First Floor 1239 s.f.
Second Floor 1072 s.f.
Total Interior 2311 s.f.
Covered Porches 432 s.f.
Opt. Garage 558 s.f.
Opt. Bonus Rm. 438 s.f.
Width 56'+26' Garage
Depth 33'
Front Faces North
10% South Glass
The Northern Sun was inspired by our Four Seasons house plans
with the south side still full of windows. Our client wanted to combine
the traditional elements of a large, symmetrical front porch and central
foyer with a staircase, but an interior that fit their growing family.
The focal point in the home is the two story foyer in front that connects
to the two story sunroom & dining on the south.
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.
The Northern Sun was inspired by our Four Seasons house plans
with the south side still full of windows. Our client wanted to combine
the traditional elements of a large, symmetrical front porch and central
foyer with a staircase, but an interior that fit their growing family.
The focal point in the home is the two story foyer in front that connects
to the two story sunroom & dining on the south.
First Floor
The two story dining with the bay window has a large kitchen on one side
and family room on the other. The hearth (woodstove shown) can be enjoyed
by all of these family spaces. The front, north side of the home is a
little more formal with the elegant foyer that has a home office (future
bedroom) on one side and a nook for a piano or desk on the other side
which is also open to the family room. The west screened porch is accessible
from both north and south ends of the house making it easy to use for
sunset viewing and good party circulation. While it was necessary to place
some steps from the garage to the house (due to bonus room constraints)
and the front porch (due to the raised porch), the majority of the first
floor would be fairly easy to get around in as you age.
Second Floor
The master bedroom upstairs has a spacious bathroom on the north. On
the side there is a large closet with a laundry chute to below or an optional
washer and dryer. The two children's bedrooms have large, fun closets
tucked under the eaves and a bathroom that is shared by both.
Foundation Option
The combination foundation combines the best of a concrete slab for thermal
mass and crawlspace for the raised look and plumbing access.
Construction Info
The entire second floor has exterior walls that slope up from 8' to 10'.
The first floor has 9' ceilings. The thermal mass needed to prevent large
interior winter temperature swings is located in the concrete slab floor
that can be covered with such things as tile, stone, brick pavers, etc.
Modification Ideas
Since these ideas may affect energy performance and structural integrity,
they should only be undertaken with professional assistance.
- Add a small second floor laundry at the top of the stairs by rearranging
the master bathroom and closet.
- Add another bedroom or study upstairs by flooring the two story sunroom.
- See our Northern Sun 2 for a larger house with brick exterior, reversed
with east balcony, a full daylight basement, etc.
Schematic Site Plan
Combination slab and crawlspace foundation
Floor Plans
Exterior Elevations (all four sides)
Building Section (includes interior view)
Kitchen Elevations
Typical Wall Detail
Schematic Electrical (showing outlets, switches, and lights)
Schematic Framing Plans of floors and roof
Garage included on drawings
Custom Energy Specs that describe any
recommended adaptations for your climate – insulation values, glass type for
the various windows, overhang lengths.
Thanks to Amy who sent us the photos of her house, built in a moderate climate
zone.
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