PLAN 497-47

This layout epitomizes a casual rural lifestyle. The floor plan was designed around a central kitchen that acts as a social hub for the rest of the spaces, while wide open living and dining area provides maximum flexibility. Grand cathedral ceilings give the space a sense of drama. This design utilizes R-Control structural insulated panels to create a super insulated building envelope ideal for cold northern climates. The front entry features 2 coat closets, a nook, and a small bench for removing boots. A large mudroom/laundry room has room for lockers and shelving which makes this a great place to keep cold weather clutter from invading the rest of the house. The second floor features a generous master suite as well as a media room that overlooks the main living space. An entertainment center can be discreetly tucked into one wall while a dormer on the other sides is a great place for a desk or home office space. This design started with a simple no nonsense rectangular form. Double French doors create a dramatic light filled living area that flows out onto the patio. A gabled dormer creates a nice place for a bathtub on the second floor and a bump out on the first gives the downstairs bedrooms a more generous proportions. Vertical real wood siding gives this design a rustic aesthetic that is complimented by cultured stone trim. A metal roof shed away snow and is a great surface for mounting solar panels if desired. A large kitchen island is a great place to gather around for communal food preparation or to just to grab a quick breakfast in the morning. 2 large casement windows bring in plenty of light and air. A built in microwave doubles as a hood vent. In the living room, dark wood cabinets and trim help define this large double height space. Built in bookshelves integrate well with the double guard rail on the upper level. Optional ceiling beams are a great way to support lighting fixtures. Locating the media room upstairs minimizes clutter in the main living area.

• LEED for Homes Rating System: Guidelines to meet LEED for Homes certification levels of: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. LEED for Homes is a national, voluntary certification system, developed by national experts and experienced builders, that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes and encourages the adoption of sustainable practices by the homebuilding industry. The LEED for Homes Rating System is part of the suite of nationally recognized LEED Green Building Rating Systems administered by USGBC. Like all LEED Rating Systems, it is the market's leadership system, targeting the top 25% of home building practices in terms of environmental responsibility. LEED provides industry resources and tools on how to "green" any new home. With LEED, homebuilders can differentiate their structures as meeting the highest performance measures, and homebuyers can readily identify high quality green homes. LEED provides national consistency in defining the features of a green home, enables builders anywhere in the country to obtain a green rating on their homes, and assures homebuyers of the quality of their purchases, all based on a recognized national brand. Learn more about the LEED® Rating System here.
• Window shading details: External window shading devices are an effective method for reducing heat gains through windows during Summer. In fact, external shading devices can reduce heat gains by up to 80% if sized and built properly. With this in mind, the founders of Green Living, formerly Free Green, created this page to assist home builders in constructing effective window shading devices. The information we provide includes a zoning map of the United States, zoning charts for proper sizing of shading devices and a variety of shading device styles and materials to suite different tastes and different home designs.
• General Notes: Typically one sheet of general notes pertinent to the construction of the home
• Exterior Elevations: A blueprint picture of all four sides showing exterior materials and measurements.
• Foundation Plan: Drawn to 1/4" scale, this page shows all necessary notations and dimensions including support columns, walls and excavated and unexcavated areas. 
• Floor Plan(s): Detailed plans, drawn to 1/4" scale for each level showing room dimensions, wall partitions, windows, etc. as well as the location of electrical outlets and switches.
• Interior Elevations: Detailed drawings of kitchen cabinet elevations and other elements as required.
• Cross Section: A vertical cutaway view of the house from roof to foundation showing details of framing, construction, flooring and roofing.
• Wall sections and other construction details: Detailed drawings showing wall connections, from foundation to the roof. wall connections to foundation, window installation, siding installation, stair details, and more.
• Framing Plans: Drawn to 1/4" scale. The framing layout is intended to be a suggested layout only. Design loads & weather conditions vary by region. As a result the size, spacing & layout of all structural elements in this home design must be approved by a structural engineer and code official based on your specific site location prior to construction.
• Electrical Plan with electrical symbols legend: In general, each house plan set includes an electrical plan which will show the locations of lights, receptacles, switches, etc. Note: Most Green Living plans have an electrical plan, however some do not. Please contact us to verify.