The RISE design was inspired by the desire for rising air to help cool the house passively. The light from the large clerestory increases light and reduces glare in the center of the home.  A large masonry wood stove supplements solar gain during much of the winter while also creating an alternative place to bake a pizza. Timber touches throughout the first floor add visual warmth and character to this creative three bedroom, two bath home.    

The RISE design was inspired by the desire for rising air to help cool the house passively. The light from the large clerestory increases light and reduces glare in the center of the home.  A large masonry wood stove supplements solar gain during much of the winter while also creating an alternative place to bake a pizza. Timber touches throughout the first floor add visual warmth and character to this creative three bedroom, two bath home.                    

First Floor

Vaulted ceilings create open and spacious living areas.  The dining space has its own large bay window with east, south and west views yet the adjacent porch will block most of the late afternoon summer sun. The west screened porch is also conveniently located near the kitchen for sunset dinner or drink.

The master bedroom is on the coolest corner of the home. The central laundry is attached to the master bath, but also near the home center.

Loft

The large loft with full length clerestory is the primary feature of the RISE home and is accessed by the central, open staircase. Daylight from above brightens both the loft and living space below.  The walk-up attic has abundant storage with endless options and can be finished into full-time living areas since the central area is 12’ wide.  With the high windows open, the home can stay comfortable without air conditioning in many climates.

Attached Garage

A workshop space transitions between the two vehicle garage (with surrounding storage) and the house. The workshop can also be a large mechanical room. The garage is essentially semi-detached with the small door that accesses the front porch.

Construction Info

While the living, kitchen and dining areas have vaulted ceilings, the foyer and part of the kitchen have lower ceilings with exposed wood beams. The bedroom wing has 9’ tall ceilings throughout.  The entire roof is designed to be framed with manufactured trusses which allows for extra thick insulation in both the flat ceiling bedroom half and the vaulted living portion. 8” thick exterior walls allow for double 2x4’s or thick SIP panels.  Custom Energy Specs with Construction Prints list several options for the particular climate where the house is to be built. Full concrete slab construction provides more than adequate thermal mass in the floors in the south-facing rooms which can be polished or covered in stone, brick or tile.

Modification Ideas

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

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.