Ryan's Retreat accommodates aging in place and existing wheelchair needs in a home with a creative ramp through a delightful sunroom. The central staircase adds elegance to the front of the home while the central wood stove adds comfort to the back. A small, north-facing front porch allows for maximum light to enter the north rooms of the home so that all spaces receive plenty of daylight. Cement board lap and shingle siding, a metal roof, and thin stone veneer creates a low-maintenance home with a simple craftsman style.

Ryan's Retreat accommodates aging in place and existing wheelchair needs in a home with a creative ramp through a delightful sunroom. The central staircase adds elegance to the front of the home while the central wood stove adds comfort to the back. A small, north-facing front porch allows for maximum light to enter the north rooms of the home so that all spaces receive plenty of daylight. Cement board lap and shingle siding, a metal roof, and thin stone veneer creates a low-maintenance home with a simple craftsman style.

First Floor

From the front entry, the expanse of south glass in the living area beckons the visitor to the living and dining areas with a nearby study nook that opens to the kitchen. The west porch makes outdoor dining and sunset viewing convenient. The front bedroom can be accessed from two locations which enables the flow of people and air. The laundry is near both bedrooms and the sunroom which functions as an airlock and place for drying clothes. And with doors on the north and south, it's understandable that the sunroom may become the most used room of the home! A floor drain aids in watering the plants.

Second Floor

The second floor spaces are economically nestled between the attic trusses. Sloped ceilings and end windows give the bedrooms character and light. The shared bath can be used by two and the abundance of eave storage will delight avid collectors of decorations even without added basement storage.

Basement

The central stairs allow quick access to the basement which is intended to house the mechanical systems. It will be cool and offer storm protection as well. Window wells could be added for flat lots. Sloped lots have endless possibilities.

Garage

The oversized two-vehicle garage connects directly to the sunroom family entry. A storage area between the attic trusses can be accessed by pull down attic stairs. Construction Info The first floor has 6" walls which could easily be increased for other construction methods. The 9' high walls are designed to support the attic roof trusses with the center part open for the second floor areas with sloped ceilings. The thermal mass is designed to be in the partial first floor slab. If eliminated, some additional interior thermal mass would need to be added to keep the spaces from overheating in winter

Modification Ideas

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

- Stick frame the second floor with rafters and add dormers on the south and possibly north. Then consider a small loft in a south dormer that would overlook the great room. (This option is more expensive than attic trusses.)
- If the land slopes to the south allowing for a daylight basement, consider placing extra rooms there and eliminate the second floor altogether.
- Attach the garage to the west side near the screened porch and build an east porch to capture morning sunrises.

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.

Custom Energy Specs that describe any recommended adaptations for your climate – insulation values, glass type for the various windows, overhang lengths.