Our Southern Cypress was designed for a challenging site with a west approach and beautiful views to the east. The owner requested an abundance of windows facing the morning sun. The exterior is board and batten siding with a galvanized metal roof for a rustic farmhouse look with a contemporary twist. (As with many of our pre-designed plans, the design has undergone changes over the years based on the owner's comments and experiences. The footprint is the same, but the greater solar gain makes it adaptable to more than just southern climates.)

First Floor

The main living area on the east has views on three sides. The side of the house faces south and we designed the sunroom to capture and buffer the sun. The front of the house with its large west facing porch shades the house from the hot afternoon sun, yet is warm on winter afternoons. The side sunroom is also the primary family entrance as the carport is recommended to be placed just to the southwest of the house. In winter, the plants are brought in and the floor drain makes watering them easy. Behind the half wall, the laundry area is tucked away and ironing is a pleasure while looking south. The hot water heater is also in this wet area of the house and a solar hot water heater can be added on the roof directly above. A downstairs bedroom with private bath and large closet is ideal for guests. The front door enters into an Away Room or office, but with a small closet, it could also qualify as a bedroom.

Second Floor

Upstairs are two bedrooms separated by a bath. The larger, master bedroom has as study loft on one side that overlooks the great room and the large, private, master bath is on the east to capture the sunrises. The vaulted ceilings give these spaces lots of character and keep the ductwork in insulated spaces.

Carport Option

The optional carport is designed to sit to the SW of the house and function also as a covered clothes drying area with clothesline around the perimeter, but it (or a detached garage) could sit elsewhere on your site.

Construction Info

This house is designed to be stick-framed, but our custom energy recommendations that come with blueprint and CAD file orders suggest other energy efficient alternatives for your climate. Most of the downstairs has 9' flat ceilings while upstairs, the sunroom, and part of the living area have vaulted ceilings. Thermal mass is in the concrete floors covered in tile, stone, brick pavers, or decorative concrete. Our book, The Sun-Inspired House has an abundance of information about this house in the form of an energy case study.

Modification Ideas

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

- For a large country kitchen, expand it into the sunroom
- Enlarge the downstairs bedroom and bath for a master suite by expanding out to the north corner. Make it handicap accessible.

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.