The north-facing Sunshine 6 is a simplified basement version of our easy-to-build Sunshine plan series. It features the same large master suite, open living area and long hearth wall. Attractive “U” shaped stairs that lead to the sunny lower level were added near the side family entry.  The side porch faces east for sunny mornings and a cool place on hot afternoons. 

First Floor

The welcoming front porch large enough for two rockers along with the curved planters and stone covered porch elements create an inviting entry. The airlock entry foyer with French doors opens into the spacious vaulted ceiling area of the great room with abundance of south glass. The nearby front study opens to the main living area through with French doors.

The side family entry is a catch all for not only coats and boots, but just about anything routinely brought into the house.  The nearby half bath is conveniently located for workshop and outdoor use. On the private side of the home, the master bedroom and bath suite that includes the laundry is creatively arranged to allow for both privacy and use by others in the home. 

Daylight Basement

Finishing the sunny lower level doubles the square footage of the home in a very economical manner. Two large bedrooms, a central living area, large bath, laundry and abundance of storage make large or multi-generation family living convenient yet private for everyone.

Detached Garage Workshop

The detached garage keeps the scale of the house small. The optional two-car building with workshop area has south windows for passive solar gain.  With the covered walkway to the house, the detached garage is safer for activities that may involve the use of chemicals better kept isolated from living areas. The garage can be located in many different places.

Construction Info

The 8’ high exterior walls of the first floor stud walls are easy to fill with blown or sprayed insulation then wrapped on the exterior with additional insulation that varies per the climate of construction.  The daylight basement has insulated concrete walls 8’ high. The great room, kitchen, and dining area have spacious ceilings beneath the vaulted scissors trusses with few walls up to the ceiling.  The primary thermal mass to keep inside temperatures from getting too hot on sunny winter days is in the thermal mass wall in the center of the home on both levels. Windows are strategically located for the right balance of daylight and cross breezes for passive cooling. Cooling is aided with the daylight-cooling chimney while the south facing windows provide a large part of the winter heating. 

Modification Ideas

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

- Reverse the home to place the master bedroom on the east and the screened porch on the west for sunset viewing

- Reduce the kitchen, living, and master bedroom, and master bath in width for a savings of approximately120 s.f.

Construction Prints, etc.

For this plan, the following are included with orders for Construction Prints and CAD Files:

Custom Energy Recommendations (describes how to adapt the home to your location by adapting the insulation values, windows, thermal mass, overhang lengths, and sometimes framing to accommodate necessary insulation)