The Islander 8 has full wrap around porches on the front and back which create a number of outdoor living spaces. The back porch is connected to the laundry and dining while the front porch is accessed from the main entry area and master bedroom. The plan's high amount of south-facing glass and thermal mass allow for the sun to supply a high percentage of winter heat. The home's simple shape results in a relatively low construction cost. With the front door tucked into the northeast corner, the house is inviting with drives from both the north and west, or north and east with a reversed plan.

The Islander 8 has full wrap around porches on the front and back which create a number of outdoor living spaces. The back porch is connected to the laundry and dining while the front porch is accessed from the main entry area and master bedroom. The plan's high amount of south-facing glass and thermal mass allow for the sun to supply a high percentage of winter heat. The home's simple shape results in a relatively low construction cost. With the front door tucked into the northeast corner, the house is inviting with drives from both the north and west, or north and east with a reversed plan.

First Floor

The large welcoming foyer is convenient for both guests and family. The transition through the art gallery gradually opens to the grand living area with views to the east and south. The wood stove is the focus and hearth of the home. The nearby daylight cooling chimney allows hot air to exit in summer and daylight to brighten the center of the living area year round.

The kitchen, with its extra large pantry, and dining area have the wonderful large and comfortable layout for informal living. The east porch is wonderful for sunny morning meals or cool evening drinks. The nearby laundry and exterior door allow easy access to the north east porch and patio, and a quick outside access for hanging out clothes in the sun.

The master bedroom on the private end of the house has expansive south and west views. Proximity to the other bedrooms is convenient for those with small children or snoring partners who have their own bedroom. Bedroom 2 and 3 would function well as a study or exercise room.

Attached Garage

The garage with 9' wide doors is attached on the north with doors close to the front steps. It is separated from the main house by the airlock foyer, yet it has quick access to the half bath and laundry. A large open corner has ample space for recycling containers or a workshop, and the opposite corner has been closed off for mechanical equipment.

Construction Info

The roof is designed to be constructed with scissors/vaulted trusses over the main livings areas. This allows for a very open first floor without an excessive volume that wastes energy. With the 9' first floor ceilings in other areas, and the daylight-cooling chimney in the center, the house lends itself well to passive cooling. The concrete slab on the entire south side of the home provides plenty of thermal mass to keep the rooms comfortable as this house has more south glass than many other Islander homes. A north crawlspace allows easier access to plumbing and mechanical equipment.

Modification Ideas

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

- Reverse the plan to capture sunset views from the kitchen and dining. This allows for sunrise views from the master bedroom
- Add a door from the foyer to bedroom 2 for a home office - Widen the doors and halls, and remove the steps for a wheelchair friendly plan
- Add a sun room on either the southeast or southwest corner that functions as a screened porch when the windows on three sides are open
- Detach the garage to reduce chances of contaminates entering the home

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.

The color 2-D image shown as a "photo" can be customized through Consulting Services.