Assessment & assistance semi-detached house, approx. 180 sqm in DIY floor plan

I also have to say that I am somewhat disappointed with the architectural services provided by the companies so far. At the beginning, I would have expected a nice proposal, but actually it always ends up being an off-the-shelf semi-detached house layout that is pulled out of the drawer and adjusted to our desired size. That’s really weak.... at some point we stated our wishes and ideas (technology attic, 4 rooms + bathroom on the upper floor, etc.) and even put on paper what we imagined. Then they started copying my drawings... I experienced very few own proposals and ideas including justification, and that with almost all of them. Then we stopped showing anything and tried to be unbiased and had someone else draw the plans ourselves... that was really awful at times. Complicated, with hallway access to every room (yes, the upper floor is tricky with 4 living rooms). Would it really be the solution now to hire our own architect for quite a lot of money even though each company included the architectural service?

The short version of the “included architectural services” should not be taken literally; what is meant are “included legally required architectural services,” meaning that preparations for building permit applications that legally require “persons authorized to submit plans” are not charged separately. With this knowledge in mind, you have to adjust your expectations accordingly. There is no chief physician treatment covered by insurance. The fact that off-the-shelf drafts form the basis of the thinking framework is due to the building situation here, which is not made for Siebenundvierzigelf. Hiring your own architect is less expensive than many fear and earns their money (by far not “just” by drawing floor plans).

I have not read anywhere in the entire forum that anyone has ever installed their air-to-water heat pump (or anything other than a gas heating system) in the attic. Please step forward and call out here if you already have experience with this or have perhaps seen similar cases in others! If there is no response, you better assume that it does not work.

The air-to-water heat pump is supposed to go in front of the house as well ;)

I think there was someone, but I don’t remember the name anymore. But they even showed how it’s set up there. I can’t find it with the search right now either, but there was someone. But it’s definitely not easy. I mean, a part like that and especially the tank weighs a good 300-400 KG. Insulation of the devices and pipes. Then that stuff has to be brought up there in the first place. So it’s definitely not easy. It’s easier with a gas boiler.

I have not read anywhere in the entire forum that anyone has ever placed their air-to-water heat pump (or anything other than a gas heater) in the attic.

I seem to recall that had an outdoor unit mounted on his gable wall.

Sorry, train station is my middle name :p

yeah… that could be! In many relationships.

If I placed the entrance to the left, the infrastructure would have to run across the house, instead of just upwards.

So what? At least it’s bright. You’re planning a barrier “all the way to the right” anyway, so one has to zigzag.
Be aware that with your south orientation your house won’t necessarily be bright. I would use every possibility. And as said before: you need a shaft, which would run across your kitchen, including the toilet waste pipe.

generous, bright sense of space

You get that through open sightlines…

I must also say that I am somewhat disappointed with the architects’ performance so far from the companies.

What do you expect? You don’t even have a contract yet and still have time-consuming expectations?!
Besides, as we ourselves read, some ideas are not feasible. I wouldn’t lift a finger there, at least not if other work is waiting on the desk.

They also don’t mind sleeping under a slant and having to crawl a bit.

Please take a look at your attic layout before you say something like that. I would refuse to crawl on all fours to get to a bed. Even if it’s only once a year. That’s not good for your back…

and on the wall at the staircase where the bed is, a couch under the 2m line.

I don’t know if you are all just 1.30m small and sit on futons… but if I sit on a 45cm sofa with my woman’s height, I need about 1.50m in height. I’m not saying an upstairs bed is basically impossible, but not like that. Heating: would probably scrape the roof up there at the low height… Toilet under the 2-meter line is not proper. And the toilet waste is also tricky in the kitchen, possibly passing by the stove ;)

The roof will be converted, but there it shall be a large guest room for the long-staying grandparents, shower bath and the generous attic cellar (we also need some storage), possibly also integrate the technology and washing machine there

There IS NO generous attic cellar.

Therefore the current consideration is to install a dormer of 3.4m there, I think that will bring great added value.

That would ease things somewhat, but it would also have to keep a distance from the neighbor’s wall; 1.25m probably has to be observed.