Plan 3: Orchard House

The shady front porch of Orchard House makes a good place to greet the day if the house faces east or to watch sunsets if it faces west. A short path leads from the porch to an outdoor living area behind the house. Just inside the front door, a compact entry provides access to bath, storage and a bedroom isolated from the main living area. Extra space off the bedroom can be a half-bath as shown, or a second walk-in closet.

All ceilings are higher than standard; the vaulted trusses in the living and dining room rise to nearly 12'. The kitchen, with pantry, eating counter and skylight, opens to the dining area, yet is shielded from the front door. The wheelchair-accessible version modifies the pantry and eating counter for easier use, as well as the laundry, bath, and patio areas.

The expanded house stretches back to accommodate plenty of south-facing glass and a sunny courtyard accessible from the dining area, the large new family room, and the main bedroom suite. The extra bedroom has its own half-bath, which is also convenient for gatherings in the family room. A garage fits into the northeast corner with access to the kitchen through the family room.