PLAN 497-30

Ideal for rural or suburban lots, this Contemporary Ranch is a small home that maximizes space through an open floor plan and well organized spaces. Emphasis has been placed on passive solar design techniques. These techniques include large shaded glazing areas that can be oriented for southern exposure. The exterior maintains some classic ranch features such as a single story, low pitched roof and long proportions but also includes some contemporary upgrades such as a sleek metal roof and fiber cement siding panels. These materials are cost effective and durable. To maximize passive solar gains the form of this Contemporary Ranch is rectangular with the largest areas of glass on one of the long faces of the house. These large glazing areas are also shaded through the use of exterior mounted window shades. An important goal during the design of this Contemporary Ranch was choosing durable materials but use them in a way that would give the house a modern character. This design hosts three bedrooms, two bath rooms, laundry, a large common area and access to a back yard deck. An entire wall of built in casework offers a multi-functional space for storage and entertainment. Opening the large double French doors creates a unique transitional space between living space and the outdoors. A clean modern interior greets you upon entry and high cathedral ceilings make for a lasting first impression and provide for a comfortable transition into a non-confining, spacious common area. Hardwood floors are durable and warm on the feet. The kitchen is adequately sized to serve the needs of a large group. The kitchen is open to the dining area, which itself, can open up to the backyard deck through the large French doors.

• 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.