks to my upbringing, but that isn’t relevant here.
@ OP:
Even if you only reached design phase 4 (work stage 4), you should at least have received a cost estimate. I don’t see how, without solid construction expertise from whoever, you can now modify the design (assuming the same size and features) to reduce the 40% budget overrun solely by adjusting cost group 300 (cost group 400 will stay the same or could have been adjusted down, and other groups partly as well). Especially since you are entitled to a budget-compliant design (albeit with some tolerance, but that’s how it is).
And what exactly does it mean that your architect is still supporting you? Which “professional” is responsible for fine-tuning?
Now to the design:
The self-designed plan presents an average house with a pitched roof, and it is buildable.
But does it fit your specific plot and lifestyle?
A major influence is definitely the four-story building to the west (assuming north is oriented up in your site plan), and I believe your design does not meet the requirements regarding the neighboring building.
I also don’t understand the access to your building. It is possible, but costly and what does it really achieve?
On this site, I could rather imagine an L-shaped building placed as much as possible within the building area along the boundary with the four-story building, creating a west-facing, sheltered but open and bright interior courtyard.
I wouldn’t rely on potential planting on the western neighboring plot either. If you want or need a more conventional floor plan for budget reasons, then first plan for some landscaping to avoid the feeling of being on a stage in house and garden. Experienced expertise is helpful here as well.
Best regards,
WD
L
LiquidSky2 Apr 2014 15:46Hello,
I believe the comments about the upper floor have brought up a good idea. Now a window fits into the walk-in closet and is also centered on the facade.
I haven’t given up on the shower on the ground floor yet. I mainly see a logistical advantage there when four people plus guests need to use the bathroom in the morning.
We would either have the staircase made of steel and then clad with wood, or made of concrete and then clad with wood. We want to place the coat rack underneath it.
Something like this style:
After we specified our budget, the architect designed a house with two full stories, which now exceeds our budget.
That’s why the current approach is with 1.5 stories. Here we should be able to save at least one ceiling, one staircase, a large window that would span both the ground floor and upper floor, and some masonry.
When we signed the building permits / planning permission, because we believed him that his cost estimates were very high, I think we accepted his planning services, right?
We have now talked to him, and he will revise the plans without starting from scratch cost-wise. That’s why I will soon present him with this idea, and then it’s up to him to check if it makes sense or if he can come up with better ideas.
The idea of accessing the house with the carport as a canopy and storage shed came from the architect. The fact is, we need a shed for garden tools, bicycles, etc., next to the garage. He said that this way we could kill two birds with one stone (shed and covered entrance) and it would definitely be cheaper than adding a canopy to the insulated facade (special construction due to thermal bridging) plus building a separate shed.
I also saw the advantage of being able to get from the car to the house without getting wet and packing the car for vacation out of sight. Does this make more sense with this information?
The site plan is oriented north.
The western plot has only a little lawn, and the house recently also has balconies. An L-shaped house would certainly be nice, but based on our current plan with the same floor layout, it would be a lot more expensive. The fact that the house will probably be rather average also relates to our experience with costs and unconventional ideas. The idea of landscaping is good. Possibly a hedge and a tall tree several meters in front of it.
There is also a somewhat larger residential building to the northeast. We will definitely have to consider landscaping there as well.
Attached again is an update of the floor plans. I have also added the chimney and the direction of the staircase.
Good luck,
LiquidSky
I believe the comments about the upper floor have brought up a good idea. Now a window fits into the walk-in closet and is also centered on the facade.
I haven’t given up on the shower on the ground floor yet. I mainly see a logistical advantage there when four people plus guests need to use the bathroom in the morning.
We would either have the staircase made of steel and then clad with wood, or made of concrete and then clad with wood. We want to place the coat rack underneath it.
Something like this style:
After we specified our budget, the architect designed a house with two full stories, which now exceeds our budget.
That’s why the current approach is with 1.5 stories. Here we should be able to save at least one ceiling, one staircase, a large window that would span both the ground floor and upper floor, and some masonry.
When we signed the building permits / planning permission, because we believed him that his cost estimates were very high, I think we accepted his planning services, right?
We have now talked to him, and he will revise the plans without starting from scratch cost-wise. That’s why I will soon present him with this idea, and then it’s up to him to check if it makes sense or if he can come up with better ideas.
The idea of accessing the house with the carport as a canopy and storage shed came from the architect. The fact is, we need a shed for garden tools, bicycles, etc., next to the garage. He said that this way we could kill two birds with one stone (shed and covered entrance) and it would definitely be cheaper than adding a canopy to the insulated facade (special construction due to thermal bridging) plus building a separate shed.
I also saw the advantage of being able to get from the car to the house without getting wet and packing the car for vacation out of sight. Does this make more sense with this information?
The site plan is oriented north.
The western plot has only a little lawn, and the house recently also has balconies. An L-shaped house would certainly be nice, but based on our current plan with the same floor layout, it would be a lot more expensive. The fact that the house will probably be rather average also relates to our experience with costs and unconventional ideas. The idea of landscaping is good. Possibly a hedge and a tall tree several meters in front of it.
There is also a somewhat larger residential building to the northeast. We will definitely have to consider landscaping there as well.
Attached again is an update of the floor plans. I have also added the chimney and the direction of the staircase.
Good luck,
LiquidSky
Regarding your shed:
Everything you say makes sense, though I doubt it will be cheaper. You’ll definitely need a quote from the shell builder. In any case, I would place the equipment extension at the same height as the house. Otherwise, there are too many corners—it ends up looking like an attempt rather than a success. Maybe you can do the same with the garage? So that the roofed area starts at the garage and the entire structure has a uniform finish. 😉
About the shower on the ground floor: Imagine yourself showering there with everything that entails… You would bump into things everywhere because the space is too tight. Either provide more room here (at the expense of the utility room) or leave it out entirely. We have a shower in the guest bathroom (with five people in the household) and no one uses it for that reason. In the new house, we wanted a shower in the laundry room since my husband would have used it daily after jogging, but we ultimately dropped that idea. That space is better assigned to the hallway, which five people use (not just one)! 🙂
By the way, your toilet has no window. I find that a bad choice for new construction. Likewise, the hose in the utility room can’t be used at all. Try placing the toilet lengthwise next to the kitchen, and put the utility room between the toilet and the entrance. That might give you more flexibility.
I like the upper floor better, but one child’s room lacks a window. Also, I really don’t like the bathroom layout. It needs to be redesigned. Can the bathroom window be moved a bit away from the wall? What’s the slope like there?
milkie 🙂
Everything you say makes sense, though I doubt it will be cheaper. You’ll definitely need a quote from the shell builder. In any case, I would place the equipment extension at the same height as the house. Otherwise, there are too many corners—it ends up looking like an attempt rather than a success. Maybe you can do the same with the garage? So that the roofed area starts at the garage and the entire structure has a uniform finish. 😉
About the shower on the ground floor: Imagine yourself showering there with everything that entails… You would bump into things everywhere because the space is too tight. Either provide more room here (at the expense of the utility room) or leave it out entirely. We have a shower in the guest bathroom (with five people in the household) and no one uses it for that reason. In the new house, we wanted a shower in the laundry room since my husband would have used it daily after jogging, but we ultimately dropped that idea. That space is better assigned to the hallway, which five people use (not just one)! 🙂
By the way, your toilet has no window. I find that a bad choice for new construction. Likewise, the hose in the utility room can’t be used at all. Try placing the toilet lengthwise next to the kitchen, and put the utility room between the toilet and the entrance. That might give you more flexibility.
I like the upper floor better, but one child’s room lacks a window. Also, I really don’t like the bathroom layout. It needs to be redesigned. Can the bathroom window be moved a bit away from the wall? What’s the slope like there?
milkie 🙂
L
LiquidSky2 Apr 2014 22:32Hi,
We originally wanted the garage and the rest of the house to be aligned. However, the building zone for the house is three meters (about 10 feet) longer than that for the garage. We had considered moving the house forward, but that would bring us closer to the neighbor’s garage, and honestly, I value the garden on the side more than the garden (on the north side) behind it.
Or as a friend asked, do you really want to align the house position with the garage’s building zone? A request to move the garage slightly back, partially outside its building zone, was firmly rejected because it’s not considered an exceptional case. I’ll refrain from further comments on that.
I left out the shower for now. But you don’t really gain much space that way. If the bathroom moves against the kitchen wall, it becomes quite a narrow room. On the plus side, it would have a window, which bothered me in the other layout as well. I’d prefer having a window anyway.
I don’t find the narrow space in the utility room too problematic, as long as there’s room on the wall for items like the control cabinet and the water meter. But I might be wrong about that.
I forgot to add the window in the child’s room. I would put a window in every room on the straight walls, especially since I find roof windows in bedrooms inconvenient. In the bathroom, however, I would plan for one or two roof windows.
We need to build a 40 to 45 degree pitched roof and are currently planning with a 1.50 m (5 feet) knee wall. That usually leaves enough space for a bathtub or similar.
I did some rough planning for the bathroom upstairs. I deliberately drew the bathtub in two variations because I’m not sure where exactly the 2 m (6.5 feet) line would fall. The idea behind the layout was roughly that one person could be on the toilet while another could wash their hands without having to look each other in the eye. But maybe this will become irrelevant if there is a second bathroom downstairs anyway.
That’s all from me for today.
Good luck,
LiquidSky
We originally wanted the garage and the rest of the house to be aligned. However, the building zone for the house is three meters (about 10 feet) longer than that for the garage. We had considered moving the house forward, but that would bring us closer to the neighbor’s garage, and honestly, I value the garden on the side more than the garden (on the north side) behind it.
Or as a friend asked, do you really want to align the house position with the garage’s building zone? A request to move the garage slightly back, partially outside its building zone, was firmly rejected because it’s not considered an exceptional case. I’ll refrain from further comments on that.
I left out the shower for now. But you don’t really gain much space that way. If the bathroom moves against the kitchen wall, it becomes quite a narrow room. On the plus side, it would have a window, which bothered me in the other layout as well. I’d prefer having a window anyway.
I don’t find the narrow space in the utility room too problematic, as long as there’s room on the wall for items like the control cabinet and the water meter. But I might be wrong about that.
I forgot to add the window in the child’s room. I would put a window in every room on the straight walls, especially since I find roof windows in bedrooms inconvenient. In the bathroom, however, I would plan for one or two roof windows.
We need to build a 40 to 45 degree pitched roof and are currently planning with a 1.50 m (5 feet) knee wall. That usually leaves enough space for a bathtub or similar.
I did some rough planning for the bathroom upstairs. I deliberately drew the bathtub in two variations because I’m not sure where exactly the 2 m (6.5 feet) line would fall. The idea behind the layout was roughly that one person could be on the toilet while another could wash their hands without having to look each other in the eye. But maybe this will become irrelevant if there is a second bathroom downstairs anyway.
That’s all from me for today.
Good luck,
LiquidSky
*ahem* 🙄
Just from memory: You have a great building plot but don’t know what to do with it.
Everyone here suggests – directly or indirectly – hiring a professional.
I can’t quite follow the part about the architect... yet you fixate on a standard floor plan that can be expanded... and worry about how to discreetly pack for your annual vacation and about eye contact in the bathroom with your family members.
Take your friend’s advice and don’t plan along the garage wall!
By the way, a two-story house is actually cheaper than a one-and-a-half-story house!
If I’ve mixed up the threads, sorry 🙄
Just from memory: You have a great building plot but don’t know what to do with it.
Everyone here suggests – directly or indirectly – hiring a professional.
I can’t quite follow the part about the architect... yet you fixate on a standard floor plan that can be expanded... and worry about how to discreetly pack for your annual vacation and about eye contact in the bathroom with your family members.
Take your friend’s advice and don’t plan along the garage wall!
By the way, a two-story house is actually cheaper than a one-and-a-half-story house!
If I’ve mixed up the threads, sorry 🙄
#22 Just read this now... I find the pictures are not successful.
You can already see the planning constraints of a non-professional, which usually can’t get better.
Contrary to milkie, I believe: even in a shower toilet, there is space for clothes/changing, that can work. But the concept of a utility room is not well designed... also, there are way too many doors in this shed and the outdoor area...
You can already see the planning constraints of a non-professional, which usually can’t get better.
Contrary to milkie, I believe: even in a shower toilet, there is space for clothes/changing, that can work. But the concept of a utility room is not well designed... also, there are way too many doors in this shed and the outdoor area...
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