Debra Rucker Coleman, Architect
HOUSE PLANS
HOUSE PLAN SPECS
Floor 1
1,898 sf
Daylight Basement
963 sf
Unfinished Basement
903 sf
Entry Faces
North
South Glass
7%
Complexity
simple
Cherryview Farm
PLAN PRICING
$70
Study Plans
11x17 set of drawings to better study the design of the house. 6-9 pages depending upon the size of the home. Excludes construction information and custom energy specs. Choose PAPER or PDF. After the order is placed, send a summary list of your ideas for customization and Sun Plans can tell you if the ideas are practical ones.
Sun Plans uses PayPal for secure payment processing. You may pay with a PayPal account, or any major credit card (no PayPal account required).

Payment will be handled on the secure PayPal web site, then you'll be returned to the Sun Plans site.
 
Plan Name:
Cherryview Farm
Plan Format:
PDF Files Paper Both (+$20)
Total Price:
$70
 

$270
Review Sets
11x17 mini set of Construction Prints marked "not for construction". 10-16 pages depending upon the size of the home. Includes Study Plan also. Excludes Custom Energy Specs. Choose PAPER or PDF. After the order is placed, ask for an opinion of construction cost from the architect.
Sun Plans uses PayPal for secure payment processing. You may pay with a PayPal account, or any major credit card (no PayPal account required).

Payment will be handled on the secure PayPal web site, then you'll be returned to the Sun Plans site.
 
Plan Name:
Cherryview Farm
Plan Format:
PDF Files Paper Both (+$50)
Total Price:
$270
 

$1,910
Construction Prints
24x36 construction drawings. 10-16 pages depending upon the size of the home. Includes Custom Energy Specs. Choose 6 PAPER sets or PDF.
Sun Plans uses PayPal for secure payment processing. You may pay with a PayPal account, or any major credit card (no PayPal account required).

Payment will be handled on the secure PayPal web site, then you'll be returned to the Sun Plans site.
 
Plan Name:
Cherryview Farm
Plan Format:
PDF Files Paper Both (+$200)
Total Price:
$1,910
 

$1,910
CAD Files
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Files for having changes made by a local architect, design professional or engineer. Includes CAD Files, PDF Files, Custom Energy Specs and a Copyright Release. Electronic delivery.
Sun Plans uses PayPal for secure payment processing. You may pay with a PayPal account, or any major credit card (no PayPal account required).

Payment will be handled on the secure PayPal web site, then you'll be returned to the Sun Plans site.
 
Plan Name:
Cherryview Farm
Plan Format:
DWG & PDF Files
Total Price:
$1,910
 

$290
Mirror Reverse
Must be ordered with Construction Prints or CAD Files. Reverse the house along the north-south axis (i.e., if the front faced east, it will be reversed to face west). This is a service performed on the drawings. Drawings will be true right-reading, mirror reverse drawings.
Sun Plans uses PayPal for secure payment processing. You may pay with a PayPal account, or any major credit card (no PayPal account required).

Payment will be handled on the secure PayPal web site, then you'll be returned to the Sun Plans site.
 
Plan Name:
Cherryview Farm
Plan Format:
PDF Files
Total Price:
$290
 

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Study Plans
See larger, clearer, and more drawings than what are shown on the individual house plan pages.
The price can be credited to future orders of Construction Prints or CAD Files of any Sun Plan even if a completely different house plan is later purchased.(Some exceptions if customer requires Study Plan level of consulting.)
Study Plans can be ordered from the Pricing tab for each house plan.

Study Plans include:

  • A mini set of design-oriented drawings set up for 11"x17".
  • A choice between a Paper version sent by US Priority Mail or the PDF version sent via email.
  • Unlimited printing with PDF's for sharing with family members.
  • 6 to 9 pages of drawings depending upon the complexity of the home.
  • Click here to see an example set for a 1.5 story home with daylight basement.
  • Schematic site plan, floor plans (with room sizes and furniture), daylight basements if applicable, exterior elevations, a schematic section of the house to help visualize the interior, kitchen elevations and garage plans.

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Review Sets
Review Sets provide information to help decide whether the design will meet the budget. They are mainly for those who crave technical details, have construction experience or have a builder on board. 
The price can be credited to future orders of Construction Prints or CAD Files of any Sun Plan even if a completely different house plan is later purchased. (Some exceptions if customer requires Review Set level of consulting.)
Review Sets can be ordered from the Pricing tab for each house plan.. 
Review Sets include:
  • A mini set of construction drawings set up for 11"x17"
  • Choice of PAPER sent by US Priority Mail or PDF version sent via email. (Select PDF to print extra copies or share electronically with other building professionals.)
  • 10 to 16 pages of drawings depending upon the complexity of the home.(See each house plan description for the drawings that come with each design.)
  • Dimensions and construction notes.
  • Click here to see an example Review Set of a 1.5 story home with daylight basement.
  • A copy of the Study Plan.
  • An "Opinion of Probable Construction Cost" from Sun Plans if requested. Sun Plans evaluates the design and compares it to similar home designs for which other clients have provided construction costs.   A range of construction cost is provided. (This is based on national information. Sun Plans does not have statistics by state, region or country.)
Review Sets may vary slightly from later orders of Construction Prints and CAD Files since drawings are continuously being updated to meet newer construction and in-house standards,
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Construction Prints
Large Construction Prints with clear, concise information make it easy for builders to follow yet they are flexible enough to adapt locally based on the price and availability of materials and subcontractors, various construction methods and home owner preferences. Together, every builder and home owner will change some aspects of the design before or during construction. If mutually agreeable (and approved by the building inspector and local engineer), these "field changes" can often be made with red notes on the Construction Prints. (For complex changes, please see CAD Files or Adapt-A-SunPlan Services.)
Construction Prints include:
  • Six sets of Construction Prints on 24"x36" paper shipped via UPS ground or PDF computer files sent by email
  • 10 to 16 pages of drawings depending upon the size and complexity of the home. (See individual house plan descriptions for specific drawings for each design.)
    • Schematic site plan (cover sheet showing how to orient the house for passive solar gain)
    • Foundation Plan (either slab-on-grade, crawlspace, below grade or daylight basement)
    • First and second floor plans (many construction notes, window sizes, etc.)
    • Exterior elevations (all four sides shown in hatched detail)
    • Schematic Building section (cut-away through the home showing basic configuration)
    • Kitchen elevations (all sides of the kitchen)
    • Typical wall detail (showing the various building materials recommended)
    • Schematic electrical (showing lights, switches and outlets)
    • Schematic framing plans (showing floor framing, roof framing and beams)
  • Garage or Carport
  • Custom Energy Specs. (Read more.)
  • Under the Tell Me More about the Review Set, you can see an example set of drawings; however, with Construction Prints, the plans are updated to the current in-house checklist, do not have the Not For Construction, and include the Custom Energy Specs.
  • One hour of technical support with the architect by email or phone
Miscellaneous Details
  • Order Construction Prints through the Pricing tab on any house plan.
  • After an order is placed, reply to the email received to advise of the requested information Sun Plans will need to prepare the Custom Energy Specs.
  • Allow 5 business days for updating the design to the Sun Plans in-house checklist and preparation of the the Custom Energy Specs. (Shipping then takes another 3-7 days.)
  • With PDF's, unlimited copies of the Construction Prints can be printed locally so long as they are used for building one home. PDF's are handy for sending to builders, mortgage companies, appraisers, home energy raters, and others who may be assisting with the planning and construction of the home such as the builder's subcontractors. Some building inspection departments require PDF.
Rick is in the lighting business and reviews construction prints in his work.
They are wonderful!  If you saw most of the drawings and specifications I see, you would wonder how anything got built properly...It is just nice to see a true professional who does the job correctly and takes pride in her work.  In my 34 years of working with Architects you are hands down the best I have had the privilege to work with. - Rick
A client sent a set of Construction Prints (designed for stick construction) to a SIP company to have them converted to SIPs. This is what they told the home owners:
I also wanted to take this opportunity to confirm your selection of Sun Plans Inc.  We receive many sets of drawings each day that are interested in comparing SIPs.  The drawings submitted by Sun Plans Inc. were high quality and very easy for us to work from. - Steve, SIPS of the South
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CAD Files
CAD files are the most flexible type of construction drawings since they can be modified and sent electronically. While the house design is intended to save the home owner energy, the CAD files are designed to save the energy of design professionals by making adaptations proceed faster should it be desired to have someone other than Sun Plans make the changes. The PDF files that are a part of the order allow for printing unlimited Construction Prints even if no changes are made. CAD files are intended to be used by professionals experienced in residential design.
CAD Files Include:
  • CAD files of the Construction Drawings (see below for options)
  • PDF file of the Construction Prints (see Construction Prints)
  • PDF file of Custom Energy Specs
  • PDF file of Copyright Release to allow the house to be modified and changed to build one house
  • Under the Tell Me More about the Review Set, you can see an example set of drawings; however, with Construction Prints and CAD Files, the plans are updated to the current in-house checklist, do not have the Not For Construction, and include the Custom Energy Specs.
  • One hour of technical support. This can include review by the Sun Plans' architect on proposed changes prior to preparing Custom Energy Specs. If the customer sends a list of proposed changes immediately after placing the order, the architect can review them for energy implications and try to address them in the Custom Energy Specs.
CAD File Details
  •  Order CAD files through the Pricing tab on any house plan.
  • After an order is placed, reply to the email received to advise of the requested information Sun Plans will need to prepare the Custom Energy Specs.
  • Allow 5 business days for to allow for updating the design to the Sun Plans in-house checklist and preparation of the the Custom Energy Specs.
  • With the CAD files, many changes can be made to the design.
  • With PDF's (part of the CAD file order), unlimited copies of the Construction Prints can be printed locally so long as they are used for building one home. PDF's are handy for sending to builders, mortgage companies, appraisers, home energy raters, and others who may be assisting with the planning and construction of the home such as the builder's subcontractors. Some building inspection departments require PDF.
  • If consulting on changes is desired before the order is placed, then Adapt-A-SunPlan Consulting and Review Service is the process to take.
Examples of how the CAD files are used include: 
  • The design professional may expand the house a couple of feet, change the exterior materials, move a bathroom, or rearrange interior walls and doors.
  • The structural engineer may want to add engineering information such as rebar sizes and specific connections suitable for the local codes, soils, winds, snow or seismic activity.
  • The builder may find it easier to perform take offs and layouts with this electronic version of construction prints.
  • Home Energy Raters or HVAC subs creating duct work layouts can increase the speed and accuracy of their services.
Info for the Design Professional
  • The CAD Files are designed to be used by an experienced residential design professional
  • The standard method of preparing the CAD files is in AutoCAD 2000 DWG file type, with the files split into separate files. Approximately 95% of CAD file orders are prepared in this format. (Sun Plans can export to any version of AutoCAD between version 12 (released in 1992) and 2021, but 2000 is the default as that seems to be the most common one that design professionals can use including those with older versions of the software. It is not uncommon for other design professionals to use very old versions of AutoCAD.
  • Can't use any of these CAD File types, but still want the local design professional to copy and redraw the design with changes?  The Copyright Release that comes only with CAD Files allow for this. (Please see Copyright.)
  • Special requests for all-in-one CAD files, DXF or AEC (DataCAD) files can be honored if advised within one business day of the order.
  • Split CAD Files are divided into separate files - cover sheet, foundation, first floor, second floor, elevations, section, kitchen, wall detail, and detached garage as applicable.  More than one of the printed sheet may be in each file. For instance, the fp1elect and fp1framing will also be in the fp1 file, but these are recommended to be printed separately as shown in the PDF files that come with the CAD Files.
  • More questions? Have the design professional contact us.

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Mirror Reverse
Similar to the Mirror Reverse feature for each house plan, mirror reversing Construction Prints and CAD Files flips the house plan on the north-south axis. However, the Mirror Reverse custom service also reverses the text and numbers so that they are no longer backwards. The drawings will be "right reading". It takes some time to check for overlapping text and numbers, but it is a worthwhile service considering the errors that can be made by the builders and their subs if they otherwise tried to reverse the home during construction.
In rectangular plans designed with one long wall designed to face south, the south and north sides will still face the same compass direction, but the east and west walls are reversed. In angled plans designed to sit at a 45 degree angle to south, the mirror line is from the northern-most corner to the southern-most corner which is a diagonal line across the house. What was the northwest wall would then become the northeast wall, and what was the southwest wall would then become the southeast wall.
Instances of when reversing might help include when the home owners want the entry on the east rather than the west. Or maybe a bedroom on the west is desired instead of the east-facing bedroom if light is not wanted from the sunrise. There are hundreds of reasons for mirror reversing a house along the north-south axis. Sometimes the architect suggests it during the Review and Consulting phase of any custom services based on the home owners' site or other particulars.
A local design professional can also do the reversing with the CAD Files.
Mirror Reverse is a not available for the lower-priced Study Plans and Review Sets.
The north-facing Cherryview Farm is a slightly smaller, simplified version of Nature's Corner. With land that has wonderful north views, windows were strategically located to capture scenes of nature as well as to let in the soft north light and increase house cross breezes. Be connected to nature on every side of the home and especially from the extra large southeast screened porch that could be a three season morning or enclosed sun room to increase the home's solar gain. Enjoy watching summer sunrises from the northeast front porch.
This home has been on the 2019 National Solar Tour and is currently zero net energy with the addition of PV panels.
First Floor
An open kitchen, dining and great room with an optional barn beamed ceiling and stone covered corner hearth creates a large warm and cozy family area. The central bay window dining area will provide a panoramic southern view.
Planning ahead for future scenarios has one central closet at the center of the home than can be converted to an optional elevator. The extra large kitchen with large walk-in pantry has plenty of room for two to cook and a large group to mingle around the perimeter. The corner laundry and desk nook in front of a window make for a very functional work side of the home.
Bedroom two, right off of the kitchen is ideally situated for a study and/or crafts room. A built-in desk and bed can make good use of the small room for the occasional guests.
The master bedroom on the cooler, north side of the home allows for larger living areas on the south side. It has a dressing nook between the two large closets. Corner northwest windows really open up the room. A very open master bath makes maneuvering very easy in a wheelchair.
Daylight Basement
The daylight basement has one dedicated bedroom and a large entertainment room (optional bedroom 4) on the south that features a corner wood stove hearth that keeps wood on the lower level. The central bath serves both these rooms and is also close to the garage workshop. The centrally located optional elevator makes bringing groceries up to the kitchen trouble-free. The north storage or mechanical can also be a root cellar or storm shelter. The south walk-out patio provides an outdoor living area that connects around to the corner deck and screened porch.
Basement Garage
The extra large two car garage tucked under the house makes for an economical location for parking all types of vehicles with plenty of extra room for storage and workshop equipment. South-facing windows let in light and the central bay window would be perfect for a winter greenhouse with the extra long windows. The north storage not connected to the basement or under the living area is a safer place for materials such as gas and paints.
Construction Info
With half of the lower level walls above grade, they can be framed similarly to the first floor stud walls - insulated both in the cavity and on the exterior. The remaining below grade walls can be one of several concrete systems. Economical roof trusses with energy heel ends allow for extra thick ceiling insulation with a vented attic. Both floors have 9' ceilings providing adequate room for utilities and more south wall area on which to add taller south windows. Stone hearths on both levels add thermal mass yet with the lower amount of south glass, wood floors can be installed throughout.
Modification Ideas
Since these ideas may affect energy performance and structural integrity, they should be undertaken with professional assistance.
  • Add a shower to the half bath
  • Redesign the master bath to add more privacy and a tub if wheelchair access is not a concern
Construction Drawings
For this plan, the following are included with Construction Prints and CAD Files:
  • Schematic Site Plan
  • Daylight Basement with Garage/Workshop
  • Floor Plan
  • Exterior Elevations
  • Building Section
  • Kitchen Elevations
  • Typical Wall Detail
  • Schematic Electrical Plans
  • Schematic Framing Plans
Comments and Photos
Thanks to Larry and Joy for sending photos of their completed home. Dick Yoder, builder, did an excellent job of building the home to a low HERS rating for very low-energy home that has since become net zero energy with the addition of solar panels. 
This home has been on the National Solar Tour where this was written:  "This particular Solar Tour home is extraordinary in that visitors will be able to view an ultra energy efficient PASSIVE SOLAR HOME that heats during colder months directly from the incident sunlight entering the home and cools during part of the warm season with flow through ventilation.  Visitors will also see up close the ground-mounted SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS that provide 100% of the home’s electrical energy requirements. Not only that, the home will soon be using its self-generated electrical energy to power a BEV (battery electric vehicle)."
Larry and Shirley have also told us:
"With the combination of the passive solar and a small wood stove, our geothermal unit is only called upon during December, January and February for heating and the last part of June, July, August and perhaps the first part of September for cooling. Thus, the HVAC operates about 6 months out of the year - which is not too bad for our climate. When we have good winter sun, the passive solar plus wood stove carries the entire heating load for a good part of the day. If fact, on mid- afternoon 20 degree December day Joy cracked open a couple of windows because she got too warm when the inside temperature rose to 7 degrees above the thermostat set point. And that was after I had let to wood stove burn down. If only every winter day was sunny here!

There are several things about the Cherryview Farm house design that we just love. First, with the window size and placement there is almost no location in the house without a view. We are truly outdoor people and our country location has so many great views that we seldom pass a window with looking out. We always have binoculars at hand. There is always something to view that is more interesting than Days of Our Lives. On a practical side we can see when someone drives up the driveway...being aware of our surroundings give us an added sense of home security.

The garage is truly unique. It holds two cars, stays relatively warm in the winter and cool in the summer without HVAC. It has space for shop tools and my woodworking as well. But perhaps best of all, is that the large south facing windows provide great winter light and warmth on sunny days, not to mention a view. Originally, I had planned to build an additional shop for storage and workspace. But the 900 sq. ft. garage provides me with all that I need and then some. It is an inviting place to work and the south bay window provide exceptional space for growing plants. Joy brought in some of her outdoor potted plants this fall and they did great without additional heat or lighting. Normal winter temperatures in the garage are in the low to mid 50's and it drops to mid to low 40's at around zero outside. Not too bad for unheated (except for the solar) space. We do a lot of seed starting for our gardening and can hardly wait to get that set up in front of the large bay window. We expect to need very little additional lighting to start our plants as the bay is awash in natural light. Early spring temperatures in the garage should accommodate plant growth very well. I think this house could aptly be described as a green, greenhouse.

So I gotta say Debbie, that there is not much not to like about our Cherryview Farm design home. It fits us, our lifestyle and our climate to a T."