The Solstice 3 (like all of Sun Plans passive solar designs) is a sun-inspired home warmed and brightened by the sun. The north-facing front incorporates just enough windows for balanced daylight and passive cooling with easy-to-open casement windows. At the entry, your eyes are drawn up the stairs within the two-story foyer, and on through to the expanse of south-facing windows in the great room that are shaded from summer sun. This sunny home blends easily into nature or a subdivision and exemplifies the gold lining of green building.

The Solstice 3 (like all of Sun Plans passive solar designs) is a sun-inspired home warmed and brightened by the sun. The north-facing front incorporates just enough windows for balanced daylight and passive cooling with easy-to-open casement windows. At the entry, your eyes are drawn up the stairs within the two-story foyer, and on through to the expanse of south-facing windows in the great room that are shaded from summer sun. This sunny home blends easily into nature or a subdivision and exemplifies the gold lining of green building.

First Floor

The southern rooms: master bedroom, great room, dining area, and kitchen are full of direct sunlight in winter and indirect sun in summer. The fireplace hearth and nearby bay window is the focal area of the main living area which is overlooked by the second floor walk above. The study near the front foyer near lends itself to a home office, but equally well as a guest room with the nearby ¾ bath. This bath is not too far from the side entry either making it easy to access from the laundry, kitchen, yard, or shop. The family entry features a small desk nook and opens onto the large airlock entry/mud room with ample space for coats, boots, or pets. The master bedroom is on the private, eastern side to welcome the morning sun. A large window seat on the south is large enough for lounging or a window full of plants.

Second Floor

The top of the central, open stairs overlooks the foyer. At either end are large bedrooms that share a central bath and large study. Each has a south dormer with a window seat to curl up in to soak up the lower winter sun. Attic storage is easy to walk into.

Full Basement

The central stairs open into the middle of the basement. Endless possibilities for the space depend upon the slope of your land and your lifestyle.

Garage Option

The extra-wide optional, detached three-vehicle garage has south windows for a greenhouse space or shop. It can store many toys, yard tools, and recycling bins. The stairs make it possible to easily access the upper space between the attic trusses.

Construction Info

The exterior walls and the first floor framing are ICF (insulated concrete forms) while the dormers and roof are stick framed filled with sprayed foam insulation. The first floor has 9' ceilings except the great room and upstairs which have sloped ceilings. The concrete mass of the home that keeps the interior temperatures stable is in ICF walls and floors that can be tiled or polished. Accents of rugs and wood are of course permitted. Stone accents around the fireplace and columns add visual warmth. An exterior of stone, cement board lap siding, and metal roofing make the home both fire-resistant and welcoming.

Modification Ideas

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

- Not enough room on your site for the side garage? Add a basement garage on the east or attach it to the west.

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.