The Sea Breeze is simple in exterior form, but full of surprises inside. The large front porch faces west for sunset viewing.

The Sea Breeze is simple in exterior form, but full of surprises inside. The large front porch faces west for sunset viewing.

First Floor

The kitchen is in the center of the house where it functions best and light is brought in through the central two-story atrium above.The master suite is on the private side of the home with an eastern deck to enjoy the sunrises. Like the great room, it has its own fireplace. The other two first floor bedrooms are on the other side of the house, yet still close to the kitchen and laundry. With the solarium being isolated it functions well in both hot and cold climates.

Second Floor Loft

The loft is accessible with a quaint spiral staircase. It features a library area and bath of its own. It is open on the south and overlooks the main area of the house.

Daylight Basement

The stairs in the two-story solarium (which is the passive solar heater for the home) lead to the basement. (For one-story plans, the solarium would be on the first floor.) Basement living areas open directly into the solarium full of sunlight and the patios to the east.

Garage Option

The house comes with a two-car garage with a shop at one end that could become a third garage. It is designed to match the main house and can either be detached or attached to the north side of the home that would require the laundry room windows to be removed.

Construction Info

The great room, dining, parlor (or "Away" room,) and master bedrooms all have vaulted ceilings. During the cooling season, the entire house can take advantage of natural cooling by opening the awning windows at the top of the atrium in the center of the home. The brick walls and the flooring covered with tile, brick pavers, or stone add sufficient thermal mass to store the solar gain. In general this home has more character than most, but is more complex to build. Like many of our one-story plans, it has less solar gain than our two story plans with more south wall area for more south glass, but a similar net energy performance.

Modification Ideas

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

For a simple home, eliminate the loft (but keep the atrium) and make all of the first floor spaces vaulted.

Eliminate the basement. The sun room would then be on the first floor.

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.