Floor plan of a family house in an edge location with an open view

Now we are (almost) ready. The desired building plot is reserved, house planning can begin.

We will build with a (related) architect and tender all trades ourselves. We are aware that this approach also entails great time and financial risks, but we still want to take the chance.

It is supposed to be our dream house and we want to be able to decide for ourselves what it should look like.

Our architect said we should first draw ourselves how we imagine the house, what is important to us. After that, we will sit down together and analyze the plan piece by piece.
Now, after days of drawing, I have "designed" a floor plan that our whole family is quite satisfied with.

Here are a few details:

Bebauungsplan/Einschränkungen
Size of the plot 519m2
Slope no
Floor area ratio 0.4
Floor space index - not specified
Building window, building line and boundary - marked with red lines in the picture
Edge development
Number of parking spaces 2
Number of floors 1.5
Roof type gable roof, hip roof, vSD
Style
Orientation
Maximum heights/limits
Additional requirements

Anforderungen der Bauherren
Style, roof type, building type modern barn, gable roof without eaves
Basement, floors no basement, 1.5 floors
Number of persons, age 2+2 (6,9)
Room requirements on ground floor, upper floor
Office: family use or home office? Office with sofa bed
Overnight guests per year approx. 10 days
Open or closed architecture open
Conservative or modern construction modern
Open kitchen, cooking island yes
Number of dining seats 6-10 (when guests are there)
Fireplace not necessarily
Music/stereo wall
Balcony, roof terrace not necessarily, maybe in the bedroom
Garage, carport garage
Utility garden, greenhouse
Further wishes/special features/daily routine, also reasons why this or that should or should not be

Hausentwurf
By whom is the planning:
- Planner of a construction company
- Architect
- Do-it-Yourself yes
What do you especially like? Why? Office and WC with the possibility to convert them into a separate residential unit (in old age), cooking island in the middle of the room, back kitchen so that kitchen appliances don’t have to be on the island, large windows on the undeveloped side, stairs in the living room and not separate in the corridor, large master area on the upper floor.
What do you not like? Why? No double garage due to space reasons. We don’t want to push the house too far south.
Price estimate according to architect/planner: ???
Personal price limit for the house, incl. equipment: 600k
Preferred heating technology: air-water heat pump (deep drilling may not be done because it is a water protection area)

Wenn Ihr verzichten müsst, on which details/extensions
- can you do without: make the office a bit smaller. But I like the possibility to convert the office and WC into a second residential unit (grown children, caretaker, bedroom in old age)
- cannot do without: open kitchen, back kitchen, large windows to the southwest

Why did the design turn out the way it is now?
I made the design completely independently. A modern, open design is important to us. Since there is an undeveloped view of fields and vineyards towards the west, we want to use it and install generous windows.
A separate master area would be very nice for us. A luxury bathroom like in this plan would of course be a highlight.
An attic is supposed to provide additional storage space.

The single garage causes me great concern. We need 2 cars and the second would always have to stand outside. Unfortunately, I see no way to position the garage differently. If I reserve the minimum 6m on the northern boundary for the double garage, my house would have to be pushed even further south. I don’t want that.

Please give suggestions.

Our architect said we should first draw ourselves how we imagine the house,

Bad advice! This way you will (probably) get stuck in your floor plan from the start. Describe what you want, don’t draw.

Bad advice! This way you will (probably) get stuck in your floor plan from the start. Describe what you want, don’t draw.

Yes, you’re right. If we had hired an "external" architect, we would definitely proceed differently. Within the family, everything is much more relaxed. We are supposed to draw, he is simultaneously drawing his concept. But I know that the architect plans very minimalistic and (too) puristic. We (or rather – I) are quite demanding clients and don’t want a run-of-the-mill house. Let’s see what comes out of it...

Before you draw floor plans, create your room program and your must-have list. It always helps you to check whether everything is included and also to keep finding what you want. Often, at some point, you feel overwhelmed by the many possibilities. Especially when you think you are not easy. Why doesn’t he work out a floor plan with you? What is your budget? I notice - wardrobe very small - front door opens and you look at a very close wall. Creates a feeling of tightness - kitchen would be too small for me, very little workspace. - I don’t like the stair position. I can’t say what bothers me. Always enter the exact measurements of the furniture from the room program. Are the measurements in the parents’ bathroom correct?

Garage door - utility room is something I no longer want to miss.

Due to moisture, door between bathroom and bedroom.

Extension flush with the house entrance = 2 fewer corners = cheaper. But it’s a matter of taste.

What is the later possible separation of the extension for? Rental? Then reconsider kitchen + entrance.

Before you draw floor plans, first create your room program and your must-have list.

I have already done that. Everything is included in the plan except the double garage. But I suspect that you can’t have everything and have to make compromises.

Why doesn’t he work out a floor plan with you?

Because he is quite busy professionally and does not live nearby. We will meet in 2 weeks. He will only be responsible for the approval planning. The construction management will be taken over by someone from the neighboring town.

Front door open and you look at a very close wall. Creates a feeling of tightness

Yes, you are absolutely right. Initially, the front door was further to the left in front of the long corridor. Of course, that is also possible.

Kitchen would be too small for me, very little workspace.

The island would be 320-350cm. That would be enough for me. Storage space for a kettle, toaster, and so on is planned in the back kitchen.

Are the dimensions in the master bathroom correct?

More or less.

Door garage to utility room I wouldn’t want to miss anymore.

There will definitely be a door. I just haven’t drawn it yet.

Because of moisture, door between bathroom and bedroom.

I had also planned a sliding door there.

What about the possible later separation of the extension?

No, we do not rent to strangers. Never! I just thought in case of emergency, for example, when our daughter gets older/adult and wants a little more privacy, or if we might need a caregiver in old age...