Architectural house floor plan with staggered floor

I probably stand alone with this opinion, but I would place the areas where I spend the most time facing the garden. For me, that would be the dining table in a generously glazed southwest corner and the living room to the right of it facing west – where it is most private. The active kitchen area could, for me, also be visible from the outside, facing the street.

If the neighbors are not allowed to have a privacy screen in the front garden either, people will be able to see not only into the east window but also perfectly into the south window of the current living room from the street. You don’t notice it because you sit with your back to these large windows, but you will feel the gazes of passersby :cool: You can only see your garden from the kitchen or from the lounge, which no one really needs.

My kitchen is also not located at the main terrace but only at a small side terrace, where we like to have breakfast in the sun. But I have a large tray and put everything on it. Whether I then carry this tray 5 meters or 12 meters, I don’t care ... the felt 10 times I could sit outside in the evening this summer ;) For that, I also enjoy the view of the garden in spring, autumn, and winter, whether from the table or from the sofa. In the kitchen, I hardly have time to look out the window because I am too busy.

I have already made the suggestion that where the [AB der Küche] is, the [HO] should be made there (mirroring the west side and instead of the lounge then [HO]). Then the passage to the garage also makes sense. However, I also think that the basement is unnecessary... maybe the proportions should be adjusted somewhat so that a freezer room can still be accommodated on the ground floor, [AB im Staffel oder OG]. A utility room on the upper floor would also be nice with a window, so that you can quickly vent the humid air.

I can't wrap my head around this, someone is building a 250 sqm house with a project volume of 1 million €. And they are supposed to spend at least 8 hours a day in this shoebox? [...] I assume the OP's name is Stefan and he is M, with 100% remote work.

Yes, it is correct that the small study is intended for me. The point about the size was noted and, as written above, I will reconsider it. Besides, it is not certain that the 100% remote job will remain until retirement.

First of all, it strikes me that the house at best fits on the plot on paper. Even without a fence, it is still relatively a block, and would benefit greatly from about ten meters more free space on all sides to enhance its sculptural effect.

Yes, the point about the size was noted. As mentioned above, we also did not plan 4 floors on our part.

Overall, I see a house here for high-earning double income earners (both full-time, hardly significantly below senior prosecutors / chief physicians). In the first place, I see at least an "8". Roughly considering the basement as a full basement, and also the studio by area not as a recessed floor, you will come closer to the assumed true price. Additionally - not yet calculated into the above! - I see a worryingly large "factor X" for the terrain modeling. One meter ten in what form, and especially what adjustment to the existing terrain (you speak of already existing neighboring buildings on the opposite side of the street)? - how is this supposed to affect the heights, even though I see no mention of eaves or wall height specifications?

The point regarding costs/budget was also noted. Even if the costs were 20% higher, we could still manage the project. However, we do not want to spend that much, as the house size/budget should also fit the plot size (as many here have already written). It is also not an option to "take" a larger plot. The plot is located in the commuter belt of a major city in NRW, where free plots are rare.

Does he also see it that way, i.e., is this a "preliminary draft" (usually at 1:200 scale, in any case belonging to performance phase 2)?

We are definitely still in performance phase 2. This is the very first draft we received from the architect. It is a "normal" architect, not a professional or the like.

However, we do not want to spend that much, since the house size/the budget should also match the plot size (as many here have already written). Taking a larger plot is also not an option.

I only sketched hypothetically how much more land THIS house would need. Of course, this was not meant as a call to look for a larger plot, but as a prompt to consider a house better suited to the plot. I would be reluctant to generously sponsor the architect so that, besides my wishes, he also designs ninety-four extra corners into the building body, just because his mission as a star architect supposedly "requires" it. Mind you, my concerns about budget overruns already apply to the house EXCLUSIVE of terrain modeling; and last but not least, I see terrain modeling as necessarily requiring clarification BEFORE one even begins to indulge in building form ideas. Phase 1 should be COMPLETED before Phase 2!

I can't wrap my head around that, someone is building a 250 sqm house for a project volume of 1 million €. And then is supposed to spend at least 8 hours a day in this shoebox?

I can't understand that you have to spend 8 hours in the study to work – well, I guess it also depends on what you do.

In my eyes, the design (why doesn’t it have any elevations, was that supposed to be image 02?) reads like a narcissism diagnosis of the architect; I also suspect him to be a professor or private lecturer.

I don’t quite get it – does that refer to the renunciation of any cost inefficiency of the construction combined with incorrigible cost optimism? The architects have wonderful references on their webpage and apparently a less cost-sensitive clientele. As I said, I like the design.

I probably stand alone with my opinion, but I would place the areas where I spend most of my time facing the garden.

No, you don’t. The garden is not much, no matter the direction. Those few meters more on the west don’t make a big difference – on the south side there is a street, which could mean an additional view. All relevant rooms have garden views and access.

The plot is located in the commuter belt of a big city in NRW, where free plots are scarce.

I almost thought so. In my old hometown Kaarst, plots are also sold in this size and very expensively – if it’s a private person and not a business. Without connections, it gets tight there. The commuter belt is of course attractive in terms of infrastructure. It might be cheaper to buy a 50s house on a bigger lot and tear it down than to look for a free building plot.

I always find it "great" when the OP hides the history. (Profile restricted).

I can't get it into my head that you have to spend 8 hours working in the study – well, I guess it also depends on what you do.

exactly. Not everyone wants to carry around 2-3 flat screens… :D