What? Yet you somehow need 7 bedrooms?
Guessing by the username its possible the OP is of a slightly different background and some cultures live with larger families.
Any budding architects out there ? house plan help needed
- Thread starter rupsingh
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Guessing by the username its possible the OP is of a slightly different background and some cultures live with larger families.
Guys... Stop harping on about bathrooms... For this size/price house it's expected, and probably what the OP wants given the number of people living there.
Here's the link to the developer the OP showed a pic of.
http://www.octagon.co.uk/4_our_property/surrey/burwood_park/burwood_farmleigh_grove1.php
Take a look at the floor plans, count the number of ensuites, drop argument...
Here's the link to the developer the OP showed a pic of.
http://www.octagon.co.uk/4_our_property/surrey/burwood_park/burwood_farmleigh_grove1.php
Take a look at the floor plans, count the number of ensuites, drop argument...
Soldato
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Guys... Stop harping on about bathrooms... For this size/price house it's expected, and probably what the OP wants given the number of people living there.
Here's the link to the developer the OP showed a pic of.
http://www.octagon.co.uk/4_our_property/surrey/burwood_park/burwood_farmleigh_grove1.php
Take a look at the floor plans, count the number of ensuites, drop argument...
There us a difference in that that house has 4 toilets that are not connected to any of the bedrooms, where as the op's house has just one.
Not quite the same is it.
Count again.
It has 3 not connected. two are on ground floor (so discount one of them I've already suggested two on ground floor) and the third is on the top floor where no one is EVER going to go.
compare that to OPs house, which has TWO bathrooms not serving bedrooms, again you count wrong. Firsts is on ground floor, second is on top floor, again, where no one will use it.
They're practically identical...
Soldato
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"Special character" I love it. My fridge has as much special character as that design.
The kitchen area is far too deep to make use of natural light, same with the hallway. The garage looks out of proportion with the rest of the property. I did have a comment on the dining room but rev2 seems to have solved that issue, although again it is a very deep room to only have lighting on one side.
I'd throw in some ideas, but it's hard to really read the current plans without some context, site borders, neighbouring properties etc. Initial thoughts would be to move the garage to the front (forward or side facing depending on width of property and surrounding lines, this would free up some width.) which would give you space to rotate the formal living room, push the dining room across as suggested before (keep the formal rooms together) utility, wc and storage infront of kitchen, snug in front of that and study on the other side with the formal rooms. I'll draw up a doodle when I have some time. If there's a huf haus on site then if I was personally doing it I'd play on roof pitches and ceiling heights. Your bedrooms are HUGE which considering they're only rooms used for sleeping and preparing yourself you could afford to lose some of the space to increase light further down the building.
The kitchen area is far too deep to make use of natural light, same with the hallway. The garage looks out of proportion with the rest of the property. I did have a comment on the dining room but rev2 seems to have solved that issue, although again it is a very deep room to only have lighting on one side.
I'd throw in some ideas, but it's hard to really read the current plans without some context, site borders, neighbouring properties etc. Initial thoughts would be to move the garage to the front (forward or side facing depending on width of property and surrounding lines, this would free up some width.) which would give you space to rotate the formal living room, push the dining room across as suggested before (keep the formal rooms together) utility, wc and storage infront of kitchen, snug in front of that and study on the other side with the formal rooms. I'll draw up a doodle when I have some time. If there's a huf haus on site then if I was personally doing it I'd play on roof pitches and ceiling heights. Your bedrooms are HUGE which considering they're only rooms used for sleeping and preparing yourself you could afford to lose some of the space to increase light further down the building.
This was the image brief given, ducks for cover!
There's something about that which pokes me in all the wrong places. Not sure if it's 'newness' or something wrong with the style but that's the classical versus modern thing..
.. I think it's the non-flush front with the roof being the wrong way makes all the angles wrong (for me).
Soldato
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Then you're a tool
Door leads out on to hallway = not ensuite.
Hey don't start getting personal, your clearly in the same business yet you stick up for the poor quality of work the architect has done. If I'd paid for those designs I'd be looking elsewhere as even he made a mistake by marking the thing "en-suite" in the first place
Seems to me like it was intended to be an en-suite but was then changed, because if that was my room I'd be wondering why everyone else in the house got their own bathroom yet I didn't.
I'm out of this thread.
sorry to eb so frank but you MUST have a second bathroom accessible to guests.
as pointed out, because if entertaining there will always be the need for at least two bathrooms if not three.
if people are queuing up for a pee, no-one wants to do a number 2 that'll stink out half your downstairs. Neither do you want people going through your bedrooms.
That is sooo very very true.
To the OP - To be honest I would give one of the young chaps here a crack at creating the design, maybe agree some form of remuneration if you like it? As they seem to have some cracking ideas.
IMHO - Your home at the moment seems like a bit of a soules Berkley homes build. Why not create something individual and special?
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Sorry, I'm not serious! Yeh I agree, not impressed with the work. It's something I'd expect from a builder. And I'm not sticking up for the work! It's completely not to my taste, but tbh if it's architect designed as opposed to a standard development which is being modified off plan, then that suggests the client asked for it, and is happy with the styling! Not much we can do about that!
...Apart from recommend watching a few episodes of grand designs, you can get something stunning that doesn't require a massive budget as that program shows.
Funny you should say that the architect designs for several major developers!!!
hence my comment that it looks a tad like a soulless berkley Homes type place has come true.
I would go to someone a touch more innovative.
Another arch student wading in with my 2p here. Id agree that it does look just like another house built by dawn homes albeit on a slightly grander scale, basically an estate house on steroids. I would always have pushed for something a bit more interesting but that is my taste so on the assumption that the op is happy with the style of the house, I'll have a wee go at giving it some wow and get the flow feeling better as well.
Associate
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God I love stuff like this, shame I cant draw to save my life and have already done 5yrs worth of degrees otherwise I would love to be an architect.
If I were do design a house, bearing in mind I have no idea of cost, I would 100% of the time have a basement if the ground permitted. Would be ideal in a scenario like this where you could have a games room etc downstairs along with maybe a guest room and seperate bathroom which guest could use if the ground floor was occupied when entertaining. This also would have the benfit of isolating the heating when not in use and keeping the kids out the way when guests are around.
Drawing floor plans is my most favourite past time, and after my exam tmw ill knock something up if i have time
Very jealous you have this opportunity!
If I were do design a house, bearing in mind I have no idea of cost, I would 100% of the time have a basement if the ground permitted. Would be ideal in a scenario like this where you could have a games room etc downstairs along with maybe a guest room and seperate bathroom which guest could use if the ground floor was occupied when entertaining. This also would have the benfit of isolating the heating when not in use and keeping the kids out the way when guests are around.
Drawing floor plans is my most favourite past time, and after my exam tmw ill knock something up if i have time
Very jealous you have this opportunity!
If you want my advice is to drive around and look at nice houses in that area and local areas. You aren't too far from St George's Hill but getting in there might be a problem! Oxshott and Cobham have some nice houses as well. What I'd do is go around look at them and note down the address and house name/number. Then go online look at the internal plans and see which houses really stand out, narrow it down and call those architects in to look at their designs and go with who you like best. I can not re-iterate this point enough and even though they do sometimes charge you a fortune a good architect (especially if you get your working drawings done by them) will save you money in the long run, obvious the design will be good but a good one will also make sure the build cost is kept low.
Recently done plans for a new built home and did the same, found a real good architect who is really creative with his designs and did a great job on it. Even though some architects do designs for big companies doesn't mean they are any good, most often those firms will usually tell them what they want and they will just draw up the plans. Email in trust if you want any further info and can pass you his details on. Hell I'd even drop your current architect if you need to, you mess up a design on a house like this and you will regret it for a long time, I know people who have made that mistake. Sometimes they step back from the initial cost of getting drawings done and think it is too much but you'll have to take my word that they have regretted it big time afterwards.
From his surname you can tell he is Indian, with us Indians you can never have enough bedrooms
Especially us Punjabi lot 
Problem with basements is from a commercial point of view the return you get on them isn't that great really, a lot of hassle as well and if you can get away with putting it above ground that is what I'd do. However might be worth having some basement to put like a plant room in or something like that.
A lot of major developers in my area haven't done too well with their generic designs either. Even questions being raised about Octagon where some of their more recent designs weren't all that impressive. Go by what the architect creates and his designs rather than who he has done work for.
Recently done plans for a new built home and did the same, found a real good architect who is really creative with his designs and did a great job on it. Even though some architects do designs for big companies doesn't mean they are any good, most often those firms will usually tell them what they want and they will just draw up the plans. Email in trust if you want any further info and can pass you his details on. Hell I'd even drop your current architect if you need to, you mess up a design on a house like this and you will regret it for a long time, I know people who have made that mistake. Sometimes they step back from the initial cost of getting drawings done and think it is too much but you'll have to take my word that they have regretted it big time afterwards.
From his surname you can tell he is Indian, with us Indians you can never have enough bedrooms
Especially us Punjabi lot God I love stuff like this, shame I cant draw to save my life and have already done 5yrs worth of degrees otherwise I would love to be an architect.
If I were do design a house, bearing in mind I have no idea of cost, I would 100% of the time have a basement if the ground permitted. Would be ideal in a scenario like this where you could have a games room etc downstairs along with maybe a guest room and seperate bathroom which guest could use if the ground floor was occupied when entertaining. This also would have the benfit of isolating the heating when not in use and keeping the kids out the way when guests are around.
Drawing floor plans is my most favourite past time, and after my exam tmw ill knock something up if i have time
Very jealous you have this opportunity!
Problem with basements is from a commercial point of view the return you get on them isn't that great really, a lot of hassle as well and if you can get away with putting it above ground that is what I'd do. However might be worth having some basement to put like a plant room in or something like that.
A lot of major developers in my area haven't done too well with their generic designs either. Even questions being raised about Octagon where some of their more recent designs weren't all that impressive. Go by what the architect creates and his designs rather than who he has done work for.
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Right I've had a look at the plans and the thread so here are my thoughts initially at least.
1. The house is for 6 people initially plus any future kids correct? Your parents, yourself, your brother and your two wives? If so are your parents really in need of all that dressing space, that's assuming they get the master bedroom. If they don't get the master do you or your brother get the master and its enormous dressing space? Perhaps consider 3 more equally sized bedrooms on the 1st floor. Moving to 4 beds sharing 2 en-suites on the 2nd floor.
2. I'm still concerned about the distance and layout of the formal dining, I would rather it was nearer the kitchen and was located after the formal living room. I always have my guests in the lounge prior to having dinner and then again afterward. Going to the back of the house then the front and then the back again and then the front for them to leave seems a little odd.
3. Would definitely have a second guest/family bathroom, there seems to be an empty room on the 1st floor at the front which would be suited? Perhaps even one which is of the utility room for use when in the garden and not wanting to mess up the house?
4. More of a personal thing but i much prefer straight stairs unless space is a particular constraint. The narrow treads created as the stairs turn the corner make it difficult for two people to pass easily. Perhaps a habit of your architect from designing smaller estate houses??
5. I would always try for a wider garage if at all possible as moving one car to get to the others is a pain. If you only have one car or do not regularly garage them then this may not be such a concern. I also feel the location of the garage is robbing you of some vital width. If the house were of a modern style then a built in garage on the ground floor would have been fine. A separate garage might be a better solution and sits nicely with this style of house. Also consider building over your currently placed garage for more space.
6. I like the cloakroom idea but also consider a front porch/entrance hallway for a similar function.
7. I'm no sure about the snug, a feature i like in my own house is the guest bedroom on the ground floor, consider the snug with a sofa bed?
8. A pet hate of mine which you wont even be at the stage of yet. If your roof line is white don't go for black gutters and downpipes, just because older houses have black cast iron downpipes doesn't mean you should try to recreate this on a new build with plastic.
Edit. Couple more questions, is the site directly orientated north south and is it sloping or level?
1. The house is for 6 people initially plus any future kids correct? Your parents, yourself, your brother and your two wives? If so are your parents really in need of all that dressing space, that's assuming they get the master bedroom. If they don't get the master do you or your brother get the master and its enormous dressing space? Perhaps consider 3 more equally sized bedrooms on the 1st floor. Moving to 4 beds sharing 2 en-suites on the 2nd floor.
2. I'm still concerned about the distance and layout of the formal dining, I would rather it was nearer the kitchen and was located after the formal living room. I always have my guests in the lounge prior to having dinner and then again afterward. Going to the back of the house then the front and then the back again and then the front for them to leave seems a little odd.
3. Would definitely have a second guest/family bathroom, there seems to be an empty room on the 1st floor at the front which would be suited? Perhaps even one which is of the utility room for use when in the garden and not wanting to mess up the house?
4. More of a personal thing but i much prefer straight stairs unless space is a particular constraint. The narrow treads created as the stairs turn the corner make it difficult for two people to pass easily. Perhaps a habit of your architect from designing smaller estate houses??
5. I would always try for a wider garage if at all possible as moving one car to get to the others is a pain. If you only have one car or do not regularly garage them then this may not be such a concern. I also feel the location of the garage is robbing you of some vital width. If the house were of a modern style then a built in garage on the ground floor would have been fine. A separate garage might be a better solution and sits nicely with this style of house. Also consider building over your currently placed garage for more space.
6. I like the cloakroom idea but also consider a front porch/entrance hallway for a similar function.
7. I'm no sure about the snug, a feature i like in my own house is the guest bedroom on the ground floor, consider the snug with a sofa bed?
8. A pet hate of mine which you wont even be at the stage of yet. If your roof line is white don't go for black gutters and downpipes, just because older houses have black cast iron downpipes doesn't mean you should try to recreate this on a new build with plastic.
Edit. Couple more questions, is the site directly orientated north south and is it sloping or level?
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Man of Honour
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My advise, is talk to your Architect it is in there work ethic to produce a design to your brief. So if you are not happy with something then make it clear to them. Also did your Architect spell garage wrong on the drawing? and I personally dont think it is appropriate for you to take advise off a forum on such a thing as a house build its not like knocking together a pc.
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Right I've had a look at the plans and the thread so here are my thoughts initially at least.
1. The house is for 6 people? Your parents, yourself, your brother and your two wives plus any future kids correct? If so are your parents really in need of all that dressing space, that's assuming they get the master bedroom. If they don't get the master do you or your brother get the master and its enormous dressing space? Perhaps consider 3 more equally sized bedrooms on the 1st floor. Moving to 4 beds sharing 2 en-suites on the 2nd floor.
2. I'm still concerned about the distance and layout of the formal dining, I would rather it was nearer the kitchen and was located after the formal living room. I always have my guests in the lounge prior to having dinner and then again afterward. Going to the back of the house then the front and then the back again and then the front for them to leave seems a little odd.
3. Would definitely have a second guest/family bathroom, there seems to be an empty room on the 1st floor at the front which would be suited?
4. More of a personal thing but i much prefer straight stairs unless space is a particular constraint. The narrow treads created as the stairs turn the corner make it difficult for two people to pass easily. Perhaps a habit of your architect from designing smaller estate houses??
5. I would always try for a wider garage if at all possible as moving one car to get to the others is a pain. If you only have one car or do not regularly garage them then this may not be such a concern. I also feel the location of the garage is robbing you of some vital width. If the house were of a modern style then a built in garage on the ground floor would have been fine. A separate garage might be a better solution and sits nicely with this style of house. Also consider building over your currently placed garage for more space.
6. I like the cloakroom idea, but also consider a front porch/entrance hallway for a similar function.
7. I'm no sure about the snug, a feature i like in my own house is the guest bedroom on the ground floor, consider the snug with a sofa bed?
8. A pet hate of mine which you wont even be at the stage of yet. If your roof line is white don't go for black gutters and downpipes, just because older houses have black cast iron downpipes doesn't mean you should try to recreate this on a new build with plastic.
1. The house is for 6 people? Your parents, yourself, your brother and your two wives plus any future kids correct? If so are your parents really in need of all that dressing space, that's assuming they get the master bedroom. If they don't get the master do you or your brother get the master and its enormous dressing space? Perhaps consider 3 more equally sized bedrooms on the 1st floor. Moving to 4 beds sharing 2 en-suites on the 2nd floor.
2. I'm still concerned about the distance and layout of the formal dining, I would rather it was nearer the kitchen and was located after the formal living room. I always have my guests in the lounge prior to having dinner and then again afterward. Going to the back of the house then the front and then the back again and then the front for them to leave seems a little odd.
3. Would definitely have a second guest/family bathroom, there seems to be an empty room on the 1st floor at the front which would be suited?
4. More of a personal thing but i much prefer straight stairs unless space is a particular constraint. The narrow treads created as the stairs turn the corner make it difficult for two people to pass easily. Perhaps a habit of your architect from designing smaller estate houses??
5. I would always try for a wider garage if at all possible as moving one car to get to the others is a pain. If you only have one car or do not regularly garage them then this may not be such a concern. I also feel the location of the garage is robbing you of some vital width. If the house were of a modern style then a built in garage on the ground floor would have been fine. A separate garage might be a better solution and sits nicely with this style of house. Also consider building over your currently placed garage for more space.
6. I like the cloakroom idea, but also consider a front porch/entrance hallway for a similar function.
7. I'm no sure about the snug, a feature i like in my own house is the guest bedroom on the ground floor, consider the snug with a sofa bed?
8. A pet hate of mine which you wont even be at the stage of yet. If your roof line is white don't go for black gutters and downpipes, just because older houses have black cast iron downpipes doesn't mean you should try to recreate this on a new build with plastic.