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Budking8226 Jul 2015 02:51After my design passed the most important hurdle (my wife) and, following discussions with builders and architects, I believe it can be realized within our budget, I would now like to hear a few more opinions.
Attached you will find my designs (SweetHome 3D). I hope the important details are visible. I have also tried to answer most questions. I look forward to your feedback and hope I won’t have to start from scratch again.
Development plan/restrictions
Plot size: 717m² (7,715 sq ft)
Slope: no
Site coverage ratio: 0.2
Floor area ratio: -
Number of parking spaces: -
Number of storeys: 2
Roof type: -
Maximum height/limits: 8m (26 ft)
Client requirements
We initially approached the project without deciding on a style, roof type, etc. Over time, however, more and more factors led us to choose a flat roof.
Since we want two full storeys and the development plan allows a maximum ridge height of 8m (26 ft), there was no room above the two full storeys for a reasonably usable attic – so the basement was fixed. However, we didn’t want the basement to be completely underground. After basement and two storeys, we ended up at 7.1m (23 ft) height, which basically left us with only a shed roof or flat roof options.
The somewhat elongated floor plan is due to the relatively large setback area facing south. Our future neighbors’ house is only about 50cm (20 inches) from the boundary (an older building from former East Germany). Due to fire safety regulations, I must maintain at least a 5m (16 ft) distance (4.5m (15 ft) of which must be on our property) from their house. Eventually, I decided to add an extra two meters so this area could be better utilized later (now 6.7m (22 ft) to the boundary).
Number of occupants, ages: 2 adults (33, 38), 1 child (2 years), + 1 child (approx. -1 year)
Space requirements on ground floor and upper floor: Currently 174m² (1,873 sq ft) ground floor + upper floor, 93m² (1,001 sq ft) basement
Office: Home office
Guest sleepers per year: Well, the grandparents come regularly; how many friends will visit after moving from Berlin to Potsdam remains to be seen.
Open kitchen, kitchen island: We don’t want a completely open kitchen but want a good “connection” between dining area and kitchen. Initially, this resulted in a 175cm (69 inches) wide sliding door running into the wall, but because of the quoted price of over $3,500, it had to be replaced by a simple opening for now.
Number of dining seats: Usually 3–4, but must definitely be extendable
Fireplace: Yes (“bottom right”)
Music/Stereo wall: There definitely won’t be a stereo wall. In our current rental apartment, everything runs through a SONOS system, and we eventually removed the TV. Here, I am considering mounting a projector on the ceiling with a retractable screen.
Balcony, roof terrace: Roof terrace facing southwest. Another idea I’m not sure how we will use later.
Garage, carport: Garage with one parking space + shed
Vegetable garden, greenhouse: ??
Additional wishes/special features/daily routines: The house should have home automation installed. Currently planned is a mix of Loxone and KNX, including 1-Wire, DMX, etc.
House design
Planning by:
- Do-it-yourself
What do you particularly like?
What don’t you like? – that the balcony is so large (long), making the master bedroom and dressing room somewhat small
Price estimate according to architect/planner: approx. $350,000 + painting + flooring for about 100m² (1,076 sq ft) + additional costs + exterior works + electrical installation
Personal budget limit for the house, including fixtures: $480,000
Preferred heating technology: Ideally geothermal, but because it is a groundwater protection zone 3 and only 950m (3,117 ft) away from the well, only horizontal systems are permitted. Therefore, I am leaning toward gas.
Attached you will find my designs (SweetHome 3D). I hope the important details are visible. I have also tried to answer most questions. I look forward to your feedback and hope I won’t have to start from scratch again.
Development plan/restrictions
Plot size: 717m² (7,715 sq ft)
Slope: no
Site coverage ratio: 0.2
Floor area ratio: -
Number of parking spaces: -
Number of storeys: 2
Roof type: -
Maximum height/limits: 8m (26 ft)
Client requirements
We initially approached the project without deciding on a style, roof type, etc. Over time, however, more and more factors led us to choose a flat roof.
Since we want two full storeys and the development plan allows a maximum ridge height of 8m (26 ft), there was no room above the two full storeys for a reasonably usable attic – so the basement was fixed. However, we didn’t want the basement to be completely underground. After basement and two storeys, we ended up at 7.1m (23 ft) height, which basically left us with only a shed roof or flat roof options.
The somewhat elongated floor plan is due to the relatively large setback area facing south. Our future neighbors’ house is only about 50cm (20 inches) from the boundary (an older building from former East Germany). Due to fire safety regulations, I must maintain at least a 5m (16 ft) distance (4.5m (15 ft) of which must be on our property) from their house. Eventually, I decided to add an extra two meters so this area could be better utilized later (now 6.7m (22 ft) to the boundary).
Number of occupants, ages: 2 adults (33, 38), 1 child (2 years), + 1 child (approx. -1 year)
Space requirements on ground floor and upper floor: Currently 174m² (1,873 sq ft) ground floor + upper floor, 93m² (1,001 sq ft) basement
Office: Home office
Guest sleepers per year: Well, the grandparents come regularly; how many friends will visit after moving from Berlin to Potsdam remains to be seen.
Open kitchen, kitchen island: We don’t want a completely open kitchen but want a good “connection” between dining area and kitchen. Initially, this resulted in a 175cm (69 inches) wide sliding door running into the wall, but because of the quoted price of over $3,500, it had to be replaced by a simple opening for now.
Number of dining seats: Usually 3–4, but must definitely be extendable
Fireplace: Yes (“bottom right”)
Music/Stereo wall: There definitely won’t be a stereo wall. In our current rental apartment, everything runs through a SONOS system, and we eventually removed the TV. Here, I am considering mounting a projector on the ceiling with a retractable screen.
Balcony, roof terrace: Roof terrace facing southwest. Another idea I’m not sure how we will use later.
Garage, carport: Garage with one parking space + shed
Vegetable garden, greenhouse: ??
Additional wishes/special features/daily routines: The house should have home automation installed. Currently planned is a mix of Loxone and KNX, including 1-Wire, DMX, etc.
House design
Planning by:
- Do-it-yourself
What do you particularly like?
What don’t you like? – that the balcony is so large (long), making the master bedroom and dressing room somewhat small
Price estimate according to architect/planner: approx. $350,000 + painting + flooring for about 100m² (1,076 sq ft) + additional costs + exterior works + electrical installation
Personal budget limit for the house, including fixtures: $480,000
Preferred heating technology: Ideally geothermal, but because it is a groundwater protection zone 3 and only 950m (3,117 ft) away from the well, only horizontal systems are permitted. Therefore, I am leaning toward gas.
I like the layout of the plot. I also find the basic room arrangement absolutely fine. Now, here are some points I noticed while looking at it:
The balcony upstairs definitely has a nice size. I could imagine it becoming a hangout spot for teenagers at some point.
- The dining area with the window that has a high sill height, which should be around 160 cm (63 inches). And then no additional window on that side.
- No direct access from the kitchen to the garden. This means you always have to go through the living area to get to the grill, etc.
- Kitchen ... peninsula in a room width of 305 cm (120 inches), intended to have 2 seats, and then cupboards on the right side. This either compromises the width of the peninsula and therefore the seating space or the width of the remaining walkway. Then the refrigerator position ... and probably a side-by-side fridge? That won’t work against the wall; you need to consider the door opening angle.
- Stairs – if it is supposed to be a half-landing staircase, the approximately 220 cm (87 inches) stair depth won’t be enough. For a spiral or winding staircase, it is sufficient.
- You might want to consider if Basement 1 needs a window in that location. A south/west corner terrace could be a good option there.
- The closet in the master bedroom allows space for 4 meters (13 feet) of wardrobe — is that enough?
- Child 2’s room also has a window with that same high sill height.
The balcony upstairs definitely has a nice size. I could imagine it becoming a hangout spot for teenagers at some point.
I also like the layout of the rooms. However, the staircase doesn't quite fit in. Wouldn't it make more sense to place a straight staircase in the center of the house, then put the kitchen in the bottom right corner facing southeast, and enlarge the living room upwards?
Upstairs, of course, you would need to adjust things a bit. I also think the balcony is great, especially for the kids later on!
Upstairs, of course, you would need to adjust things a bit. I also think the balcony is great, especially for the kids later on!
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Budking8226 Jul 2015 10:56Many thanks in advance for the suggestions.
The sill height is 150 cm (59 inches). The fact that there are no other windows has two reasons:
I really like that idea. I’ll see if I can somehow incorporate it.
I see that problem as well. The room width has since increased to 315 cm (124 inches), so I think there’s a bit more space now.
The kitchen island is mainly intended as additional work surface, not really for sitting. On the counter next to it, I’d like to have all the small appliances like coffee machine, grinder, toaster, kettle, etc. They’re used daily and clutter the regular countertop area. The current walkway width in my kitchen planner software is 105 cm (41 inches).
No, not a side-by-side fridge. But I do still see room for improvement here. If there is actually going to be a door to the terrace, there won’t be space for it here anyway.
It will be a spiral staircase. I just couldn’t find one in the software.
Noted. I will definitely move the window further east (up). However, I’d rather not give it up completely. If the terrace is placed above, a light well might be necessary.
I know it’s tight. That was also the point I highlighted under “What don’t you like?”
The same considerations apply here as for the living/dining room:
Do you think the issue with “covering the wall” and the north side is not a big deal?
kbt09 schrieb:
Dining area with the window that has the high sill height, which should be around 160 cm. And then no additional window on that side
The sill height is 150 cm (59 inches). The fact that there are no other windows has two reasons:
- North side
- (the more important one for me) I wanted to keep some wall space for bookshelves, pictures, and other items. That’s also why an additional floor-to-ceiling window on the wall facing the garden was removed at some point.
kbt09 schrieb:
Missing exit from the kitchen to the garden. So for grilling, etc., you always have to go through the living area.
I really like that idea. I’ll see if I can somehow incorporate it.
kbt09 schrieb:
Kitchen ... peninsula with 305 cm room width, supposed to have two seats, and then cabinets on the right. Either the width of the peninsula and thus the seating area or the width of the remaining walkway suffers.
I see that problem as well. The room width has since increased to 315 cm (124 inches), so I think there’s a bit more space now.
The kitchen island is mainly intended as additional work surface, not really for sitting. On the counter next to it, I’d like to have all the small appliances like coffee machine, grinder, toaster, kettle, etc. They’re used daily and clutter the regular countertop area. The current walkway width in my kitchen planner software is 105 cm (41 inches).
kbt09 schrieb:
Then the fridge position… and presumably a side-by-side fridge? Won’t work against the wall, door opening angles need to be considered.
No, not a side-by-side fridge. But I do still see room for improvement here. If there is actually going to be a door to the terrace, there won’t be space for it here anyway.
kbt09 schrieb:
Staircase, if it’s a staircase with a landing, the approx. 220 cm (87 inches) depth of the stairs won’t be enough. For a spiral staircase, it will suffice.
It will be a spiral staircase. I just couldn’t find one in the software.
kbt09 schrieb:
One should consider whether the basement window 1 really needs to be there. A south/west corner terrace would be possible.
Noted. I will definitely move the window further east (up). However, I’d rather not give it up completely. If the terrace is placed above, a light well might be necessary.
kbt09 schrieb:
The walk-in closet in the master bedroom allows space for 4 m (13 ft) of cabinets… is that enough?
I know it’s tight. That was also the point I highlighted under “What don’t you like?”
kbt09 schrieb:
Child 2 also has a window with a similarly high sill height.
The same considerations apply here as for the living/dining room:
- North side
- Not to cover the wall completely. Personally, I would prefer no window at all here. But my wife is worried our second (still unborn) child will feel rejected if it has fewer windows than the first.
Do you think the issue with “covering the wall” and the north side is not a big deal?
Teenage balcony in front of the parents' bedroom window... Well, I'm not sure.
In principle, I question all the outdoor exits in this design: it starts with the entrance stairs (they don't match the architectural style), continues with the lack of terraces and garden access, and ends with the balcony.
However, I haven't looked at the basement plan to assess whether the basement actually needs these windows.
In principle, I question all the outdoor exits in this design: it starts with the entrance stairs (they don't match the architectural style), continues with the lack of terraces and garden access, and ends with the balcony.
However, I haven't looked at the basement plan to assess whether the basement actually needs these windows.
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Budking8226 Jul 2015 12:05ypg schrieb:
Teenager balcony in front of the parents’ bedroom window... Well, I’m not so sure about that. OK, that’s not the plan. It’s intended more as a balcony for stressed parents. How it will actually be used, of course, is another question.
ypg schrieb:
I fundamentally question the outdoor access in this design: starting with the entrance stairs (doesn’t match the architectural style), Are you referring only to the appearance or also the layout, etc.? The current stair design is due to the somewhat limited customization options of the software (and possibly my limited skills using it), but it definitely does not represent the final desired version.ypg schrieb:
continues with the lack of terraces and garden access OK, I never really considered extending the terrace up to the kitchen, which is why no access is planned there. Otherwise, we have a 4m (13 feet) lift-and-slide door element (or alternatively folding sliding) planned in the living room.ypg schrieb:
none and ends with the balcony. What exactly doesn’t fit there?
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