Barn-style House

Barn-style House (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 1,260 sq. ft. interior plus 246 sq. ft. upper floor, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, Footprint: 33′ x 46′

Description: Based on the popular barn-style, this design is easy to extend lengthwise in the future. Shown with knotty pine or western cedar board and batten siding. The sunroom in the south-facing shed wing can be finished to client preferences. Possibilities include a larger dining area, grow space, rec room, home office or even an extra bedroom.

Barn-style House Main Floor (click to enlarge)

Barn-style House Upper Floor

Garage w/ 2nd Floor Apartment

Garage w/ 2nd Floor Apartment (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 525 sq. ft. interior apartment, 715 sq. ft. interior garage, Footprint: 30′ x 34′

Description: This garage apartment is practical and affordable. It’s ideal for use as a rental unit or grandparent’s apartment. A two car garage, shop, storage area and optional laundry are on the first floor.

Garage w/ 2nd Floor Apartment Main Floor (click to enlarge)

Garage w/ 2nd Floor Apartment Upper Floor (click to enlarge)

Hexagon/Roundhouse Combination

Hexagon/Roundhouse Combination (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 18′ interior diameter roundhouse = 254 sq. ft., roundhouse loft = 248 sq. ft., 20.5′ hexagon = 372 sq. ft., total = 874 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 28′ x 44′

Description: In this unique design, a two story roundhouse adjoins a hexagon. Features include a large bedroom in the round, a wood stove insert built into a central stone column, and a large loft above the bedroom for use as a home office, etc.

Hexagon/Roundhouse Combination (click to enlarge)

Farmhouse

Farmhouse (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 928 sq. ft. interior plus 512 sq. ft. upper floor, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, Footprint: 32′ x 35′

Description: This classic farmhouse design can be built in three phases: 1. Main two-story structure; 2. Shed roof sunroom addition with family room and 4th bedroom; 3. Porch.

Farmhouse (click to enlarge)

Farmhouse upper floor (click to enlarge)

Double Wide

Double Wide (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 693 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 24′ x 36′

Description: Originally designed to go on 12′ x 36′ trailer chassis, this design could also be built on the ground. The main design goal is a compact shape that provides all the basic amenities one would find in a trailer house (which are very popular despite their poor quality and offgassing of noxious fumes). A trailer design is one way to legally circumvent certain building codes. If you’re building this on the ground, one 2×4 center wall can be deleted to save money and free up a little extra space. A deck or porch on the south creates extra living space at low cost. This design is one of my most efficient, having almost no wasted space.

Double Wide (click to enlarge)

Chonburi

Chonburi (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 624 sq. ft. interior main floor, 624 sq. ft. upper floor, total 1,248 sq. ft. interior, 3 bedroom, 3 bath, Footprint: 27′ x 29′

Description: This sustainable home design is named after one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world – Chonburi, Thailand. Rich with old world charm and character, it has a tiled hip roof, covered entry with columns, arched doorways, large country-style kitchen, and all bedrooms upstairs for privacy. Master bedroom has private bath and love seat. Designed for hot climates, this plan can easily be modified for cold climates. Back doors on east and west sides make it easy to expand later. Optional cathedral ceiling in master bedroom.

Note: larger 3-4 bedroom version also available. 27’x42′ = 1,134 sq. ft. interior each floor for total 2,268 sq. ft., Footprint: 31’x45′

Chonburi main floor (click to enlarge)

Chonburi upper floor (click to enlarge)

Green House

Green House (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 315 sq. ft. interior plus 90 sq. ft. loft, Footprint: 18′ x 24′

Description: A play on words, this tiny house has ‘green’ walls and optional living roof (not shown). Plant covered buildings are very practical, because they can save materials and finish work, reduce heating and cooling loads, oxygenate air around the building, as well as provide habitat for wildlife, buffer noise, etc. This house was designed for two university students who are concerned about the environment. Vines work well, or you could use the living wall system I am currently developing. Here is a prototype of my living walls.

There are two main options: Loadbearing design (no posts), and post and beam.

Green House (click to enlarge)

Pod Houses

3 Pod (click to enlarge)

Specifications: Main pod = 372 sq. ft., double bedroom pod = 372 sq. ft., master bedroom pod = 372 sq. ft., connecting spaces = 220 sq. ft., total = 1,336 sq. ft. interior, Footprint: 42′ x 87′

Description: This design connects hexagonal pods or modules that can be arranged in various configurations using more or fewer pods. This enables the home to be built one stage at a time. The bonus room in the double bedroom pod can be used as a study, etc. The bonus room in the master bedroom pod can serve as a home office, guest room, etc.

3 Pod (click to enlarge)

Here’s another configuration using two pods.

2 Pod (click to enlarge)

2 Pod (click to enlarge)

Native Spirit

Native Spirit (click to enlarge)

Native Spirit (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 565 sq. ft. interior, plus 291 sq. ft. tower (4 levels), 1 bedroom (fold-out bed), 1 bath, Footprint: 35′ x 45′

Description: This is my favorite design so far. I think it’s especially nice in elevation.

Native Spirit (click to enlarge)

The original post generated over two dozen comments.

33′ (10m) Roundhouse – 2 Bedroom

33′ (10m) Roundhouse - 2 Bedroom (click to enlarge)

Specifications: 855 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 36′ diameter

Description: 10 meters (33’) diameter is the maximum size of a round earthbag structure before needing buttressing. This spacious design features a large master bedroom with desk and walk-in closet, efficient kitchen and south-facing window wall for excellent solar gain.

33′ (10m) Roundhouse - 2 Bedroom (click to enlarge)

33' Roundhouse with Open-air Deck (click to enlarge)

33′ (10m) 2-story Roundhouse with Open-air Arched Doorways

33′ (10m) 2-story Roundhouse with Open-air Arched Doorways