Solar Santa Fe (click to enlarge)
Specifications: 488 sq. ft. interior, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 16′ x 45′ plus patio
Description: In addition to the charm of typical Santa Fe homes, this house is designed to optimize passive solar. A tiled roof along the south side is sized to prevent overheating in summer, but allow maximum solar gain in winter. Quality detailing is evident throughout — open, comfortable layout, rough-hewn posts and vigas (round roof timbers), built-in bench and kiva-style fireplace (or wood stove insert). On the cooler east side is a large outdoor flagstone patio (not shown).
Solar Santa Fe (click to enlarge)
Owen,
I have noticed throughout the industry a lack of designs suitable for people in wheelchairs or with other mobility problems. A medical condition a few years ago could have easily resulted in my being in a wheelchair, so I became especially cognizant of this need. Additionally, many disabled people are obviously also very financially constrained.
Thus, it would seem that some minor adaptions to earthbag plans would be extremely beneficial. Even if door clearances were all made a minimum of 36″ wide and provision were made for moving a chair into and out of bathrooms, that would be a great help.
There are also many people who would like to build a home with an eye to living there the rest of their lives. Having one that is accessible can mean the difference between living comfortably and affordably in their own home through advancing years and having to leave it to go to an assisted living home.
I would appreciate it very much if you could consider these issues in at least some of your designs, and possibly to address these issues in a blog post–I would be happy to write something and contribute it if you wish.
It would be very easy to modify designs like this Solar Santa Fe house for wheelchair accessibility. My prices are extremely low, including custom plans. For instance, this plan could be customized for wheelchair accessibility for only $200. The base price is $200, making a total of $400.
http://www.dreamgreenhomes.com/plans/solarsantafe.htm