The Sunny Dream is carefully designed to maximize land use on a narrow lot yet still achieve moderate solar gain. Every square foot has been carefully evaluated to meet the wish list without waste.  A small front porch welcomes while the large back porch houses lively entertaining. The transition from front to back reveals a surprise around every corner from the built-in family foyer to the open staircase to the diagonal hearth. Every space with its numerous windows possesses its own character of daylight to match the room and activities that take place within.

First Floor

The front bedroom that captures the morning light is perfect for a home office or guestroom as well as a bedroom for those who have trouble navigating stairs.  Of course the room where the most time will be spent – the living area – has the number one spot for both solar gain and the lovely west view.  The adjacent kitchen and dining also take advantage of those aspects yet are designed to feel like individual rooms. The away room with French doors can be private or an open part of the living space.

Second Floor

A master suite with its own private sitting room that opens to the sunny dining and a balcony that overlooks western sunsets is truly a relaxing get-a-way. The other two bedrooms upstairs are full of character frequently seen in older homes with the sloping ceilings.  Ample storage and a nook for a stacked washer-dryer are tucked under the eaves.

Daylight Basement

Close to the bottom of the central staircase in the ground floor is the safe room that can also be a root cellar. The basement foyer then opens into a large game room or family room with a cozy, sunny, sitting area. The west side is perfect for a small studio apartment that can have its own outdoor access. 

Attached Garage

The three-vehicle garage has side-entry overhead doors and two doors into the house – one into the foyer and one into the laundry which makes it convenient to hang out clothes via the small side garage door. Pull-down stairs access a large attic area between the roof trusses. Permanent stairs can be constructed.   

Construction Info

Exterior, above grade walls are drawn as 6” to allow for 2x6 studs with exterior insulation, or 6” SIP panels.  The roof is designed to be constructed with deep rafters to allow for thick insulation.  Thermal mass is primarily in the tile floors in the south-facing rooms. The daylight basement with its ICF walls and tile floors has an abundance of thermal mass that can help keep the upper floors cool in summer with the doors between the levels open. The basement and first floor have 9’ ceilings while the second floor has sloped ceilings of various heights.

Modification Ideas

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

Read more about the drawings available for Sun Plans. 

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