Energy-Efficiency Requirements:
- Earth Sheltered layout - Set into hill w/ minimal windows on north side
- Passive Solar Design - Capture as much solar heat gain as practically possible
- Super Insulated Building Envelope - I guess all concepts would follow this strategy anyway
- Slab-On-Grade Construction - Floor plans must be compatible with having no basement
- Masonry Woodstove - To be centrally located in home for maximum heating impact
Functional Requirements:
- Single Story Living - Keep most activities on main floor and accessible
- 2 bedrooms on main floor
- 2 bathrooms on main floor (one in master suite)
- Laundry on first floor
- Open Concept Living Area - Kitchen, Dining and Living all in one great room
- Ideally the plan would have an open loft in view of the great room (kids play area)
- Layout compatible with an attached screen porch and greenhouse - Without blocking all our views
- Aging-in-place - Provisions for future wheelchair access, means wide doorways and no steps on main floor
- Over, but as close to, 1200 square feet as possible - Also with 26 ft minimum sides (local ordinance)
Eh, those lists aren't Sooo long, right? Piece-a-cake. Good thing we have such an ace architect on our team! Working with Giraffe Design Build, is Steven Varnum of Caddis Design.
