Kerstili
2020-02-26 10:26:30
- #1
Oh man, can you please stop your bickering here? Take it to private messages.
As I said, I don't like the draft at all, neither visually nor functionally. Obviously, they really want this unusual (and cost-driving) building shape. So just a few fundamental considerations from me:
[*]I consider the cost estimates you have for such a house invalid; the 7 in front, as has been mentioned here several times, is more likely correct. If you can live with that, okay. Otherwise, I strongly advise a conventional house (rectangular shape) with a pitched roof. With a lot of effort, you could achieve the 5 in front – certainly not with the intended construction. You should be aware of that. If that’s okay for you, then
[*]If I already choose such an unusual shape, I make it the center of my house. For the "wow" effect. That means: this corner is the center, that’s my main living space, because if I have already splurged on it because I like it so much, then I want to enjoy it. That’s where the main living room belongs. I would see there a very individual cooking/dining/living area, but if the kitchen is to be separated from it, then the living area should be there, open and spacious to the garden. I could even imagine an opening in the roof construction there to make it visible, with a gallery or similar. That gives it effect and meaning. Here is where what makes this house unique is shyly hidden in the hallway.
[*]Consequently, the entrance should not be there but where the kitchen is to be located (in one of the two side wings, it doesn’t matter which). I also prefer the kitchen facing the garden. You will barbecue in summer, sit outside, live outside. Running a marathon to the kitchen for every glass of water, every beer, every salt shaker is annoying. But whoever absolutely wants the kitchen facing the street should do so. I have noticed more than once: there are quite a few designs where homeowners routinely plan their personal fitness studio. Fine!
[*]If the open (or open?) living area upstairs divides the house into two parts anyway, I would make one side for the parents, including the sewing room and a master bathroom. The other side for both children’s rooms and give them a small bathroom as well. Children’s rooms facing the garden. If there is space left, a small utility room for laundry, very practical (speaking from my own experience). How big does the sewing room need to be? And doesn’t it make sense to have it close to the utility room for laundry? Because if I sew, I need my ironing board – and you also need that when you have laundry. So it makes sense to plan both in close proximity – just food for thought.
[*]Exterior views: I find them terribly dull and boring. As I said: I would place the living area centrally and open it completely to the garden with glass. Towards the street rather restrained windows (possibly higher window bands). The building shape is peculiar – adapt the exterior views to that, otherwise, it looks like “wanted but not skilled.”
[*]Consider what makes sense, where you can save paths (because otherwise you have to walk unnecessary paths for the next 30 years) and do not assume “we already have it like this, it’s okay.” “It’s okay” would be personally too little for a house that costs over half a million. I would look for the optimum. And in my opinion, this draft is still miles away from that.
[*]One last remark about the closed kitchen: if that’s what you want, do it that way, but listen to the opinions, especially of mothers with small children – they mostly find it very comfortable to keep an eye on the kids playing in the main living area while they have to do something in the kitchen. What are the advantages of the closed kitchen for you, or why are you so against a room that contains everything (cooking/dining/living)? I don’t want to impose anything on you, but think about it. We have no children but an open plan and I love it. I don’t want to be locked in the kitchen when I cook and my better half lounges alone in the living room. This way, we always stay in contact, I can send him to the cellar when I need something or get him to organize the drinks, etc. I find it practical *g* and when guests are there, I’m always in the middle of things in the kitchen and not locked away in the kitchen because I still have to do something.
Just chew on that.
What you write I find very helpful and I will think about it more intensively.
About the kitchen I wanted to say that the wall between the kitchen and the hallway (where the dining area is supposed to be) should only be half-height, which makes it possible to look into the dining area and onto the terrace. I also like having my peace in the kitchen and don’t want everything to be completely open.
The utility room will be used more as a pantry for food, cleaning supplies, drinks, freezer.
We plan to put the washing machine in the shower/toilet room; it probably isn’t pretty but is most practical for us. We don’t have a dryer and won’t get one either; the utility room was too small for hanging laundry anyway.