The form of this design is a long simple bar. The storage needs are accommodated along the length of the long walls. The shorter living wall features an array of windows allowing the home to capture the views. The result is a simple clean open floor plan with plenty of built in closets and shelves to minimize clutter. We started with a simple one story box and a generous living area that flows into the kitchen. Simple forms mean fewer corners allowing for cost efficient framing and minimal construction waste. An awning over the front door distinguishes the main entrance and can provide visual contrast if desired. The foundation of this design can be easily adapted to fit both sloped and flat sites. An entire wall of windows captures the views and brings them deep into the main living space. An excessive use of windows is one of the reasons modern design has been thought of as more expensive than traditional homes. High performance glazing is significantly more costly than walls and provides only a fraction of the insulation properties. This design uses windows to maximize the views in the main living space while keeping the overall usage of windows in a budget responsible manner. Optional shading devices can be installed to control the amount of light and heat that enter the building. Affordable IKEA cabinets coupled with quality Energy Star rated appliances define the value of this kitchen both in terms of aesthetic appeal and energy performance. The kitchen is open to the main living space creating a communal indoor environment. Sturdy white pine floor boards will hold up to foot traffic. Less expensive than hardwood flooring, white pine has a much faster re-growth cycle making it a more sustainable building product. White pine is also a softer wood and as a result will reveal the true character of the home though the subtle impressions left behind from many years of use while preparing meals for family and friends. The main living space is all about the views, but unlike many modern glass boxes we have provided plenty of functional features as well. The primary focus of the space is the dramatic use of windows on the end wall, freeing up the long side walls for functional niches. There is a great opportunity for a home office space next to the kitchen. A long built-in desk with drawers is an ideal place to utilized reclaimed wood for an affordable unique design feature. Reclaimed wood is great environmental option but can be a bit pricy. But, utilizing it sparingly in combination with painted MDF you can have a singular one-off feature at a reasonable price. The key to affordable modern is to mix small amounts of high end custom materials with readily available inexpensive items. A long low shelf extends from the entry to the end of living room creating an easy place to locate books car keys and a television in a continuous element. Such a shelf could be built from affordable materials like MDF. The main living space is large enough for separate sofas or a large l-shaped system giving the user the option to create a space that is about conversation and electronic entertainment. We envisioned a clean light pallet of materials that emphasis the simplistic and openness of the spaces. Simple white cabinets are super affordable and can be used to create a causal fresh elegance. For the flooring we suggest a light colored wood if you choose a foundation that requires a wood framed floor. If you choose a slab on grad foundation, polished concrete floors are a great option because you can take advantage of the foundation material as your finished floor. Concrete is not always cold. A radiant heated slab can deliver a unique heating experience. Beyond keeping your home and the bottom of your feet warm. A conditioned crawl space is the preferred method of construction in homes where a crawl space is required. A non conditioned crawl space (even one that is well insulated and properly vented) can have serious moisture problems. By bringing the crawl space into the conditioned envelope all of these problems are eliminated. In addition to being a clean, dry and warm space, a conditioned crawl space also provides an excellent location to place mechanical equipment and run duct work without consuming valuable living space above. Exterior window awnings above south facing windows are a great method for reducing heat gains in the summer. Go from low energy to zero energy by installing photo voltaic solar panels on the roof.