The Heartland 2 is an east-facing home that can blend with a neighborhood, the woods, or the prairie. The comfortable front porch welcomes guests whether approaching from the southeast or northeast. (Large lots may allow the garage doors to be placed on the north.) The craftsman styling is in the gable roof ends with knee braces and in the shingle siding accents adorning features such as the numerous window boxes. The front French doors allow light into the foyer which leads through a small gallery-like hall to the center of the home where a daylight cooling chimney brightens up the interior.

The Heartland 2 is an east-facing home that can blend with a neighborhood, the woods, or the prairie. The comfortable front porch welcomes guests whether approaching from the southeast or northeast. (Large lots may allow the garage doors to be placed on the north.) The craftsman styling is in the gable roof ends with knee braces and in the shingle siding accents adorning features such as the numerous window boxes. The front French doors allow light into the foyer which leads through a small gallery-like hall to the center of the home where a daylight cooling chimney brightens up the interior.

First Floor

The southeast screened porch is surely where mornings will be spent to watch the sunrise. The southern end of it will be sunny in winter.

The large southeastern kitchen on the front of the home easily allows guests to interact with two busy cooks or those in the sunny dining or living area since there are no interior walls in this truly great room. A TV hung on the west living room wall can be seen from the kitchen. This stone-covered thermal mass wall gathers the winter heat from both the great room and master bedroom. Also near the kitchen are a computer work area, large pantry, half bath, and stairs down to the basement.

The extra large master bedroom has room for morning yoga. Bedroom 2 with its French doors is ideally situated for either a study or second master bedroom since there is an optional door to the master bath. A partner will not have to travel far to get away from snoring.

Daylight Basement

With a large bedroom, huge recreation room, spacious bath, and even a kitchenette, the sunny basement can serve as an in-laws or teen suite. With land that slopes to the south, French doors to the yard could allow easy access to the optional deck above. The possibilities for the basement are endless. On the north, there are spaces for mechanical, storage, or a root cellar tucked under the area that connects the house to the garage.

Garage

The extra large garage has room for a workshop or riding lawnmower in addition to two cars. It could also function well with the doors on the north, gable side if the lot or land allows, especially in areas that receive snow.

Construction Info

Both the basement and first floor ceilings are 9' high. The roof is designed to be constructed with simple, gable trusses with flat ceilings. Thermal mass is designed into the wall between the living area and master bedroom. It can be brick or concrete block covered with stone, stucco, or tile. Tile floors over thinner thermal mass above framed floors systems are also recommended for increasing comfort in the south-facing rooms.

Modification Ideas

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

- Reverse the plan for drive approaches from the west
- For those who don't need a large kitchen, trade some of it for more dining or living area
- For narrow lots, take off the garage or move it to the west end of the basement. Add bedrooms on the east half.

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