The Citronella Cottage has been developed as low-energy, affordable housing for the middle income family. Like our other plans, it should be placed on its lot with the most energy efficient orientation in relation to the sun in order to minimize summer heat gain and to maximize winter heat gain. The sunny interiors have sloped ceilings to create spaciousness and a creative, fun house.

Sun-inspired homes have lower energy bills which leave the home owner with more money to spend on the important things in life like food, clothing, or just having fun! They are designed to maximize the free heat of the sun during cool winter months and minimize it during the warm summer months.

First Floor

The first floor is designed to house the primary living areas including the master suite. Bedroom 2 is a flex room that can vary from home office, to nursery, to den, to mother-in-law's room. The downstairs bath is designed for the maximum flexibility and privacy with the fewest number of plumbing fixtures. Endless variations are possible in the details.

Second Floor

The second floor is accessed by a spacious spiral stair case in the middle of the home. A central loft overlooks the dining and two large bedrooms are on either end. The bath and walk-in attic storage are in the middle. Abundance of storage and mechanical space are tucked under the eaves that keeps both the ductwork and holiday decorations in semi-conditioned spaces and not in the hot attic.

Optional Detached Garage, Decks, Etc.

Deck, garages, or carports can be added as budgets allow. The house is designed to be affordable for a wide variety of incomes.

Construction Info

The foundation is crawlspace and the entire house is designed to be constructed of SIPs (structural insulated panels), but could also be stick-framed with careful attention to insulation details. The upstairs ceilings are vaulted and the first floors are 8' in all but the center, open area. With the sun-tempering and passive cooling features, energy-savings are estimated to be at least 30% above homes constructed to code. 50-75% savings could be achieved with the homeowner's attention to energy details such as windows and a properly designed, high quality heating and cooling system designed to lower humidity. The home could even become zero-energy with the optional inclusion of solar hot water and solar electric panels. With a cistern for water collection, the home could also be self-sufficient with loss of utilities.

Modification Ideas

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

- Raise the foundation for parking below or daylight basement.
- Replace the spiral stairs with a full size U shaped stairs with just sacrificing the study nooks up & down.
- Increase solar gain and second floor s.f. with south dormers
- Reverse to face west leaving the side with the most windows facing south.

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.