The Sun Dance 7 is a variation of our earlier Sun Dance Cottage. The front still faces west (or east if the plan is reversed), but the plan has been simplified in shape while still maintaining the unique character and the multipurpose, central sunroom that could also function as a separate study or a fourth bedroom.

The Sun Dance 7 is a variation of our earlier Sun Dance Cottage. The front still faces west (or east if the plan is reversed), but the plan has been simplified in shape while still maintaining the unique character and the multipurpose, central sunroom that could also function as a separate study or a fourth bedroom.

First Floor

The first floor has the same openness as our other Sun Dance plans with the dining and living spanning from north to south. The kitchen is still on the cool, north side. The great room of the Sun Dance 7 features a large hearth with woodstove. The wrap-around front corner porch is still accessible from the dining and front entry. Further back is the more practical family entry that also is the laundry and mudroom.

Second Floor

Upstairs the two bedrooms on each end have sloped ceilings and high windows on the sides to increase natural cooling. They also have views to spaces below and access to the large walk-in, insulated storage.

Daylight Basement

The extra rooms in this half-bermed, daylight basement can be reached through the sunroom. The western half has an optional walk-out door to the south. The central room is full of character with the surrounding stone or tile-covered walls. The north side would make a great game area or entertainment area for spaces not compatible with an abundance of sun.

Garage Option

The detached garage option is suggested to be placed to the northeast of the main house near the laundry entry. It could easily be attached with field modifications by the builder.

Construction Info

The great room and dining have sloped ceilings beneath vaulted roof trusses. The kitchen also has sloped ceilings that allow the heat to rise. The rest of the first floor has 8' ceilings but the abundance of glass makes the ceilings feel higher. The thermal mass that is necessary for indoor comfort is primarily in the masonry walls that could be covered in stone, tile, or stucco. The Sun Dance series are some of our most energy efficient homes with the abundance of south wall area (and therefore potential for south glass) in relation to the overall square footage of the house.

Modification Ideas

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

- Take off the second floor and place the two extra bedrooms in the sunny basement, then frame the roof with trusses.
- Incorporate the exterior storage and adjacent covered area into part of a large kitchen

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.