Beginning with the charming north-facing entry, the cottage-style Chapel Ridge home has a simplistic design, yet is elegant and exudes a cozy feeling. The timbers visible inside and out, along with the stone accents, add a warm and natural touch.

The entry foyer provides two avenues into the house with the staircase leading to the second floor and the gallery foyer leading to the great room or master suite. The gallery foyer provides wall space (often lacking in open homes with many windows) for antiques and artwork. A stone-covered entry ways draws the eye to the sunny spaces beyond.

The square kitchen revolves around an island for breakfast dining or casual eating for the family. The kitchen benefits from the bright sunlight of the dining area, also the north windows provide balanced light as well as a glimpse of who might be coming down the drive. The centered French doors between the beamed ceiling area create a comfortable symmetry to this main gathering space and provide easy access the sunny patio behind the home

The first floor master bedroom and bath on the private side of the home away from the patio take advantage of southern windows. The eastern windows around the soaking tub make relaxing easy with the views to the woods or a private outdoor garden.

Second Floor

The second floor houses two creative bedrooms that can be used for craft or entertainment rooms. A central bathroom has cottage-style nooks, crannies, and a dormer window. Large walk-in attics at both ends have so much space for storage and mechanicals that a basement will not be missed. Garage The southern portion of the two-vehicle garage contains a workshop. Pull-down stairs provide extra storage space. The garage has plenty of room for outdoor equipment and tools. Double doors on the side provide for a place to drive a lawnmower inside without difficulty, and the back has a large roof area to add a large array of solar electric panels.

Construction Info

The lack of large porches makes for less expensive construction costs. The first floor has 9' ceilings while sloped ceilings with plenty of eave storage characterize the entire second floor. A concrete slab foundation reduces construction costs and adds thermal mass to keep the home from overheating in both winter and summer. Walls are 6" thick for studs or SIP panels. Rafters form the center roof section while more economical attic trusses cover both ends.

Modification Ideas

Since these may affect energy performance and structural integrity, they should only be undertaken with professional assistance.

- Add a door from the master bath out to a private east patio
- Add a porch connecting the house and a due west garage
- Trade half of the gallery foyer for a small master study
- Frame the entire roof with rafters to increase second floor area

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.

Custom Energy Specs that describe any recommended adaptations for your climate – insulation values, glass type for the various windows, overhang lengths.

The color 2-D image shown as a "photo" can be customized through Consulting Services.