PLAN 497-26

This modern and simple cube shape design provides building cost reduction through efficient framing. The vertical nature of this house plan makes its ideal for sloped or narrow sites. This home can be clad in a variety of different materials. Natural wood siding gives this home a clean Scandinavian feel. Fiber cement paneling is a durable budget friendly option that can be painted for a more colorful fresh look. Corrugated galvanized metal is another option and would give the home an industrial modern aesthetic. Ideal for sloped lots, this design offers a sub level 2 car garage with ample storage space. The basement layout is left fairly clean so that you may imagine the possible use of the space to fit your lifestyle. Adjacent to the garage is a conditioned basement that offers ample storage space. This plan has great flow and works well with many different orientation scenarios. From the versatility of the living room layout, to the transition from indoor space to outdoor space, this plan actively addresses both form and function. The open dining room\kitchen, with indoor\outdoor features (Folding accordion doors to the patio) creates a great family space to congregate and discuss the day’s events. The ample living room contains wonderful window lit shelves, and features a multi functional work space. The kitchen is the often the social hub of the house. For this design we wanted to create a series of places for both gathering and working. A large kitchen island is a great place to grab a bowl of cereal in the morning, and gather for communal food preparation. It could also serve as a refreshment bar for those coming in from the backyard. A small desk area is a great place for homework or looking up recipes. The incorporation of computers in domestic life means that you can’t have too many workstations in the modern home. Affordable IKEA cabinets coupled with quality Energy Star rated appliances define the value of this kitchen both in terms of aesthetic appeal and energy performance. The kitchen is open to the main living space creating a communal indoor environment. Sturdy white pine floorboards will hold up to foot traffic. Less expensive than hardwood flooring, white pine has a much faster re-growth cycle making it a more sustainable building product. White pine is also a softer wood and as a result will reveal the true character of the home though the subtle impressions left behind from many years of use while preparing meals for family and friends. The second floor has an appropriately efficient use of space. This floor plan allows for three bedrooms (including a master) and an upstairs washer and dryer. The master bedroom and bathroom are ample, but modest, while the other bedrooms are small but manageable. The optional roof deck is a defining feature of the 1100 square feet of functional outdoor space. Accessed by a closet stair case and hatch door from the upper level this space is fun to discover. Suitable for a potted plant garden, outdoor entertaining or just an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, the roof deck is your own oasis.

• LEED for Homes Rating System: Guidelines to meet LEED for Homes certification levels of: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. LEED for Homes is a national, voluntary certification system, developed by national experts and experienced builders, that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes and encourages the adoption of sustainable practices by the homebuilding industry. The LEED for Homes Rating System is part of the suite of nationally recognized LEED Green Building Rating Systems administered by USGBC. Like all LEED Rating Systems, it is the market's leadership system, targeting the top 25% of home building practices in terms of environmental responsibility. LEED provides industry resources and tools on how to "green" any new home. With LEED, homebuilders can differentiate their structures as meeting the highest performance measures, and homebuyers can readily identify high quality green homes. LEED provides national consistency in defining the features of a green home, enables builders anywhere in the country to obtain a green rating on their homes, and assures homebuyers of the quality of their purchases, all based on a recognized national brand. Learn more about the LEED® Rating System here.
• Window shading details: External window shading devices are an effective method for reducing heat gains through windows during Summer. In fact, external shading devices can reduce heat gains by up to 80% if sized and built properly. With this in mind, the founders of Green Living, formerly Free Green, created this page to assist home builders in constructing effective window shading devices. The information we provide includes a zoning map of the United States, zoning charts for proper sizing of shading devices and a variety of shading device styles and materials to suite different tastes and different home designs.
• General Notes: Typically one sheet of general notes pertinent to the construction of the home
• Exterior Elevations: A blueprint picture of all four sides showing exterior materials and measurements.
• Foundation Plan: Drawn to 1/4" scale, this page shows all necessary notations and dimensions including support columns, walls and excavated and unexcavated areas. 
• Floor Plan(s): Detailed plans, drawn to 1/4" scale for each level showing room dimensions, wall partitions, windows, etc. as well as the location of electrical outlets and switches.
• Interior Elevations: Detailed drawings of kitchen cabinet elevations and other elements as required.
• Cross Section: A vertical cutaway view of the house from roof to foundation showing details of framing, construction, flooring and roofing.
• Wall sections and other construction details: Detailed drawings showing wall connections, from foundation to the roof. wall connections to foundation, window installation, siding installation, stair details, and more.
• Framing Plans: Drawn to 1/4" scale. The framing layout is intended to be a suggested layout only. Design loads & weather conditions vary by region. As a result the size, spacing & layout of all structural elements in this home design must be approved by a structural engineer and code official based on your specific site location prior to construction.
• Electrical Plan with electrical symbols legend: In general, each house plan set includes an electrical plan which will show the locations of lights, receptacles, switches, etc. Note: Most Green Living plans have an electrical plan, however some do not. Please contact us to verify.