Floor plan corner bungalow 150m² with expansion possibilities

The comparison with the car is flawed! This is about living space, which everyone defines for themselves. It’s about walking paths, habits, wishes, and preferences. It’s not about building an engine, how I assemble it and get more horsepower or efficiency out of it, but about the usage. The layman doesn’t have to know (although it would be better if they did) exactly how the construction of a house takes place in detail. What the builders can very well know is what they want and exactly why. Probably most don’t know, but I simply do not like the generalization that the drawing god will probably sort it out. Period! To illustrate the comparison in a small way: A builder can very well do kitchen planning if he/she knows exactly how they operate, what the paths are, and why they make exactly which movements. Then the plan can be, but does not have to be, better than the professional’s.

Of course the comparison with the car is flawed, but not entirely. The difference between a car and a house is that the layman is usually aware that he has no idea about engine technology and does not even attempt it. When drawing floor plans, many apparently think it is not that difficult, and I disagree. As a builder, I naturally know how I want to live and dwell. But not how to bring together the various, partly contradictory individual wishes that make up “living and dwelling” into a functioning house that is also technically good and within budget. With comfortable, well-proportioned, and well-lit rooms. That is a highly complex task.

Of course, the comparison with the car is not entirely accurate, but not completely off either. The difference between a car and a house is that it is usually clear to a layperson that they have no understanding of engine technology and they don't even try to deal with it. When it comes to drawing floor plans, many apparently think it’s not that difficult, and I dispute that.

As a client, I naturally know how I want to live and reside. But I don’t know how to bring together the various, sometimes conflicting individual wishes that make up “living and residing” into a functioning house that is also technically sound and within the price range. With cozy, well-proportioned, and well-lit rooms. That is a highly complex task.

I strongly disagree with that. Floor plans are not about "designing a new engine," but about visualizing one's own wishes and experiences. That has a completely different depth. It should be clear to everyone that drawings created in ArchiCAD or Autodesk REVIT will not come out of this. It should also be clear to everyone that many rules, including very essential and obvious ones, are broken in the process. So far, I haven't seen any drawings from people who want to submit a building application. Currently, there are hardly any architects involved, and even when one does raise a hand, it doesn’t mean that the drawings are better than those made by laypersons. I have personally experienced an architect sketching a master bathroom on the upper floor under a sloping roof with a 6 sqm floor area. A toilet with a sloped ceiling, not to mention the shower experience. Aside from the fact that the architect possibly does not always listen to the client due to the low profit margin. What use is a functional floor plan that does not meet the client’s needs? Current times are causing movement in this area and perhaps someday a change. Digitization, modern and intelligent programs up to a 1:1 scale floor plan, in my opinion, will change the market. That will not replace the architect, but perhaps assist in the visualization (and I don’t mean the drawing, but close your eyes and simply imagine your house) of his/her own wishes, and then it will be brought to completion. Whether by a freelance architect, the architect for a general contractor, or a house building company.

I strongly disagree with that.

I do not get the impression that you are contradicting each other. To me, it rather appears as a broad accord in opposing formulations.

Thank you for all your tips and thoughts here, tomorrow evening we will be with the architect. I have now written down my “wish list” including priorities, selected a few photos of certain things I would like (terrace, windows, etc.) and gathered my most important questions. The development plan and data about the property are also included... only my self-drawn floor plans I will of course leave at home ;) Is this good as preparation?

Yes, that is correct. Let the professionals work. Gather input. Even if part of it is useless. You have to deal with that as well. From my plan, only the position on the property remains, garage at the house and 2 VG. Everything else is different and honestly better. You have to state your requirements and the professional should turn that into an affordable, livable floor plan. Or tell you right away that it is not possible within your budget and you need to cut back.

I am torn after the appointment with the architect. Personally very likeable and totally on the same wavelength. She is open about the costs, explained to us in detail which service phases there are and how her price is composed. The creative impression is also right, you can definitely sense the passion and I think a great floor plan could come from this. Now the big but.... She only builds solid houses with bricks, e.g. Poroton, and without additional exterior insulation, that is simply her conviction. Well, and we actually want a wooden house... We will first continue to listen around. What is your opinion on this, bricks vs. wood?