Single-family house on 480 m² (approx. 8x9m external dimensions) feedback

Hello everyone,

I have been a member of your forum for a long time and find it incredibly informative and competently staffed! ;)

Now I also want to realize my dream of owning my own four walls and am currently planning my house.

My girlfriend and I, living together for 6 years, want to build on my parents' property.
A few weeks ago, this property was still two adjacent plots, which have now been merged by the notary and can be newly divided.

(Background: Originally these two narrow plots lay side by side, but are now to be equally redistributed so that building one behind the other is possible (in the second row, accessible via a driveway).

The plots each have an area of about 480 sqm.
(Total 960 sqm. The plan is to divide the plots equally and transfer/assign one of these plots to me.)

A planning office has already been found and they have now sent me a first draft, which I also want to present to you. (see next post)

I have created a rough plan myself in advance. (see attachment in this post)

Honestly, I am not satisfied with the architect's first draft because it deviates too much from my plans and I see many disadvantages in it.

I am very grateful for your criticism, suggestions, and proposals!

Size of the plot: approx. 960 sqm (480 sqm after division)
Slope: to the north towards the entrance of the property. We want to align the yard, garage, and house roughly to the street level in order to achieve a nice driveway/level and possibly avoid a lifting system from the house to the sewer.
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of floors: 2 + attic, where you should be able to stand in the middle.
Roof shape: gable roof
Roof pitch: 35 degrees
Style: modern, simple, and inexpensive to build

Requirements of the builders
Style, roof shape, building type: clear lines
Basement,
Floors: 2 full floors including attic and basement
Number of people: 2
Occasional guests per year: rare
Conservative or modern construction: modern, open, kitchen and dining room open. Living room separable by sliding door (for now only masonry lintel planned)
Kitchen, cooking island: yes
Number of dining seats: 4
Fireplace: yes
Balcony, roof terrace: no
Garage, carport: yes, 6m wide x 9m long (set on the border with the neighbor)

Further wishes:
- see my plan :)

What do you particularly like? Why?
simple building style, inexpensive construction?,
- garden facing south/west
- yard, garage, and main entrance to the north
- layout of the rooms
- kitchen and utility room close to the street (low cost and short connection to the utilities)

What do you not like? Why?
- window arrangement throughout the house (symmetry and exterior appearance are important to me)
- layout of kitchen and pantry
- vestibule yes or no?
- enlarge hallway on the floors?

Equipment: absolute standard, without any frills
Preferred heating technology: gas heating

If you have to do without, which details/extras can you dispense with:
- Your suggestions are requested! ;)

Why is the draft as it is now?
- In my opinion, the plots make it very limited in realization?! Open to your suggestions!

What is the most important/basic question about the floor plan summarized in 130 characters?
How do you like my preliminary planning and what improvements, tips, suggestions do you have for me?

Please consider that I want to handle the repayment of the house alone, even in difficult times, and therefore do not want to build in a very luxurious way.

I am really looking forward to your opinions and comments! If you have any questions, write to me! ;)

Best regards, Birdie

The pictures are useless, can you please insert a screenshot, thanks

Hi,

Here are the pictures of the first preliminary draft from the architect. I’m looking forward to your opinions!

Best regards, Birdie

The pictures are useless, can you please insert a screenshot, thanks

Hi Tom, thanks a lot for the hint. I just saw it as well. Sorry. I will try to upload new pictures as soon as possible. Have a nice evening, regards Tom

Do I understand correctly that in #1 it is your preliminary planning, in #3 that of the planner? They are almost identical! Who among you comes up with the idea of the expensive utility basement and expensive double garage when savings have to be made? And who said that one should preempt a trained man’s ideas and creativity, for which one as a customer/builder pays, and take away all professional pride? I find the house too small for the height or too tall for the size. The house juts upward like Obelix’s Hinkekstein.

I myself am honestly not satisfied with the architect's first draft, as it deviates too extremely from my plans and I see many disadvantages in it.

The architect has redrawn your draft as requested and largely corrected your mistakes. What disadvantages do you see? Please describe them. No height specifications! I see 3 steps up to the terrace in your draft. Why?