The Longleaf Atrium is largely based on our popular Garden Atrium home, with its raised atrium to allow light to penetrate the center of the home. Unlike the Garden Atrium, the Longleaf Atrium has a simpler roof line that saves on construction costs. The northwest-facing front porch has room for large rocking chairs from which to view the late summer sun. The cozy sunroom found in the southern corner provides ample warmth or refreshing coolness throughout the year.

The Longleaf Atrium is largely based on our popular Garden Atrium home, with its raised atrium to allow light to penetrate the center of the home. Unlike the Garden Atrium, the Longleaf Atrium has a simpler roof line that saves on construction costs. The northwest-facing front porch has room for large rocking chairs from which to view the late summer sun. The cozy sunroom found in the southern corner provides ample warmth or refreshing coolness throughout the year.

First Floor

The great room takes full advantage of the atrium with its high, vaulted ceilings that are connected to the atrium above. From here the great room flows into the dining area and the kitchen, allowing for an open, friendly atmosphere through the house. The kitchen is equipped with a working pantry, complete with an extra oven as well as a sink and more counter space if needed. The dining area is also vaulted, giving the room a pleasant, spacious feel. Large south windows allow for light to penetrate into the kitchen area and a door leads to the deck on the south side of the home.

The bedroom near the entrance may be used as a home office or guest room with the attached bathroom. This room has a window seat that overlooks the front courtyard and the northeast rising summer sun. It provides a relaxing place to read or work.

Second Floor

The stairs lead up to a large second floor with two bedrooms and shared bath. An entertainment room has high windows which leave room for a large television or bookcase beneath. There is ample room for a small pool table in this room if desired. The southeast balcony with room chase lounge chairs overlooks the back property.

Carport and Garage

The garage is separated from the house by a carport, with a patio branching off of it. Proximity to both the front and back yards make the carport a perfect covered party space. The pull down attic stairs in the garage portion allow for another access up to the extra large attic storage.

Construction Info

The great room, dining, and part of the kitchen have vaulted ceilings that transition up to the atrium. The remaining first floor ceilings are 9’. With the entire house on a concrete slab, there is plenty of thermal mass for storing the sun’s heat, and the contact with the earth will have summer cooling benefits as well. The southeast floors can be covered in stone or tile, or stained concrete. The Longleaf Atrium is a less complex passive solar home than it’s predecessor the Garden Atrium.

Modification Ideas

Since changes may affect energy performance and structural integrity, they should be done with professional assistance.

- Orient the house with the long back side to true south and then reduce west glass to prevent afternoon overheating
- For narrow lots, move the garage (attached or detached) to the south side of the screened porch
- Create another small first floor bedroom or study between the laundry and pantry by stealing space from each. Consider adding a shower to the half bath.
- Turn the screened porch (if built on a slab) into a winter greenhouse with the addition of removable glass panels.

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 3-D images shown as "photos" were commissioned by the original client. They can be created for any SunPlan through Consulting Services.