Floor plan optimization single-family house, 5 people, 8.5m x 17m, 250 sqm

Windows can be locked, stairs equipped with safety gates (not suitable for climbers), and galleries secured with nets.

I am usually always in favor of keeping the west side clear, but with these two properties, I would seriously consider placing the garage west of the house and positioning the house more on the east plot. Possibly provide a roof terrace on the garage (instead of the balcony). The garage then less deep (6m) but very wide (8-9m), so that 2 cars + bicycles fit inside.

We also have a door from the garage to a utility room (not technical, but cloakroom, shoe cabinet, laundry room) which we use very often, as planned with you. But our main entrance is right next to it and it is only 1m from the front door to the utility room door. With a detour through the kitchen/dining room, that definitely wouldn’t work. Something is always "missing" then...

Windows can be locked, stairs can be fitted with safety gates (not suitable for climbers) and galleries can be equipped with nets.

Nothing is safe from climbing children... barbed wire excepted.

Good climbing does not happen much even if they should fall.

You can secure almost everything individually. It would be too loud for me. You don't want to forbid teenagers to use the living room with friends on the weekend either.

that is a different story
A gallery or an airspace always also has big disadvantages. The feeling of life, however, is priceless

We always used to keep the windows locked, children couldn't open them and there were gate fences everywhere at the stairs. Our staircase was also spiral, so you couldn't fall very far there. An open gallery like that does tempt children a bit, especially if they want to look down to see what's going on down there.

Best regards
Sabine