Colors, materials, and decorating preferences, as well as possible
variations from the drawings, may be reflected in the above images and
photos - some of which may have been provided by one or more home owners.
For
lots with views to the north, the North View is a simple, but elegant one-story
plan.
First Floor
The main living
area opens to the north, yet the abundance of south windows in the large entry
foyer bring sun into the home and allow for cooling cross ventilation. The back
"Florida" room will be a cool place for summer days, yet it can be closed
off in winter. The dining, kitchen, and breakfast nook also have views to the
north. The side entry close to the kitchen allows for summer dining on the north
porch that stretches across the back of the house. The long wall facing the kitchen
and breakfast is lined with cabinets for kitchen storage or an abundance of cookbooks.
The master suite opens to a north patio. The bedroom to the south of the master
can be a nursery, study, or guestroom in which case the "hers" bath
would be for the temporary guests. With the many south windows this front bedroom
on the southwest corner has the characteristics of a sunroom. The other two bedrooms
are remote from the master suite and can also be closed off from the main living
area with their own bath. The bedroom next to the foyer could also have a door
added from the foyer to function as an office and to aid the distribution of solar
gain. A small study/communications center is tucked into the middle of the house
for convenience to all areas. It could also be transferred into a fireplace/hearth
area.
Carport or Garage Option
The plans come
with a large carport to match the home. The carport is designed to be constructed
just east of the side entry. The carport allows for windows to be on the east
wall of the home, but an attached garage could be added if you were willing to
give up the windows in the side foyer and laundry area.
Construction
Info
The great room and master study (which has the characteristics
of a small sunroom) have vaulted ceilings. The rest of the house has 9' ceilings.
The North View is sun-tempered with less solar gain than some of our plans which
makes it perfect for lower to middle latitudes. It requires no additional thermal
mass to maintain comfort although the concrete slab foundation will aid with tempering
the home year-round. It is also a good compromise for northern latitudes with
beautiful north views if high r-value windows are used. It is one of our most
economical plans to build and the roof can be constructed with trusses.
Modification
Ideas
Since these ideas may affect energy performance and structural
integrity, they should only be undertaken with professional assistance.
- Rotate the house 180 degrees and turn the glassed room and the rest of
the covered porch into a sunroom.
Custom Energy Specs that describe any
recommended adaptations for your climate – insulation values, glass type for
the various windows, overhang lengths.
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