I really like the Option 3 design that Wendy did.  My only complaint was the size.  My size goal has always been about 2000 sq ft., but I guess I was ignoring the "non living" space that the garage and utility/storage rooms would require.

Consequently, I've modified my size target to be 2000 sq ft. of living space (including office) PLUS the garage, storage and utility space.

I wanted to take Wendy's option 3 and squeeze it a bit, so I generated a version of it using my Home design program.  I then produced a "B" version of the same basic design.  My plan was to basically shorten most of the South facing rooms.  In doing so, and after several discussions with Lisa, we came up with some other issues that I also addressed with my "B" version of option 3.

• Interior double doors.  Although these probably would have looked great, the really weren't required.  In shortening the internal walls, something had to go, so it was the double doors.  This should also help my cost, right ??.
  
• Living room furniture.  When I tried to figure out where the entertainment center and furniture would go (and still make use of the fireplace), I found that there wasn't much free wall space in the living room.  This caused me to push the bedroom door to the front of the house to open up a large enough section of wall to build in the entertainment center. (Note the 2ft deep double wall separating the bedroom and living room.)
  
• Kitchen.  The proposed plan was pretty short on Kitchen counter space.  I wanted to lengthen both counters, but I had to leave enough space for a wheelchair to get by.  I found that by widening the room and folding the rear counter I could get  more counter area.  The triangular pantry was neat, but it really wasn't convenient or efficient (space wise).  I used the the dividing wall to hide a long pantry closet.
  
• Office.  Once you gave me all that extra storage space behind the garage, I could go back to a more moderate office, so I nipped and tucked the wall and created a divided space.  I added a glass door to provide possible client access.

To get a feel for the design, I added some furniture and took some "shots".  
Click on the smaller images below to take a closer look.

	Original Option 3 (A) (2250 sq ft. Plus Garage/storage) Click Image for larger view
	Reduced Option 3 (B) (2000 sq ft. Plus Garage/Storage) Note viewing positions for images below. Click Image for larger view
	View A Entering the front door and looking towards the Kitchen area. Note the Entertainment center in the facing wall, and the pantry doors.  Also see that folded rear kitchen wall
	View B Entering the front door and looking West across the room. Note the window seat with storage and the view into the bedroom and sun room.
	View C Leaving the bedroom closet looking South. Note the other window seat and spot for the dresser (at right)
	View D Entering Kitchen from garage. Note the 8ft kitchen counter, and clear view of the entertainment center.
	View E Entering Office from Living Room. Note wrap around bench and below counter windows.

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This site is all about building a cool, energy efficient house, that makes maximum use of earth sheltered design, passive solar heating and cooling, geothermal exchange energy management, and right sizing of the house for it's designated use. The home's placement is on a south-facing hillside in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. This site describes the design process, the technologies used and the expected results. We also have a comprehensive Links Page for anyone who is also interested in designing a similar project.