FREE GREEN

We started with a simple one story box with a generous living area that flows into the kitchen. This plan would work well on almost any rural lot. The optimal solar orientation for this design is with the large double sliders facing south but the design will still perform well in other orientations as long as the passive solar guidelines included in the construction documents are followed. Fiber cement board is a great siding option that is both affordable and durable. It can take on a variety of different looks depending on how it is painted, giving homeowners the option of personalizing their preferred color scheme. We used windows conservatively to keep construction costs low but splurged a bit on the dramatic double sliding doors in the main living area. This feature will allow the living space to feel even larger as well as allowing outdoor entertaining in easy proximity to the kitchen. The shading devices not only improve energy performance but also can give the house a distinct look. The