Improve floor plan - how?!

Obviously, I lack the intelligence to implement your numerous suggestions. I have read that I cannot design a saddle roof house based on a city villa. But I didn’t do that anyway because that’s exactly how it was offered. I take away: a city villa would be a solution. I also take away: it would be nicer to swap the north children’s room and the south bedroom. That was actually the most useful tip for me so far. I have read: the house is too small. Therefore, this floor plan differentiation is not possible. There is also not enough storage space. What am I supposed to do with that? So far, unfortunately, we haven’t won the lottery yet. My plot is obviously not optimal either, because something is being filled in that we don’t know what it is. Hallelujah! I was hoping for concrete advice like: the gallery on the upper floor is far too wasteful for your square meters. Or: have you ever thought about a different staircase, the straight staircase makes the floor plan too restricted. Or: maybe the walk-in closet could be next to the bathroom to arrange the rooms differently. No idea. Practical advice instead of "everything sucks, you obviously have no idea." I don’t think I can get any further this way. I am not a millimeter closer to a concrete solution. I haven’t even found a starting point. But thanks to you, I have the feeling it’s probably better to give up because it won’t be nice anyway: too small, too cramped, too dark and just badly planned.

How long have you been planning?

How long have you been planning?

The plot was purchased last year in autumn, in December 19 there was a consultation and floor plan design from the prefabricated house company. We had two appointments with the architect this August/September, where the problem with the shutters was noticed. The fact that the floor plan is overall unsuitable or even that of a city villa was never mentioned. The building application was supposed to be submitted this month so that the foundation slab can be laid in spring 21. By the way: the financing is also completed, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to buy the plot at all.

[...] A city villa would have simply cost another 30,000 euros, just like a basement for more storage space. And with an investment of just under half a million, the budget is simply exhausted at some point. [...]

[...] I am not one step closer to a solution, but significantly unsettled and demotivated. [...]

Your "solution" refers to specific questions about a floor plan, but users here want to point out that it might be too early for the floor plan discussion because certain topics about the plot need to be clarified first. A floor plan rarely works without considering the plot. (I don’t dare say never, because there are supposedly these flat 1500m2 plots on which basically anything can be built.)

For example, the basement you mentioned: if you really have 3m of fill and it is not compensated by the developer of the building area, your basement can be built "above ground." That means no costs for excavation and lower costs for later filling because less earth has to be brought in, which can quickly save 30,000 euros. (Although 30,000 euros for a basement is already very cheap.) Also, for many providers there is little or no price difference between a city villa and a gable roof. You mention 30,000 euros, which presumably comes from the general contractor. Are you tied to Bien-Zenker? (Because the developer of the building area specified that).

Ok, here are a few tips:
- Read through other floor plan threads in this forum. This way you can learn a lot about "standard mistakes." You can also look at other floor plans, maybe you’ll find something you like. Many floor plans can also be found on the internet. Your requirements are nothing special.
- Clarify the issue of the slope of the plot.
- General opinion here: bedroom to the north, children's room towards the light
- A straight staircase takes up a lot of space, a spiral one is more space-saving.
- Do you need a walk-in closet, meaning you have different preferences? Otherwise, I would cut it and rather use it as a storage room or utility room. Doing laundry where it is generated is very practical.
- Kitchen: Plan it at least roughly before the building application so that there are no nasty surprises later because a few centimeters are missing or something like that.
- With 4 people sharing one bathroom, I recommend a double sink.
- I don’t like the living area; I find the layout unfavorable: kitchen rather small, but wasted space between the stairs and the outer wall. The right area for the sofa is difficult to furnish.

Even though our project is hardly comparable to yours. We had countless appointments/discussions/conversations with the architect. It took us eight months until the building application was submitted. After 7 months (waiting/many further appointments), the application was approved. Even now, after 17 months, something is still being changed during the detailed planning. What I want to say is that the issue will not be resolved to your satisfaction in the few appointments you have had so far. It will require many more discussions.