Hello,
We are planning to have a bungalow built.
I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions for improvement.
We are planning to have a bungalow built.
I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions for improvement.
W
Wanderdüne6 May 2014 21:59First of all, it is unfortunate that there is no information about the design brief, requirements, plot, neighboring buildings, elevations, or compass directions. This leaves only a detached assessment of the floor plan.
In my opinion, it lacks a practical zoning of the areas, possibly some natural light in the hallway, and overall a bit more space and comfort.
- Zoning
The children’s bedrooms are all grouped together, but the restroom will probably also serve as a guest toilet, making that area public again.
The parents’ area and the shared bathroom are located along the route to the living room, also part of the public zone.
- Light in the hallway
This is a common issue in square or large single-story homes, but depending on the roof design, it might still be possible to improve. What is planned here?
- Space and comfort
- Five people and only one bathroom—the garden shower has to make up for it.
- To access the utility room, you have to go through the entrance area, which is not ideal.
- The walk-in closet is less than 90cm (35 inches) wide, barely enough space for dressing; it feels like a trapped room, and the person sleeping is always disturbed.
- Two of the children’s bedrooms are very narrow at 2.7m (9 feet), it works but is uncomfortable.
- The kitchen is a long way from the dining area—why?
- Nowadays, everyone wants a pantry, but it should be located in a practical, functional place.
- The dining area is large enough but feels cramped.
- The living room is only 3.38m (11 feet) wide, leaving very little space for cabinets; furthermore, it is far too dark, and the space in front of it is used inefficiently.
Waiting was not worthwhile, but at least there are no lasting damages to the optic nerve. However, this means either a lot of work on redevelopment or starting over.
WD
In my opinion, it lacks a practical zoning of the areas, possibly some natural light in the hallway, and overall a bit more space and comfort.
- Zoning
The children’s bedrooms are all grouped together, but the restroom will probably also serve as a guest toilet, making that area public again.
The parents’ area and the shared bathroom are located along the route to the living room, also part of the public zone.
- Light in the hallway
This is a common issue in square or large single-story homes, but depending on the roof design, it might still be possible to improve. What is planned here?
- Space and comfort
- Five people and only one bathroom—the garden shower has to make up for it.
- To access the utility room, you have to go through the entrance area, which is not ideal.
- The walk-in closet is less than 90cm (35 inches) wide, barely enough space for dressing; it feels like a trapped room, and the person sleeping is always disturbed.
- Two of the children’s bedrooms are very narrow at 2.7m (9 feet), it works but is uncomfortable.
- The kitchen is a long way from the dining area—why?
- Nowadays, everyone wants a pantry, but it should be located in a practical, functional place.
- The dining area is large enough but feels cramped.
- The living room is only 3.38m (11 feet) wide, leaving very little space for cabinets; furthermore, it is far too dark, and the space in front of it is used inefficiently.
Waiting was not worthwhile, but at least there are no lasting damages to the optic nerve. However, this means either a lot of work on redevelopment or starting over.
WD
I assume this is a standard floor plan from a typical home builder that has been modified somewhat carelessly for a family of five. The budget is tight, so there is little room for flexibility here and there.
As WD already mentioned, it is very helpful to know the site plan, the orientation (north direction), and some details about the homeowners’ wishes. For example, if the third bedroom is actually planned to be used only as an office, it could be removed altogether. Perhaps consider timber frame construction, which would offer more flexibility for remodeling if the third child does not arrive— or are all three children already planned? Is there an intention to finish the upper floor in the future? What does the daily routine look like?
We have no information, so it’s very hard to give advice! 🙁
Assuming the plan is for three children and that the mother stays at home:
- I would open up the space right after the entrance hall (vestibule), so remove all partitions between kitchen and living area and eliminate the hallway wall. Place the dining area centrally, and the pantry could be sacrificed for a shower bathroom. Move the load-bearing wall to the opposite side 😉
- Create a small foyer with doors leading to the parents’ bathroom and bedroom. The bathroom door should, of course, open toward the parents’ bedroom. The walk-in closet would likely be removed as well, providing a more spacious sleeping area that could also be used for ironing.
- A separate corridor leads to the three children’s rooms. The rest can remain open or perhaps have a light partition somewhere.
- Plan for a built-in closet in the entrance hall that can store jackets (about 50cm [20 inches] width per person) and shoes.
- Possibly modify windows in the living area, but that requires knowledge of the orientation and the plot, as well as any plans for a carport and additional storage rooms.
As WD already mentioned, it is very helpful to know the site plan, the orientation (north direction), and some details about the homeowners’ wishes. For example, if the third bedroom is actually planned to be used only as an office, it could be removed altogether. Perhaps consider timber frame construction, which would offer more flexibility for remodeling if the third child does not arrive— or are all three children already planned? Is there an intention to finish the upper floor in the future? What does the daily routine look like?
We have no information, so it’s very hard to give advice! 🙁
Assuming the plan is for three children and that the mother stays at home:
- I would open up the space right after the entrance hall (vestibule), so remove all partitions between kitchen and living area and eliminate the hallway wall. Place the dining area centrally, and the pantry could be sacrificed for a shower bathroom. Move the load-bearing wall to the opposite side 😉
- Create a small foyer with doors leading to the parents’ bathroom and bedroom. The bathroom door should, of course, open toward the parents’ bedroom. The walk-in closet would likely be removed as well, providing a more spacious sleeping area that could also be used for ironing.
- A separate corridor leads to the three children’s rooms. The rest can remain open or perhaps have a light partition somewhere.
- Plan for a built-in closet in the entrance hall that can store jackets (about 50cm [20 inches] width per person) and shoes.
- Possibly modify windows in the living area, but that requires knowledge of the orientation and the plot, as well as any plans for a carport and additional storage rooms.
