The Sunshine 4 is another version of our easy-to-build Sunshine plan series with the basics that a single adult or couple needs to live a comfortable life. The small square footage and footprint gives this home a very low environmental impact. The side porch faces east for sunny mornings and a cool place on hot afternoons. The light in the great room and cooling of the entire house is aided with the daylight cooling chimney. With the addition of PV panels and a low energy lifestyle, it would be easy to make this house close to a zero energy home.

The Sunshine 4 is another version of our easy-to-build Sunshine plan series with the basics that a single adult or couple needs to live a comfortable life. The small square footage and footprint gives this home a very low environmental impact. The side porch faces east for sunny mornings and a cool place on hot afternoons. The light in the great room and cooling of the entire house is aided with the daylight cooling chimney. With the addition of PV panels and a low energy lifestyle, it would be easy to make this house close to a zero energy home.

First Floor

The small front porch allows light into the north windows while keeping the construction costs low. Window boxes, curved planters, and a small arched porch will still make the front inviting. The detached garage keeps the scale of the house small. With the vaulted ceilings and abundance of south glass, the main living area will feel very spacious. The family entry is a catch all for not only coats and boots, but just about anything you routinely bring into the house. Pets can enjoy their own private room and you don't have to track mud into the main house to access the half bath. The computer desk nook has a window for light and views, but without the glare that comes with direct sun. Alternatively the front study can house a desk and computer in addition to a small bed for guests. A fold out couch would accommodate more than one. The master bedroom is spacious enough for a sitting or exercise area and the master bath boasts a similar spaciousness. Laundry in the master bath and 36" doors throughout make this house wheelchair-friendly and sensible.

Garage Option

The optional one-vehicle garage also has a large studio area that is passive solar. In addition, the south end of the garage with its windows can also be a greenhouse for plants in winter. With this area detached from the main house it is safer for activities that may involve the use of chemicals better kept isolated from the house.

Construction Info

The exterior walls of the home are 6" studs but could be modified to be ICF, SIP, concrete block, log, or even straw bale. Like many of our plans, the exterior finish can be easily changed. The great room, kitchen, and dining area have vaulted scissors trusses with no walls up to the ceiling. The foundation is a combination slab on grade for thermal mass and crawlspace for accessible plumbing and mechanical

Modification Ideas

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

- Change the study to a small bedroom
- turn part of pantry into a closet and add a door to half bath.
- Save even more square footage by making the house narrower. The kitchen, living, and master bedroom, and master bath could all sacrifice some width for cost savings and still provide the basics needed in a house.

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.