ᐅ Single-Family Home Optimization and Planning (180 sqm + Attic, No Basement)
Created on: 22 May 2020 21:23
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phil12345
Hello everyone,
I was directed to this interesting sub-forum through other threads, and of course, I would like to share our idea pool in the form of Draft 2.0.
First, a few facts about us:
Both 32 years old, no children, working full time. Two children are planned, but only after the house is built and before 40. So, relatively mid-term.
We plan to build in the front yard (650 m² (7,000 sq ft)) of the builder’s parents. The plot is signed, and the partnership agreement is in place. We envision a single-family house of about 180 m² (1,940 sq ft) with a double garage. We do not want a basement.
The house should preferably meet the KfW55 energy efficiency standard despite having a gas heating system. As a guy, I obviously find KNX great, but maybe Somfy Smart Home would also work. However, I would really regret it in the future if I squander that investment.
The cube shown in the drawing, originally made of exposed concrete, has now been clad with Trespa panels. The window shutters should be external Venetian blinds (Raffstores) in the basement and regular shutters on the upper floor. A large covered terrace (not visible here) is also very important to us since we really want to sit in the garden sheltered from the weather.
Additionally, we face the challenge that the driveway is from the southwest side, so we need to combine garden and driveway.
A wood-burning fireplace is very important to the builder. The airlock/transition zone between garage and house, connecting both, is also essential. We like the idea of a shared but “separate” bathroom; a bathtub is not necessary. An additional third, basic bathroom in the garage for garden parties is also planned (we live in a rural area of Lower Saxony, where corn and beer are enjoyed every other day…) but should be kept very simple.
I will actively participate in the thread and look forward to an engaging discussion.
Best regards,
Phil12345



I was directed to this interesting sub-forum through other threads, and of course, I would like to share our idea pool in the form of Draft 2.0.
First, a few facts about us:
Both 32 years old, no children, working full time. Two children are planned, but only after the house is built and before 40. So, relatively mid-term.
We plan to build in the front yard (650 m² (7,000 sq ft)) of the builder’s parents. The plot is signed, and the partnership agreement is in place. We envision a single-family house of about 180 m² (1,940 sq ft) with a double garage. We do not want a basement.
The house should preferably meet the KfW55 energy efficiency standard despite having a gas heating system. As a guy, I obviously find KNX great, but maybe Somfy Smart Home would also work. However, I would really regret it in the future if I squander that investment.
The cube shown in the drawing, originally made of exposed concrete, has now been clad with Trespa panels. The window shutters should be external Venetian blinds (Raffstores) in the basement and regular shutters on the upper floor. A large covered terrace (not visible here) is also very important to us since we really want to sit in the garden sheltered from the weather.
Additionally, we face the challenge that the driveway is from the southwest side, so we need to combine garden and driveway.
A wood-burning fireplace is very important to the builder. The airlock/transition zone between garage and house, connecting both, is also essential. We like the idea of a shared but “separate” bathroom; a bathtub is not necessary. An additional third, basic bathroom in the garage for garden parties is also planned (we live in a rural area of Lower Saxony, where corn and beer are enjoyed every other day…) but should be kept very simple.
I will actively participate in the thread and look forward to an engaging discussion.
Best regards,
Phil12345
P
phil123454 Jun 2020 09:07Hmm. Then I openly and honestly admit that I don’t understand the advice. Maybe it has to be spelled out for me very clearly first.
We started from scratch and didn’t impose any restrictions on the floor plan, except for a maximum of 165-170 sqm (1776-1830 sq ft). Unfortunately, that is the limitation set by the bank.
We started from scratch and didn’t impose any restrictions on the floor plan, except for a maximum of 165-170 sqm (1776-1830 sq ft). Unfortunately, that is the limitation set by the bank.
Which suggestions have you actually followed up on?
Apparently not – you just swapped one set of design restrictions for another.
Why would the bank care about the square meters as long as you achieve a solid lending value for the amount?
By the way: a bank with me on the board or advisory team would rather finance more living space than fortress-like walls (caliber 535!).
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
phil12345 schrieb:
We started from scratch and didn’t impose any restrictions regarding the floor plan,
Apparently not – you just swapped one set of design restrictions for another.
phil12345 schrieb:
except for a maximum of 165–170 sqm (1780–1830 sq ft). Unfortunately, that’s the bank’s limit.
Why would the bank care about the square meters as long as you achieve a solid lending value for the amount?
By the way: a bank with me on the board or advisory team would rather finance more living space than fortress-like walls (caliber 535!).
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
P
phil123454 Jun 2020 15:17The bank does care about this. After all, the house becomes more expensive with every square meter. But that is not the main point here.
Note: too expensive, too large, boxy design, cramped spaces, too many rooms that are not needed.
What have we done? Bedroom + dressing room + bathroom, kids’ bathroom, 2 children’s rooms, 1 home office, large kitchen, dining, living area, utility room, hallway.
In the end, we reached 10.5 m² (113 sq ft) without having it predetermined. Our constraints come from the west-facing entrance and the south-facing garden and driveway.
I always appreciate your posts. But in this case, I probably need somewhat more specific advice. If it’s “only” that the children’s rooms are tight, that is a flaw I could live with.
Note: too expensive, too large, boxy design, cramped spaces, too many rooms that are not needed.
What have we done? Bedroom + dressing room + bathroom, kids’ bathroom, 2 children’s rooms, 1 home office, large kitchen, dining, living area, utility room, hallway.
In the end, we reached 10.5 m² (113 sq ft) without having it predetermined. Our constraints come from the west-facing entrance and the south-facing garden and driveway.
I always appreciate your posts. But in this case, I probably need somewhat more specific advice. If it’s “only” that the children’s rooms are tight, that is a flaw I could live with.
phil12345 schrieb:
In the end, we ended up with 10.5² without having planned it.Hehe, maybe you can tell that to a man who doesn't have a smart woman phil12345 schrieb:
I always appreciate your posts.As I said, I value being understood more than receiving likes.phil12345 schrieb:
But in this case, I probably do need somewhat more concrete guidance. If it’s “only” the kids’ rooms that are cramped, that’s a flaw I could live with.I’m starting to realize where the problem lies: the stakes that could effectively wave a warning to you have yet to be planted.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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phil123454 Jun 2020 15:46Our original idea was a width of 9 meters (30 feet) with an entrance and a length of 11.5 meters (38 feet). According to the architect, this was not feasible. So, we eventually settled on a 10.5 by 10.5 meter (34 by 34 feet) layout. I’m not trying to come up with everything myself; I’m interested in constructive discussion.
I would appreciate it if you could specifically tell me what doesn’t work. I’m not a professional (like many here who start a thread), so I have little architectural knowledge or training. And finally, there’s also taste, which is even less open to debate.
It’s not that I don’t accept feedback or try to argue it away.
Thank you very much.
I would appreciate it if you could specifically tell me what doesn’t work. I’m not a professional (like many here who start a thread), so I have little architectural knowledge or training. And finally, there’s also taste, which is even less open to debate.
It’s not that I don’t accept feedback or try to argue it away.
Thank you very much.
phil12345 schrieb:
Our original idea was a width of 9 meters (30 feet) with an entrance and a length of 11.5 meters (38 feet). According to the architect, this was not feasible. If previously 9 x 13 meters (30 x 43 feet) or even 14 x 21 meters (46 x 69 feet) fit within the building envelope, why would 9 x 11.5 meters (30 x 38 feet) not fit now?
phil12345 schrieb:
Therefore, I have little architectural background or training. Then follow the planning instructions mentioned here (and mostly linked in my case); and simply leave out the architecture – it almost takes shape naturally if you don’t block it with unfavorable constraints. Which of my planning instructions did you not understand?
phil12345 schrieb:
And last but not least, there’s personal taste, which is even less debatable. Even though professional experience would at least be helpful here: as a layperson, you can always say at any point that you don’t like my suggestion, but then also explain your alternative clearly and reasonably. Otherwise, it just looks like you’re resistant to advice. Which of my points do you find too subjective, so that you wouldn’t be willing to try them out – at least for a few trial runs – as a tool?
P.S.: I’m actually grateful when those seeking advice get stuck sometimes – you can learn something from that too (even though I usually assume I’m not speaking Klingon).
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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