The Islander 7 is another variation of our Islander plan with simple construction yet elegant and open living, dining, and kitchen areas. It was created for our clients who desired a more spacious main floor with little extra square footage which also made future wheelchair use easier. Bedrooms 3 and 4 are located in the sunny daylight basement. A larger north front porch has enough room for summer evening sunset viewing and the west deck off of the master suite is a warm place for viewing the winter sun that sets in the southwest. The kitchen has been relocated to the sunny southeast corner.

The Islander 7 is another variation of our Islander plan with simple construction yet elegant and open living, dining, and kitchen areas. It was created for our clients who desired a more spacious main floor with little extra square footage which also made future wheelchair use easier. Bedrooms 3 and 4 are located in the sunny daylight basement. A larger north front porch has enough room for summer evening sunset viewing and the west deck off of the master suite is a warm place for viewing the winter sun that sets in the southwest. The kitchen has been relocated to the sunny southeast corner.

First Floor

The front foyer opens into the inviting living area large enough for a grand piano. The woodstove hearth is the focal point, but it is balanced on the other end with the wood cooking stove that our clients desired in addition to the conventional range and ovens. The stairs to the daylight basement are to be exposed and finished nicely which creates another interesting area with the nearby desk nook and recessed shelves. The adjacent French doors lead out to the east porch and just around the corner is the large pantry and half bath. The house is connected to the garage by a large family entry with the coats and boots area at one end and laundry at the other. To minimize plumbing fixtures, we've designed the entry to the first floor bath to also be used by bedroom 2 without going through the master bedroom.

Daylight Basement

With land that slopes to the south, all of the south rooms can have plenty of light and some are designed to walk-out French doors. The possibilities for this area are endless, but we have created 2 bedrooms, a den that could also be a craft room, and family room which can be isolated for sound. On the north there is plenty of room for mechanical and storage, a root cellar is tucked under the area that connects the house to the garage.

Garage

The extra large garage is attached on the north and would function well with the doors on the east or north also. The north end is designed for a workshop or vehicle. Pull down attic stairs access the space above between the roof trusses.

Construction Info

For economics of construction, both the basement and first floor walls are 8' high, but with the many windows and sloped trusses in the primary first floor living areas, the ceilings will not feel low. The roof is designed to be constructed with manufactured trusses. Thermal mass is designed into the walls behind the hearth and the several large masonry columns, all of which can be covered with stone, stucco, or tile. Tile floors over some thermal mass are also recommended for increasing comfort.

Modification Ideas

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

- Change the roof to all gables which would allow for the master bedroom to also have sloped ceilings
- Extend the front porch all the way across the north and even consider wrapping it around the west end

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.

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