The design of this house started with a simple rectangle. Several spaces were carved out from the rectangle to articulate an entrance and create indentations that feature bi-folding glass doors which connect to outdoor deck spaces. This house was designed in such a way that a wall of cabinetry can serve as an organizational catalyst in the otherwise open space. The optimal orientation for this plan is with the bi-folding doors facing south. The living room is filled with abundant natural daylight thanks to the high windows along the wall. Indoor comfort is maximized due to the overhangs that minimize direct sunlight from the summer sun, yet permit it in the winter when it is lower in the sky. The open floor plan with loft-like double-height ceilings and slate floors create a sophisticated, modern space. The electrical outlets in the glass wall cabinets are the perfect place to charge your smart phone and hide your stereo and dvd player. By day, the mezzanine on the upper level is a great place for a home office. By night, the high-end stainless steel lighting fixture provides ultimate mood lighting with its dimmable controls. Wine bottle pendant lights are a novel reclamation of a common kitchen staple and will consistently be a conversation piece at each dinner party. The quartz counter and table material tie the two surfaces together and allow the dining table to double as a kitchen island. The kitchen appliance suite features in-wall oven and microwave, a gas range, and overhead vent. The accordion style doors create a dramatic opening between the dining room and the patio, instantly transforms your dining room into a charming Parisian café, all in the privacy of your own home. The bedroom on the first floor also features a folding door that extends the room’s area onto the patio during nice summer days. Strategically placed landscaping such as bamboo can create a natural barrier between adjoining properties and improve the aesthetic view. This bedroom can also serve as a hobby room or private study and is generous in area to accommodate a desk, shelving, and sizable closets. The windows on either side of the room admit ample natural light minimizing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The second floor features a mezzanine area that is great for either a lounge off the bedroom or an office or study space. A private roof deck is a great way to experience a private outdoor setting in even in dense urban environments. Pocket doors allow for a continuous open flow of spaces. 16 feet of closet space provides plenty of storage for your clothing and personal belongings. The window nook at the end of the closet block is the perfect retreat at the end of a long day. An alternate closet design is included. This roof deck is a great place for private sunbathing during sunny summer days. The wall slats can be configured to block the line of sight from the street. The roof environment can be enhanced with planters that not only provide a calming ambiance but also shade the roof from direct sunlight. The luxurious bathroom features generous space for tub, shower stall, and toilet. The window lets in plenty of natural light without sacrificing privacy. An Energy Star bathroom fan maintains indoor air quality by removing moisture and mitigating against mold growth.See house plan #497-53 for a version of this home with a detached garage.

• 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.