The Islander 6 is another variation of our popular Islander house plan series. It was created for our clients who wanted to simplify the original plan and to build with ICFs. The views were fantastic to the east so we reversed the plan and focused on creating a nice porch on that side. Their drive was from the northwest. A small, welcoming porch just large enough for a couple of rockers for late summer sky viewing was all they required for the quaint north porch.

The Islander 6 is another variation of our popular Islander house plan series. It was created for our clients who wanted to simplify the original plan and to build with ICFs. The views were fantastic to the east so we reversed the plan and focused on creating a nice porch on that side. Their drive was from the northwest. A small, welcoming porch just large enough for a couple of rockers for late summer sky viewing was all they required for the quaint north porch.

First Floor

It still boasts the large informal dining, kitchen, and great room like our other Islanders but with an emphasis on the masonry stove as the hearth. We were also able to incorporate some windows near the large open area above the masonry stove to aid in summer cooling. A nearby study nook is for bill paying and homework. The door to the basement is from the spacious airlock foyer. Relocating the basement door created space for large ovens. The breakfast bar is raised to create some visual privacy. With a smaller side porch, both the kitchen and dining will receive more morning light as well as better views to the mountains and sky. There are no decks which can block views to the meadow downhill.

Garage

The garage is attached on the north and would function well with the doors on the west or north. Our client wanted them on the east away from their strong northwest winter winds.

Daylight Basement

Their land sloped just enough to the south to allow for windows in the future living areas below. The possibilities for this area are endless, but we created a layout for a craft room, guest bedroom, den and entertainment room to all be on the south. The north features storage, mechanical, and other nooks with character around the large foundation of the masonry stove.

Construction Info

The roof is designed to be constructed with trusses which allows for a very open first floor. The entire kitchen, dining, and great room are designed to be open and vaulted with scissor trusses. In non-vaulted areas, the ceilings are 8' on the first floor and 9' in the basement. There is enough glass to be considered passive solar, but the ICF walls do not allow for as much south glass as other walls, only a small amount of additional mass was needed for thermal comfort. They also desired an exterior that is resistant to fires so we incorporated elements such as cement board siding, metal roofing, and stone veneer foundation.

Modification Ideas

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

- Widen the doors and halls, and remove the steps for a wheelchair friendly plan.
- Make the garage detached and combine the laundry and small front porch into one large front porch.

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.