Hello everyone,
I have been a silent reader for quite some time and finally have something to show 🙂
We have been working on floor plans ourselves for a while now. Recently, we received the first preliminary drafts from the architect.
We want a single-family house. Our list of requirements is quite long 😉 The most important were: 2 children's bedrooms, a separate bathroom for the children, a guest room on the ground floor (for the fiancé’s parents who occasionally visit from abroad), and a large open kitchen.
Initially, we received two versions from the architect. Version 1 is basically our design, and Version 2 is a new proposal from the architect. The plans are not perfectly but almost aligned to the north:
V1 Ground Floor
The street is on the right. Both neighboring lots already have houses (the lot is an infill site).
V1 Upper Floor
V2 Ground Floor
The slope is visible here, from southeast to northwest. Each line represents a 25cm (10 inches) difference in height.
V2 Upper Floor
So far, we still prefer our version (V1). The layout seems more practical to us, although the wide glass facade and terrace in the architect’s proposal are definitely eye-catching.
The plan is to build without a basement. Generally, it is likely that we will add some space on top to create more storage and potential for expansion (not a full additional floor, as only two full floors are permitted). Either a pitched roof with a raised knee wall or a flat roof, with only part of the building being raised to full floor height, also with a flat roof.
We would appreciate any feedback 🙂 Especially criticism or suggestions for improvement on draft V1. Thank you!
I have been a silent reader for quite some time and finally have something to show 🙂
We have been working on floor plans ourselves for a while now. Recently, we received the first preliminary drafts from the architect.
We want a single-family house. Our list of requirements is quite long 😉 The most important were: 2 children's bedrooms, a separate bathroom for the children, a guest room on the ground floor (for the fiancé’s parents who occasionally visit from abroad), and a large open kitchen.
Initially, we received two versions from the architect. Version 1 is basically our design, and Version 2 is a new proposal from the architect. The plans are not perfectly but almost aligned to the north:
V1 Ground Floor
The street is on the right. Both neighboring lots already have houses (the lot is an infill site).
V1 Upper Floor
V2 Ground Floor
The slope is visible here, from southeast to northwest. Each line represents a 25cm (10 inches) difference in height.
V2 Upper Floor
So far, we still prefer our version (V1). The layout seems more practical to us, although the wide glass facade and terrace in the architect’s proposal are definitely eye-catching.
The plan is to build without a basement. Generally, it is likely that we will add some space on top to create more storage and potential for expansion (not a full additional floor, as only two full floors are permitted). Either a pitched roof with a raised knee wall or a flat roof, with only part of the building being raised to full floor height, also with a flat roof.
We would appreciate any feedback 🙂 Especially criticism or suggestions for improvement on draft V1. Thank you!
Hmm, difficult without elevations. How do you envision the positioning of the windows on the left side in the dining room in version 1? Raising the ground level?
Does the street also slope towards the north?
I prefer version 1 just based on the floor plan (I always think it’s good when the living area is separate from dining/cooking, as it creates two very usable spaces). I just think the utility room is too small with the garage passage. Also, I can’t quite estimate how the buildings are situated on the site.
Does the street also slope towards the north?
I prefer version 1 just based on the floor plan (I always think it’s good when the living area is separate from dining/cooking, as it creates two very usable spaces). I just think the utility room is too small with the garage passage. Also, I can’t quite estimate how the buildings are situated on the site.
Difficult – both proposals have their strengths and weaknesses.
I prefer the architect’s design for its consistent orientation toward the south and west, although I would also align the lower wing with the building line to open the terrace more toward the south. The architect’s version also offers a nicer garden and terrace, which is very important to us.
In your version, I like the separation of dining and living areas better – I think there is still room for optimization in both designs.
Considering the sloped site, I would think about adding a basement under the lower wing, which would provide space for a bright office and storage.
Otherwise, I find the plan to have the utility room on the sleeping floor very practical and purposeful.
I prefer the architect’s design for its consistent orientation toward the south and west, although I would also align the lower wing with the building line to open the terrace more toward the south. The architect’s version also offers a nicer garden and terrace, which is very important to us.
In your version, I like the separation of dining and living areas better – I think there is still room for optimization in both designs.
Considering the sloped site, I would think about adding a basement under the lower wing, which would provide space for a bright office and storage.
Otherwise, I find the plan to have the utility room on the sleeping floor very practical and purposeful.
Thanks in advance for the feedback 🙂 Unfortunately, we don’t have any proper visualizations yet, only for version 2. But that version doesn’t take the slope into account, so it’s not very meaningful.
My main concern with basements is the cost; hopefully, converting the attic will be a bit cheaper (and provide nicer living space). Also, I want to have direct access from the dining room to the garden. If there is, for example, an office with a window below the dining room, there will be a difference in floor height. I’d rather avoid these basement window wells because I imagine they require a lot of effort to keep clean, don’t offer a nice view, and involve extra work for waterproofing.
A mix of both options would be ideal, and the architect is going to have another try at that. From my experience as an amateur, though, this could be tricky 😉 These floor plans can be quite tricky when it comes to modifications.
My main concern with basements is the cost; hopefully, converting the attic will be a bit cheaper (and provide nicer living space). Also, I want to have direct access from the dining room to the garden. If there is, for example, an office with a window below the dining room, there will be a difference in floor height. I’d rather avoid these basement window wells because I imagine they require a lot of effort to keep clean, don’t offer a nice view, and involve extra work for waterproofing.
A mix of both options would be ideal, and the architect is going to have another try at that. From my experience as an amateur, though, this could be tricky 😉 These floor plans can be quite tricky when it comes to modifications.
The architectural design looks as if there are different requirements involved – see the guest room.
Was this originally a bungalow design that has now been expanded upwards? There are now four bathrooms, and the guest room is difficult to furnish. At least, it’s not suitable as a PC workspace.
Version 1 has its flaws, but I find it more practical for a family. I would arrange the walk-in closet, utility room, and bathroom on the upper floor differently – currently, everyone has to pass through the bedroom to get to the bathroom...
Was this originally a bungalow design that has now been expanded upwards? There are now four bathrooms, and the guest room is difficult to furnish. At least, it’s not suitable as a PC workspace.
Version 1 has its flaws, but I find it more practical for a family. I would arrange the walk-in closet, utility room, and bathroom on the upper floor differently – currently, everyone has to pass through the bedroom to get to the bathroom...
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