ᐅ Single-family house with 170 sqm, with the option to build a multi-family house on a 900 sqm corner lot
Created on: 5 Feb 2021 15:41
B
BauFamily
Hello everyone! We have been following this forum for about a year now, ever since we started planning our house. We are finally ready to share our floor plan with you and would appreciate your feedback. We are very curious about your suggestions. Overall, we are quite satisfied with the current design, but we wonder if it is feasible from a structural standpoint. We have managed to include all the important aspects in the floor plan. If necessary, we could consider reducing the living area, but we feel that any changes might compromise the entire concept. Therefore, we hope that the design will also be acceptable in terms of costs.
Thank you very much in advance for your input and suggestions!
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 850sqm (9145 sqft)
Slope: No
Floor area ratio: 150
Floor space index: 2 full storeys
Building envelope, building line and boundary line: see plan
Edge development: see plan
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of storeys: 2
Roof type: freely selectable
Style: open
Orientation
Maximum heights/limits: Eaves height: 7.50m (24.6 ft) and upper construction limit: 11.50m (37.7 ft)
Additional requirements: up to 3 residential units possible
Owner’s Requirements
Style, roof type, building type
Basement, floors: Basement + 2 full storeys (upper floor without sloping ceilings, if I understand the development plan correctly)
Number of occupants, ages: 4 people (37, 36, 6, 4 years)
Space requirements on ground floor and upper floor
Office: for family use or home office? Guest room + office, mixed use
Number of overnight guests per year: 12 times
Open or closed layout: closed
Traditional or modern construction: a mix of both
Open kitchen, kitchen island: We clearly prefer a large, closed kitchen with a pantry.
Number of dining seats: We have a large family. 10-12 people should be able to sit at the table during family gatherings.
Fireplace: undecided
Music/speaker wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: on the north side, mainly for drying laundry
Garage, carport: garage plus carport in front
Utility garden, greenhouse: Possibly a small allotment garden in the northwest of the plot, including raised beds and a greenhouse
Additional wishes/particulars/daily routine, feel free to explain why certain things should or should not be included
House Design
Who designed the plan: us
What do you particularly like? Why?
Please provide some detailed points so you can better understand the design:
1.) Entrance vestibule: Currently, we have a very narrow hallway that often gets dirty from the children. We always have to walk through it to get to a child’s room. We want to avoid this in the new house. That is why we included the vestibule. The question is whether this vestibule might be too small (see under “What don’t we like?” point 2).
2.) Large built-in closet in the hallway for storage
3.) Large kitchen combined with the north terrace: Some might wonder why we planned a terrace on the north side. We prefer not to sit in direct sun while eating. Additionally, the north terrace offers good privacy from neighbors. We plan to cover this terrace and will use the balcony on the first floor.
4.) Balcony as a “utility balcony”: We want to do laundry and hang it to dry on the same floor. The balcony will be used for hanging laundry.
5.) Bay window: The bay window in the living room creates a cozy corner, expanding the space and giving it a conservatory feel.
6.) Location of children’s rooms and living/dining areas: These rooms face west and get plenty of evening sunlight when everyone is at home.
7.) Option to divide the house into several residential units: According to the development plan, up to 3 residential units are possible. We have planned the stairs etc. so that, with minor adjustments, the house could be divided into multiple units if needed. This is a neat option and should increase the resale value.
What don’t you like? Why?
1.) “Narrow” driveway: Due to the location of the plot, the driveway position is fixed. It is 5.50m (18 ft) wide, but the lowered curb is only 4.50m (14.8 ft) wide. Therefore, a proper double garage is not possible. Two cars side by side under the carport will be tight. What do you think?
2.) This relates to point 1: The vestibule might actually be too small.
Personal budget for the house, including fittings: 450,000 EUR
Preferred heating technology: air-to-water heat pump combined with underfloor heating and photovoltaic system
If you had to give up something, what details or fixtures
- you can give up: overall living area, if the budget gets tight. Especially the children’s rooms don’t have to be very large. But then the question arises whether making the western wall narrower would cause the ground floor living and dining areas to feel too cramped.
- you cannot give up: [no text provided]
Why is the design as it is? For example:
Because it fits our individual needs well.
What do you think makes it especially good or bad?
The option for multiple residential units and the practical use of space behind the stairwell make it a good design. The downside is that the children’s rooms are actually too large, but we couldn’t find a better solution because the living room (distance from sofa to TV) becomes too cramped otherwise.
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
We have spent a long time (over a year) designing the floor plan to suit our needs while keeping it as simple as possible. Would you say we achieved this? In your opinion, is the floor plan “efficient”?
One more consideration, which is important but secondary: According to my calculations, the development plan allows, besides the 2 full storeys without sloping ceilings, also an attic with sloping ceilings and a high knee wall of 1.40m (4.6 ft) (basement protrudes 50cm (20 in) above ground). We are considering building this attic but initially leaving it unfinished for cost reasons. This would give us the option to finish it later if our family grows. What do you think? What would be the additional costs for this extra unfinished (or perhaps finished) attic?
Thank you very much in advance for your input and suggestions!
Development Plan / Restrictions
Plot size: 850sqm (9145 sqft)
Slope: No
Floor area ratio: 150
Floor space index: 2 full storeys
Building envelope, building line and boundary line: see plan
Edge development: see plan
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of storeys: 2
Roof type: freely selectable
Style: open
Orientation
Maximum heights/limits: Eaves height: 7.50m (24.6 ft) and upper construction limit: 11.50m (37.7 ft)
Additional requirements: up to 3 residential units possible
Owner’s Requirements
Style, roof type, building type
Basement, floors: Basement + 2 full storeys (upper floor without sloping ceilings, if I understand the development plan correctly)
Number of occupants, ages: 4 people (37, 36, 6, 4 years)
Space requirements on ground floor and upper floor
Office: for family use or home office? Guest room + office, mixed use
Number of overnight guests per year: 12 times
Open or closed layout: closed
Traditional or modern construction: a mix of both
Open kitchen, kitchen island: We clearly prefer a large, closed kitchen with a pantry.
Number of dining seats: We have a large family. 10-12 people should be able to sit at the table during family gatherings.
Fireplace: undecided
Music/speaker wall: no
Balcony, roof terrace: on the north side, mainly for drying laundry
Garage, carport: garage plus carport in front
Utility garden, greenhouse: Possibly a small allotment garden in the northwest of the plot, including raised beds and a greenhouse
Additional wishes/particulars/daily routine, feel free to explain why certain things should or should not be included
House Design
Who designed the plan: us
What do you particularly like? Why?
Please provide some detailed points so you can better understand the design:
1.) Entrance vestibule: Currently, we have a very narrow hallway that often gets dirty from the children. We always have to walk through it to get to a child’s room. We want to avoid this in the new house. That is why we included the vestibule. The question is whether this vestibule might be too small (see under “What don’t we like?” point 2).
2.) Large built-in closet in the hallway for storage
3.) Large kitchen combined with the north terrace: Some might wonder why we planned a terrace on the north side. We prefer not to sit in direct sun while eating. Additionally, the north terrace offers good privacy from neighbors. We plan to cover this terrace and will use the balcony on the first floor.
4.) Balcony as a “utility balcony”: We want to do laundry and hang it to dry on the same floor. The balcony will be used for hanging laundry.
5.) Bay window: The bay window in the living room creates a cozy corner, expanding the space and giving it a conservatory feel.
6.) Location of children’s rooms and living/dining areas: These rooms face west and get plenty of evening sunlight when everyone is at home.
7.) Option to divide the house into several residential units: According to the development plan, up to 3 residential units are possible. We have planned the stairs etc. so that, with minor adjustments, the house could be divided into multiple units if needed. This is a neat option and should increase the resale value.
What don’t you like? Why?
1.) “Narrow” driveway: Due to the location of the plot, the driveway position is fixed. It is 5.50m (18 ft) wide, but the lowered curb is only 4.50m (14.8 ft) wide. Therefore, a proper double garage is not possible. Two cars side by side under the carport will be tight. What do you think?
2.) This relates to point 1: The vestibule might actually be too small.
Personal budget for the house, including fittings: 450,000 EUR
Preferred heating technology: air-to-water heat pump combined with underfloor heating and photovoltaic system
If you had to give up something, what details or fixtures
- you can give up: overall living area, if the budget gets tight. Especially the children’s rooms don’t have to be very large. But then the question arises whether making the western wall narrower would cause the ground floor living and dining areas to feel too cramped.
- you cannot give up: [no text provided]
Why is the design as it is? For example:
Because it fits our individual needs well.
What do you think makes it especially good or bad?
The option for multiple residential units and the practical use of space behind the stairwell make it a good design. The downside is that the children’s rooms are actually too large, but we couldn’t find a better solution because the living room (distance from sofa to TV) becomes too cramped otherwise.
What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan in 130 characters?
We have spent a long time (over a year) designing the floor plan to suit our needs while keeping it as simple as possible. Would you say we achieved this? In your opinion, is the floor plan “efficient”?
One more consideration, which is important but secondary: According to my calculations, the development plan allows, besides the 2 full storeys without sloping ceilings, also an attic with sloping ceilings and a high knee wall of 1.40m (4.6 ft) (basement protrudes 50cm (20 in) above ground). We are considering building this attic but initially leaving it unfinished for cost reasons. This would give us the option to finish it later if our family grows. What do you think? What would be the additional costs for this extra unfinished (or perhaps finished) attic?
Bathroom
Bathtub
Towels near the washbasin clean the toilet
Bedroom
A 2x2 m (6.5x6.5 ft) bed does not fit
Kitchen
What about the other cabinets? What will go in there? There won’t be a drain there. Where will you quickly place a hot baking tray or heavy casserole dish?
Despite the window, on most days you will need artificial lighting.
Why do you need a basement? Food storage upstairs, laundry upstairs, guest room upstairs
What do you think will be stored in the corner behind the entrance hall? Then the lawn mower and bag of soil have to be carried past there
A house with basement, garage, bay window, balcony upstairs won’t fit the budget.
When do you plan to use the bedroom downstairs as you get older?
Bathtub
Towels near the washbasin clean the toilet
Bedroom
A 2x2 m (6.5x6.5 ft) bed does not fit
Kitchen
What about the other cabinets? What will go in there? There won’t be a drain there. Where will you quickly place a hot baking tray or heavy casserole dish?
Despite the window, on most days you will need artificial lighting.
Why do you need a basement? Food storage upstairs, laundry upstairs, guest room upstairs
What do you think will be stored in the corner behind the entrance hall? Then the lawn mower and bag of soil have to be carried past there
A house with basement, garage, bay window, balcony upstairs won’t fit the budget.
When do you plan to use the bedroom downstairs as you get older?
B
BauFamily5 Feb 2021 23:25Thank you very much for your feedback. I understand that I generally need to make some adjustments. I will get to work and get back to you.
B
BauFamily7 Feb 2021 09:56Hello everyone,
Below you will find an updated floor plan (taking your feedback into account), which does not allow for multiple dwelling units but rather reflects a spacious single-family home design (especially with a wide hallway). The additional room on the ground floor has therefore been removed. The home office will need to be located either in the bedroom, the basement, or the attic.
The garage is now more practical than a traditional double garage, although it is no longer as long. Its length is limited by the building plot boundary and allows for a window in the guest bathroom.
What are your thoughts?
Below you will find an updated floor plan (taking your feedback into account), which does not allow for multiple dwelling units but rather reflects a spacious single-family home design (especially with a wide hallway). The additional room on the ground floor has therefore been removed. The home office will need to be located either in the bedroom, the basement, or the attic.
The garage is now more practical than a traditional double garage, although it is no longer as long. Its length is limited by the building plot boundary and allows for a window in the guest bathroom.
What are your thoughts?
Are you sure you want to post every rather impulsive, spontaneous, and still undeveloped idea now?
Just take a look at the guest toilet: basically a corridor with the option to fight your way to the toilet.
As a layperson trying to solve the puzzle of optimizing spaces, you should nurture your ideas, ponder over them day after day, and revise them continually to avoid ending up with a thoughtless sketch on paper.
If that doesn’t happen, you should quickly hand the project over to an architect.
The patience of a forum is also limited and doesn’t always want to be reminded about stair lengths and cupboard depths.
Maybe it’s a bit easier with paper and pencil 😉
First, set your priorities; going back and forth isn’t productive.
Just take a look at the guest toilet: basically a corridor with the option to fight your way to the toilet.
As a layperson trying to solve the puzzle of optimizing spaces, you should nurture your ideas, ponder over them day after day, and revise them continually to avoid ending up with a thoughtless sketch on paper.
If that doesn’t happen, you should quickly hand the project over to an architect.
The patience of a forum is also limited and doesn’t always want to be reminded about stair lengths and cupboard depths.
Maybe it’s a bit easier with paper and pencil 😉
BauFamily schrieb:
does not allow multiple dwelling units but rather corresponds to the character of a spacious single-family house (especially with a wide hallway). Therefore, the additional room on the ground floor is omitted. The home office then has to be relocated to the bedroom, basement, or attic.
First, set your priorities; going back and forth isn’t productive.
B
BauFamily7 Feb 2021 11:46@ypg: The purpose here is to support prospective homeowners, not to criticize the tools that non-professionals have available nowadays, right?
We initially posted a floor plan that we worked on for a long time. In the end, we weren’t entirely sure if it was perhaps too individualized (no clear lines, etc.). That’s why we posted here. What happened? Our gut feeling was confirmed, and we have now created a new DESIGN, taking your criticism into account. This new design still needs to be worked on and fine-tuned. Therefore, we were hoping for feedback on whether the new design addresses the criticism. We wanted to avoid spending a lot of time thinking about details based on this design again (as was the case with the first floor plan), only to find out later that it doesn’t fit.
What don’t you like about the fact that laypeople today have the possibility to design something themselves in a relatively "short" time in the digital age? As mentioned, we took the criticism—which we fully understand and had in mind ourselves—seriously and have now come back with a new floor plan. Besides that, we find the experience of spatial perception much more intuitive with a 3D program than with pencil and paper. But that should not be the basis for discussion here... We have incorporated closet depths of 60cm (24 inches) as well as stair dimensions (exactly following this forum—1.28m (4 feet 2 inches) width).
Objective criticism about what is not really feasible in the floor plan and what fundamentally needs to be reconsidered, and why, would be much more helpful here, I think...
But we have taken your constructive criticism about the guest bathroom on board and will adjust it accordingly ;-) Many thanks for that.
We initially posted a floor plan that we worked on for a long time. In the end, we weren’t entirely sure if it was perhaps too individualized (no clear lines, etc.). That’s why we posted here. What happened? Our gut feeling was confirmed, and we have now created a new DESIGN, taking your criticism into account. This new design still needs to be worked on and fine-tuned. Therefore, we were hoping for feedback on whether the new design addresses the criticism. We wanted to avoid spending a lot of time thinking about details based on this design again (as was the case with the first floor plan), only to find out later that it doesn’t fit.
What don’t you like about the fact that laypeople today have the possibility to design something themselves in a relatively "short" time in the digital age? As mentioned, we took the criticism—which we fully understand and had in mind ourselves—seriously and have now come back with a new floor plan. Besides that, we find the experience of spatial perception much more intuitive with a 3D program than with pencil and paper. But that should not be the basis for discussion here... We have incorporated closet depths of 60cm (24 inches) as well as stair dimensions (exactly following this forum—1.28m (4 feet 2 inches) width).
Objective criticism about what is not really feasible in the floor plan and what fundamentally needs to be reconsidered, and why, would be much more helpful here, I think...
But we have taken your constructive criticism about the guest bathroom on board and will adjust it accordingly ;-) Many thanks for that.
B
BauFamily7 Feb 2021 12:45Just to clarify: We didn’t intend to come up with a new proposal every two days. We just wanted feedback on whether your comments were incorporated into the new design, or if that was the intention. Based on that, we will carefully consider everything in detail and get back to you. The new draft is by no means fully developed yet, that is clear to us.
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