The Equinox 3 is a slightly smaller variation of our Equinox 2 and similar in plan to our best selling Equinox. The shingle siding, stone, and Craftsman style knee braces make the home warm and inviting. The breakfast area and den are designed to feel like sunroom. The front is designed to face south and there are ample porches and decks on the other three sides for those who like outdoor living. It is a difficult challenge to design a south facing passive solar home since you cannot add the commonly requested front porches on the south side, but the Equinox 3 is inviting without sacrificing the solar gain.

First Floor

The front south facing living areas all have vaulted ceilings and will receive full winter sun, while the bedrooms are on the cool north side of the home. The master suite has its own private deck and an optional door to the laundry room. The east den area is an extension of the master bedroom while the larger great room is close to bedrooms 2 and 3 where the kids or in-laws have their own bath. The den and breakfast area are open and this entire area will feel like a sunroom in the morning. The stairwell on the south allows light down into the middle of the daylight basement.

Daylight Basement Option

The basement has a large entertainment room that receives light from the stairwell through the French doors. Guests and those with a home office will enjoy this private daylight basement. Garage Option The basement garage is designed for three vehicles plus storage. If you prefer a first floor garage, take a look at our Equinox Homestead plan for ideas.

Construction Info

The Equinox 3 is designed to be constructed with a trussed roof, 6" walls (structural insulated panels could be used for the walls), and an ICF (insulated concrete form) foundation. The first floor has 9' ceilings with the south first floor rooms vaulted. The thermal mass walls in the living and breakfast areas can be covered in stone or tile, stuccoed, or constructed with brick.

Modification Ideas

Since these ideas may affect energy performance and structural integrity, they should only be undertaken with professional assistance.
- Move the laundry to the center of the home to give the master bedroom or bath eastern windows for morning sun
- Esp. if you switch the bath and laundry, close off the den to become a fourth bedroom or more private away room
- Build the house on a slab for extra thermal mass and increase south glass such as with a clerestory

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.