The Moorhaus Cottage was inspired by the popular Roseburg Cottage
series, but modified to reflect the unique characters of our clients.
The practical spouse's concerns for snow shed and messy pets were addressed
along with the lively, artistic spouse who required some drama. The delightful
staircase leading up to the central reading loft is lined with shelves
and openings. The east-facing kitchen, screened porch, and balcony provide
eastern views. The knee braces and gable lend a craftsman style to this
practical home that could be nestled in the woods or a subdivision with
the approach from the northeast or northwest.
First Floor
The spacious entry has space for many coats and boots, or nice entry
furniture. The door to the main living area allows the entry to serve
as an airlock during hot and cold periods. A stained glass door would
welcome you into the main southern living areas where the living and dining
areas flow together. The kitchen is tucked in the cool northeast corner.
Views to the south across the dining will bring in plenty of light. The
nearby northeast deck will be a cool place for summer cookouts. The master
bedroom's high west windows bring in both light and ventilation to keep
the room comfortable. The two master closets should help with clothes
organization. The master bath is designed for a portion to be used by
guests - saving on the need to have a separate half bath.
Second Floor
The central reading area overlooks the main living area. A bedroom on
the west, study on the east, and away room on the north all share the
quaint central bathroom. The small east and west dormers in the north
away room each have a window seat. Opposite windows allow for balanced
light and breezes. Without direct southern sun, this room would have softer
light for reading and computers. The walls can be lined with shelves.
Daylight Basement
The daylight basement is accessed from either the central stairs or from
outside near the detached garage. The basement space, which could be a
workshop since there are already plenty of bedrooms above, will be a warm
place to work all winter with the abundance of south glass. The cool earth
on the north will help stabilize temperatures year-round and will be wonderful
for a root cellar or mechanical space.
Garage
The two-vehicle garage with the extra area on the south end can be greenhouse,
shop, or lawn equipment storage. The attic above can be accessed by pull
down stairs.
Construction Info
The great room, part of the kitchen, and upstairs have sloped rafter-framed
ceilings for character and efficient use of space. The rest of the first
floor has 8' flat ceilings. The walls of the basement and first floor
are designed to be constructed with ICF (insulated concrete forms) of
which there are numerous manufacturers from which to choose. The second
floor is designed to have 6" studs. The thermal mass is designed to be
in stone-covered walls and tile floors on the south. (Note: The Moorhaus
Cottage in The Sun-Inspired House, Oct. 2005, is shown with 6"
stud first floor walls. That went to print prior to the client switching
to ICF.)
Modification Ideas
Since these may affect energy performance and structural integrity, they
should only be undertaken with professional assistance.
- Build the first floor on a concrete slab to increase mass
- Reverse the plan for land that slopes to the east
- Build the main house with 2x6 stud walls or SIPs
Want to study this sun-inspired house design?
Read more about
the drawings available for various Sun Plans.
Ready to build this house plan?
For this plan, the following are included:
Schematic Site Plan
Daylight Basement Plan
Floor Plans Exterior Elevations
Building Section
Kitchen Elevations
Typical Wall Detail
Schematic Electrical
Schematic Framing Plans
Detached Garage 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.
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