Is a high basement the golden middle way?

Hello everyone,

For us, it was clear from the beginning that we wanted a house with a basement so that rooms like the utility room or heating room could find space in the basement, there would be enough storage space, and possibly to set up a hobby basement or maybe even a guest room.

For the additional space you get, the costs for a basement generally seem acceptable. Now I have read about the alternative "Hochkeller," meaning a basement that partly rises above ground and thus allows decent window areas. This is supposed to save costs due to the lower amount of soil excavation.

Here in NRW, the basement may protrude 160 cm on average above ground without being considered a full storey – measured from the top edge of the ceiling. So, effectively it may protrude about 140 cm when considering the basement ceiling. One should be able to create fairly large window areas there.

Of course, I wonder whether it actually saves money or whether the additional costs are higher. For example, you need stairs for the house entrance and also must come up with something for the garden exit (stairs or raise the terrace). Certainly, you also need more plaster for the basement part that rises above ground, insulation for the basement, better basement windows. Did I forget anything? Has anyone calculated this or has experience?

Then I saw an interesting plot on which you have to build the house edge directly on the sidewalk (central location). What could a solution look like there? You probably are not allowed to place the entrance stairs on the sidewalk? Would there be an option inside the house? But that would then affect all storeys.

I am certainly looking forward to interesting opinions and suggestions.

Best regards HB1

But also consider the exterior appearance and a possible terrace with the raised basement...

And who needs windows in the basement?

Anyone who wants to use it as living space.

The whole thing is limited by regulations on the maximum building height or requirements for the plinth height (with us, also NRW, 30cm = high basement can be forgotten). But yes, we also build the basement as high as possible to save excavation.

Bedenke aber auch die außenoptik

If the ideas from both threads are to be pursued in one and the same house design (raised basement and flat roof attic floor), beauty will probably be the first victim.

The whole thing is limited by specifications on the maximum building height or also specifications on the base height (with us, also NRW, 30cm = high basement can be forgotten).

Is that valid throughout NRW? Where is that regulated? I had unfortunately overlooked the base height until now.