The Cozy Solstice is partially earth-bermed with part of the first floor nestled snuggly into land that gently rises to the north. The narrower width reduces the cost of construction and operation with lower energy bills.  The exterior is a blend of stone which creates the illusion of truly blending with the earth, but with smooth finish accents on the parts not touching the ground.  The metal roof completes the fire-resistant exterior, but as with all Sun Plans, the exterior materials can easily be changed. 

First Floor

The interior still has the same wonderful open feel of the other Solstice homes. The master bedroom, great room, dining area, and kitchen will be full of sunlight year-round, yet shaded from direct solar gain in summer.  The woodstove, or fireplace hearth, is in the center for equal distribution of heat and a visual focal point on the large wall lined with bookcases.   The second floor balcony-style walkway overlooks this area.

Two smaller north rooms are very flexible in their use.  The one closest to the garage is well suited for mechanical and/or laundry, while the central one is better suited for a home office, nursery or bedroom especially if a door was added to the nearby toilet area.

Second Floor

From the split level stair landing, the second floor is easily accessed from the front foyer. The central area above the living and dining are left open which also aids in passive cooling. A bedroom on the east and west create privacy. They share a bath in one of the north dormers. South dormers allow winter sun into the bedrooms while the side windows balance daylight and allow for cross breezes when the windows are open.

Attached Garage

Nestled close to the house, the narrower width of the attached garage, allows the home to fit on smaller lots. The south greenhouse space can also be a workshop while the front two-vehicle area is easily accessed from the street.   A large attic can be accessed through either the second floor or pull-down stairs in the garage.

Construction Info

The first floor bermed walls are ICF (insulated concrete forms) while the rest of the walls are 6” stick framed that can be filled and covered with various amounts of insulation depending upon the climate.  The great room and upstairs have vaulted ceilings while the rest of the first floor has 9’ ceilings.  The thermal mass is designed to be primarily in the concrete slab floors that can be covered in tile, stone, brick pavers or stained and polished.

Modification Ideas

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

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