Energy Efficient Home Plans

One of our clients is planning to tear down their 1940’s cottage on their lakefront property and build a new energy efficient home in its place. The couple’s goals are to captivate the panoramic views of the lake while incorporating green building materials and a solar energy system to keep the carbon footprint to a minimum and lessen the impact on the environment. Space planning goals include built-ins and plenty of storage.





The cottage features an open floor plan and one floor living. Designed at 2,480 square feet, the cottage has a generous master bedroom suite with large his and her walk-through closets. The master bedroom has plenty of windows to enjoy the view and a built-in cabinet with shelves for storage.

The television is conveniently placed in a built-in entertainment center, which can store DVD’s, CD’s and games, and a gas fireplace with wood surround and mantle. Double doors open to a screened porch and access to the lake. The entry has both a coat closet for guests and storage under the stairs, which will come in handy for keeping seasonal items and holiday decorations.

A U-shaped kitchen is an efficient design for this space, remaining open to the living and dining areas. A large walk-in pantry is useful for storing appliances and larger items and is conveniently located near the garage for unloading groceries from the car. The laundry room is large enough to do the ironing, and includes a closet for hanging clothes and storing supplies.

The one-car garage is efficient in design. The mechanical room is spacious and has double doors which will make it easy to install a boiler, generator, and solar hot water heating system.

The second floor has two large bedrooms and a full bath -- plenty of room for grandchildren visiting during summer vacation. The bedrooms have built-ins in addition to closet space for storage. An office can double as an additional bedroom if needed and also includes a built-in with shelves and drawers.


If you are planning to build an energy efficient home, work with green architects Bonin Architects to design your home. We'll will combine your wants, needs, and aspirations with your goals of energy efficiency and sustainability to successfully match your project objectives. Working with an experienced architect is well worth your investment to ensure the end result is exactly what you want!