The Webster House evolved from our popular Islander series with the simple yet inviting exterior and numerous exterior porches. Our creative client wanted to reverse the main house plan to take advantage of southwest views and sunsets from the dining area, but leave the west facing front. As usual with custom changes, we suggested numerous other improvements to increase floor plan efficiency and livability of the home. The gallery foyer that overlooks a "u" shaped open staircase to the basement opens up the entire living/foyer area.

The Webster House evolved from our popular Islander series with the simple yet inviting exterior and numerous exterior porches. Our creative client wanted to reverse the main house plan to take advantage of southwest views and sunsets from the dining area, but leave the west facing front. As usual with custom changes, we suggested numerous other improvements to increase floor plan efficiency and livability of the home. The gallery foyer that overlooks a "u" shaped open staircase to the basement opens up the entire living/foyer area.

Main Floor

The large kitchen has views to the northwest through the corner windows and looks out to the west like the dining area. The pet-friendly home owners traded the 3rd bedroom for a pet room and stairs down to a full basement where other bedrooms could be added as needed. Bath 2 was relocated to eliminate the need for half bath on the garage/utility side of the home which is more convenient for those who will use the 2nd bedroom as a study most of the time. Guests can access bath 2 from the foyer.

The laundry that opens to the back porch for hanging out clothes under a protected area yet it is away from the more restful east porch off of the master suite. With the extra doors, home owners can cart laundry without going through the main living area. Most of the main doors are 3' wide and the main hall has been widened slightly for wheelchair convenience.

The hearth of the main living area is brightened by the daylight cooling chimney that also creates a place for the flue to pass through. It contains an operable window to let in light for year-round brightness and let out hot air for summer passive cooling.

Basement

Although shown unfinished, with the central staircase from above and the south doors and windows, the uses are endless.

Garage

The garage and front drive are conveniently located near the front entry. The entry to the house has no steps and opens into the air lock to minimize garage fumes and outdoor air.

Construction Info

The roof is designed to be constructed with trusses, which allows for a very open first floor with few bearing walls. The entire kitchen, dining, and great room are designed to be open and vaulted with scissors trusses. The 9' first floor ceilings elsewhere can have attic storage above them. The daylight-cooling chimney increases passive cooling - especially if the main floor is open to the basement (with the high amount of thermal mass) during hot seasons. Other thermal mass is located in the masonry walls around the hearth and all of the floors are designed to have tile over gypsum cement.

Modification Ideas

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

- Move the garage doors to the north and add front windows
- Detach the garage to allow windows into the laundry room - Reverse the pet room and bath 2
- Continue the basement ICF walls all the way up to the roof for a very strong, energy-efficient home with more thermal mass
- If you want wood floors, reduce south glass to 7% of floor area

Read more about the drawings available for various Sun Plans.