The Prairie Dog 2 is a modification of our earlier Prairie Dog. This client wanted to keep the basic simple shape, but create a larger breakfast nook with 180 degrees views and change the west porch into a sunroom. The longer garage gave them more space for a small workshop inside. With the front of the house facing north, the garage doors are on the side. The wrap around front porch creates a cozy impression.

The Prairie Dog 2 is a modification of our earlier Prairie Dog. This client wanted to keep the basic simple shape, but create a larger breakfast nook with 180 degrees views and change the west porch into a sunroom. The longer garage gave them more space for a small workshop inside. With the front of the house facing north, the garage doors are on the side. The wrap around front porch creates a cozy impression.

First Floor

Like most of our homes, the first floor has the main living spaces and the ones on the south are vaulted and open. Our client wanted the master bedroom to be isolated from the other bedroom which would serve as a study for the early rising spouse who wanted to also see the sun come up. It is in the more private back part of the house yet has the convenience of the laundry room pass through. The laundry is near the center of the house to make it convenient from all work areas as well as the garage entry. The sunny bay breakfast nook is the focal point with built in seating and views from east to west. With arches between the kitchen and great room, and kitchen and dining, the cook will not feel left out and the guests won't see the mess. Bedroom two with its easy access and central bath would make a great study or guest bedroom.

Daylight Basement

The sunny basement is designed with flexibility and it too is easily accessed from the center of the home. The sun will stream down the stairs in winter. You can have at least 3 bedrooms and a bath or two can be combined to become an entertainment room. The root storage is tucked into the cool north side. The patio doors on the west allow for easy outside access.

Garage

The garage has been extended to make the west garage door placement not cramp the front door. That also allows for more room for extra storage or a workshop. Like many of our plans, the attached garage is designed such that it can be eliminated or constructed later. Its location allows the family to enter the same nice entry as the guests.

Construction Info

The Prairie Dog 2 is designed to be constructed with a trussed roof (some are vaulted), 6" walls, and an ICF (insulated concrete form) foundation. The first floor has 8' ceilings with the south rooms vaulted to the center. The north rooms could be vaulted too, but our client and her budget liked the contrast of high and low ceilings. We have designed the thermal mass walls around the kitchen to temper the strong winter heat gain. They can be finished in tile, stone, or stucco.

Modification Ideas

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

- Increase the ceiling heights or vault the entire first floor
- Build just the first floor and take out the stairs
- Build the garage later or not at all
- Move the garage door to another side

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.