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solar plans

This list of plans will grow considerably over the next several months and will later be separated by orientation, but in the meantime, please use the link below to browse what's available.

Orientations are noted with the thumbnails to the right.

Passive solar design refers to the use of the sun's energy to heat and cool the living spaces in a home, utilizing the southern exposure to allow the sun to enter the home during the winter and warm it's interior.

HOME: All House Plans

Welcome to our site of stock house plans.  These house plans basically fall into two categories; those that are site specific to the sun, and those that are not.  The vast majority of stock house plans and custom homes are not placed on a site with consideration to the sun’s path across the sky.  I see only one valid reason for not considering the sun’s path in siting a house, and that is when there is no direct sun available for most of the day.  Unfortunately, this is often the case and that’s the end of the story.  The navigation links on the right will explain the principles of solar design, including site considerations, and the navigation links on the left will sort the plans to narrow your search if the solar option is warranted.  Our site first started out catering to the narrow lots found in old urban areas, and the bungalow, arts & crafts house plans styles.  Now the focus is on solar-oriented plans and less confining lots.

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All these house plans strive to conform to several main design principles.  These deal with the interior layout being open, efficient small floor plans, and exteriors centered around large usable porches.  Many years ago the interior layout was generated by needs not valid today.  We no longer find it necessary to separate the kitchen from the house to protect the home in case of fire, and we don’t heat with wood in the same way, etc.  Today, we tend to congregate around cooking activities and the entertainment (TV and music).  Incorporating the main living area, kitchen, and dining areas results in a space more enjoyed by most families, and maximized usable floor area.  This creates larger feeling rooms and a smaller footprint.  Relationship with the outdoors is also an important design principle.  On narrow lots, there is only so much one can do, but the use of porches, found in traditional craftsman-style bungalows, unites the inside with the outside very nicely.  The humble styles of the Arts & Crafts Bungalows provide comfort and utility, simply and beautifully.

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