The Hemlock Haven was designed for a mountain site that required angled orientation to southeast and southwest due to views. The first floor needed to be livable year-round, and plenty of nooks for sleeping were required for extended family visits. A large east screened porch on the east corner will be the main living area at least half of the year was a must with the views to the north, east, and south. Views west can also be seen from the south wrapping deck and north porch. The front door and family entry to the screened porch are both from the northeast. The garage is detached and located to the northwest of this rustic contemporary home full of surprises inside.

The Hemlock Haven was designed for a mountain site that required angled orientation to southeast and southwest due to views. The first floor needed to be livable year-round, and plenty of nooks for sleeping were required for extended family visits. A large east screened porch on the east corner will be the main living area at least half of the year was a must with the views to the north, east, and south. Views west can also be seen from the south wrapping deck and north porch. The front door and family entry to the screened porch are both from the northeast. The garage is detached and located to the northwest of this rustic contemporary home full of surprises inside.

First Floor

The quaint entry soon presents diagonal views of the unique corner sunroom or away room with two south-facing walls, southeast and southwest. The kitchen is close to the action but out of site. The pass-through near the front door makes grocery delivery convenient. The Hemlock Haven's master bath is practically designed to also be shared by guest and bedroom 2. Over the living area is a peak up to the central atrium.

Second Floor

From the central stairs quick access is afforded both upstairs bedroom, bath 2, and the numerous sleeping and storage nooks. The centrally sunny atrium opens up the middle for the biggest surprise in the house - letting in the sun in winter, and letting out hot air in summer. Only the hottest climates or hottest natured people will need air conditioning.

Basement

The partial basement on the cooler north side aids in passive cooling in the summer. There is ample storage and mechanical, or other rooms that don't require windows in two rooms on each end. Centrally located is a large optional laundry area.

Optional Detached Garage

The two-vehicle garage is suggested to be located to the northwest of the house. If the front porch was extended, the garage could easily be attached to the house.

Construction Info

The exterior walls beginning with the basement are ICF (insulated concrete forms). The first floor ceilings are an economical 8' while part of the living is vaulted to aid in air flow. Upstairs ceilings are vaulted to take maximum advantage of space beneath the roof. The first floor concrete slab floors and some stone covered block walls provide thermal mass to minimize temperature swings in the house.

Modification Ideas

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

- Add another bedroom upstairs over the great room
- Build with SIP or studs caulked and insulated
- Reverse the plan so that the entry faces northwest

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.

For this plan, the following are included:

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