Advantageous surprises
The first meeting with our architect was more than just to our satisfaction, because on the one hand all our change requests could be implemented. On the other hand, his proactive suggestions turned out to be a stroke of luck for us. And to say it up front: (almost) anything is possible – but especially a question of budget. The appointment lasted around four hours and was extremely informative.
In principle, we don’t change too much and we don’t have any extravagant wishes. As explained in the previous article, we are going to do without the wall in room four and replace it with a Jansen Art 15 window profile. According to the architect, we are the only condominium to make such a change. Do not be put off by such statements. We see this as a unique selling point and as we see more advantages than disadvantages in it, we will continue to stick to the implementation and are planning it as a fixed feature.
The biggest change we are making is to the kitchen. Instead of the planned L-shaped kitchen with a cooking island, we will implement it as a wall unit with an extended cooking island. We were concerned that the Minergie standard would have meant that the ceiling with ventilation, which is suspended at 2.30 m, would have been more visible. We would have been prepared to make this aesthetic compromise. Fortunately, it emerged from the discussion that the architect could dispense with this duct and alternatively install it differently with the ventilation pipes, so that we also have the full room height of 2.5 m in the side corridor to the living room.
Otherwise, we have the option of planning an additional sliding door for the loggia, which may incur unplanned additional costs, but seems attractive to us. We will certainly take this into consideration.
How many built-in cupboards are enough?
You can’t have too much storage space . Or can you? The topic of storage space and the associated question of how many built-in wardrobes are necessary is one that often occupies us. Even if we limit our interior design to the essentials, we still have one or two items of clothing or objects. We are therefore planning a spacious dressing room for the master bedroom and a built-in wardrobe for each of the two children’s rooms . Should these replace a non-load-bearing wall or should they be placed in the respective room? After consulting our architect, we will delay the answer to this question for a while and concentrate on the big budget items such as the kitchen and bathroom/shower for the time being. We are not sad about that.
Your flexibility is the be-all and end-all
We recommend that you prepare as well as possible for this first meeting with your architect, because the more concrete your ideas are, the easier it will be to talk about other options. Sketch out plans, put your ideas on paper, create mood boards and make a note of all your thoughts. Because a good idea can come from the smallest hint – regardless of whether you are a layman in the field like us or already have some knowledge. And as in the case of our kitchen planning, sometimes the tide turns in your favor.
Prioritize which changes are a must for you and which you can optionally do without. Either because your budget doesn’t allow it or because they turn out to be less than ideal in retrospect. However, remain willing to compromise and keep all options open until the end. After all, opportunities often arise that you may not have thought of at first.
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Michel N. (37) and Michèle G. (36) live in Lucerne with their daughter Lilou (1). The two communication specialists with a flair for beautiful living are fulfilling their wish to buy a condominium near the city limits of Lucerne. Bruno Wickart accompanies and advises the couple on their project from day one – from the floor plan design to the fully furnished property.
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Do you need support with your residential project? We will be happy to help you. You can find more information here ((https://www.bruno-wickart.ch/interior-design))