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Vermont 2017

The 2017 FHB House is a production-built house in a small development of net-zero-ready houses in Wilder, Vermont, all with a focus on affordability and universal design principles. It’s designed to be quickly built and easily duplicated while meeting stringent air-sealing and performance standards and a strict budget.

Design

Designed for First-Floor Living

The owners can take care of all their needs without using the stairs.

By Sean Groom Issue 272 - Dec 2017/Jan 2018
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Every home in the Southscape development has a master suite on the first floor, and the FHB House is no exception. It’s designed around the premise of first-floor living. There’s a powder room near the entry to enhance the privacy of the master suite. Tucking the laundry room into the kitchen means the owners can take care of all their needs without using the stairs.

The entry foyer is placed outside of the main floor’s traffic pattern and serves both the garage and front door with a coat closet and bench to help manage wet winter gear right at the entry. The great room provides a large, flexible space for entertaining. It’s envisioned as a living area at the south end and a dining area on the north side, though it could be arranged with two separate seating areas or a living area and playroom area depending on the need.

The second-floor bedrooms offer flexibility: If the owners wish to use the second-floor bedroom as the master, there is the option of installing the washer and dryer in the mechanical room so the laundry is on the same level as the bedroom. Alternatively, if the owners are older adults, these bedrooms can serve visiting family, or they can work as children’s rooms for a young family. The extra-large landing at the top of the stairs is sized to accommodate a desk or table for a hobby space or chest of toys and games for a play area.

For photos, floorplans, and drywall details, click the View PDF button below.

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View Comments

  1. JaneTMendoza | Apr 19, 2018 11:42pm | #1

    fantastic house design

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