Dear Forum,
We are still at a very early stage of planning a single-family house with approximately 160m² (1,722 sq ft) of living space. So far, we only have very rough ideas about the house itself, as we want to secure a suitable plot of land first. In general, we have been leaning towards a prefab house.
We are currently in the allocation process for a plot (outlined in red). We generally like the size and location (edge of a field). However, there are several special conditions and restrictions, so we are wondering how to build on this plot sensibly.
- To the north, there is an adjacent retention basin fenced off.
- To the west, there is a bike path. A 3m (10 ft) “front yard” is required here (only a low fence or hedge allowed, no carport or driveway).
- The entrance from the street is to the south-southwest.
- To the east, the plot borders directly onto the field.
- To the south is the neighboring property.
Our initial idea would be to place the carport directly on the southern side, by the street, separate from the house. Then position the house to the north or northeast with a walking path to the west side at the gable entrance.
This way, the terrace and garden could be planned facing south/southeast.
What do you think of this approach? Does it make sense?
What about the technical room? I have read in many cases it needs to be planned facing the access road. We would of course prefer it in the north.
Or what are your suggestions and ideas?
Thank you very much and best regards,
Micha
Development plan/restrictions
Plot size: 620m² (6,675 sq ft)
Slope: no
Site coverage ratio: 0.4
Floor area ratio: 0.8
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 2
Roof type: pitched
Architectural style: open
Orientation: free
Maximum height/building limits: main roof 4.5–6.5m (15–21 ft), full height 10.5m (34 ft)
Owner requirements
Single-family house EH40 standard, probably gable roof, possibly hip roof
No basement, 2 floors
Number of occupants, ages: 2 adults + 2 children (2 years, newborn)
Room requirements on ground floor: technical room, living/dining area, guest room (later office), and WC with shower
Upper floor: bedroom, children’s room, office (later children’s room)
Office: home office
Open kitchen
Seating for approximately 6 people at dining table
No fireplace
No balcony or roof terrace
Carport: yes
We are still at a very early stage of planning a single-family house with approximately 160m² (1,722 sq ft) of living space. So far, we only have very rough ideas about the house itself, as we want to secure a suitable plot of land first. In general, we have been leaning towards a prefab house.
We are currently in the allocation process for a plot (outlined in red). We generally like the size and location (edge of a field). However, there are several special conditions and restrictions, so we are wondering how to build on this plot sensibly.
- To the north, there is an adjacent retention basin fenced off.
- To the west, there is a bike path. A 3m (10 ft) “front yard” is required here (only a low fence or hedge allowed, no carport or driveway).
- The entrance from the street is to the south-southwest.
- To the east, the plot borders directly onto the field.
- To the south is the neighboring property.
Our initial idea would be to place the carport directly on the southern side, by the street, separate from the house. Then position the house to the north or northeast with a walking path to the west side at the gable entrance.
This way, the terrace and garden could be planned facing south/southeast.
What do you think of this approach? Does it make sense?
What about the technical room? I have read in many cases it needs to be planned facing the access road. We would of course prefer it in the north.
Or what are your suggestions and ideas?
Thank you very much and best regards,
Micha
Development plan/restrictions
Plot size: 620m² (6,675 sq ft)
Slope: no
Site coverage ratio: 0.4
Floor area ratio: 0.8
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 2
Roof type: pitched
Architectural style: open
Orientation: free
Maximum height/building limits: main roof 4.5–6.5m (15–21 ft), full height 10.5m (34 ft)
Owner requirements
Single-family house EH40 standard, probably gable roof, possibly hip roof
No basement, 2 floors
Number of occupants, ages: 2 adults + 2 children (2 years, newborn)
Room requirements on ground floor: technical room, living/dining area, guest room (later office), and WC with shower
Upper floor: bedroom, children’s room, office (later children’s room)
Office: home office
Open kitchen
Seating for approximately 6 people at dining table
No fireplace
No balcony or roof terrace
Carport: yes
WilderSueden schrieb:
So, on nice days, x people cycle past each day and some of them curiously look into your property. Does that bother you? The bike path is intended for residents and has just been newly planned, so I don’t expect through traffic here. Still, that was one reason why we designed the garden facing southeast.
The noise from neighbors would probably bother us less. We currently live in a rented apartment in a big city, and it doesn’t bother us there either. Of course, you can always be unlucky.
WilderSueden schrieb:
Regarding positioning… A carport close to the street is probably set in all cases. The next question would be where you want the front door. Traditionally on the north side (longer path), on the gable side in the west (gable-side front doors are often tricky for floor plans), or the shortest path on the south side (rather unconventional). So far, an entrance on the west side seems like the best compromise for us. The north side would be quite inconvenient (perhaps the “guest (foot) entrance” could be planned over the bike path, but that wouldn’t be very appealing either).
Here’s another option we initially rejected: driveway to the north behind the “front garden area.” We could pave up to 30% of that space (parking spots would also be allowed). A single carport directly on the north side with a long driveway (with parking/maneuvering space on the south side). We only have one car; the double carport was planned more for bikes and such but is not a must. That way, at least the carport wouldn’t act as a visual barrier. The driveway would have no turning space at the top, and the “front garden” wouldn’t be put to very good use.
Otherwise, we might really have to consider whether a garden facing north/east would be better. Similar to ypg’s drawing with a north-facing terrace, it becomes more difficult to get light into the house and to arrange rooms sensibly. In the example with two terraces and the house on the east side, the garden would be too fragmented for us. We would prefer it to be more continuous, especially since it isn’t very large to begin with.
C
Costruttrice4 Feb 2024 19:07I would orient the house to best fit the plot in terms of access, views, and privacy, rather than forcing it to face south.
We have a plot facing northwest, with all living areas toward the north because that’s where the natural surroundings and open views are, while the street is to the south. Initially, some people couldn’t understand why there were no living spaces facing south, but once they see the situation, they agree with us. We don’t get direct sunlight in the north during winter, but thanks to huge windows, it’s still not dark. In summer, even though it’s north-facing, we still need to provide shading for the terrace.
To make a long story short: take a close look at your plot and think about where you want to look out, which direction you want to shield yourself from, and how best to access the property from the street.
We have a plot facing northwest, with all living areas toward the north because that’s where the natural surroundings and open views are, while the street is to the south. Initially, some people couldn’t understand why there were no living spaces facing south, but once they see the situation, they agree with us. We don’t get direct sunlight in the north during winter, but thanks to huge windows, it’s still not dark. In summer, even though it’s north-facing, we still need to provide shading for the terrace.
To make a long story short: take a close look at your plot and think about where you want to look out, which direction you want to shield yourself from, and how best to access the property from the street.
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