Choosing an energy-efficient house plan now will allow you to save money in the future. These properties are designed to help you cut down on energy costs by implementing advanced heating systems or special features such as solar panels on the roof. If you want to build your home as efficiently as possible, take a look at the following 6 best green house plans. Compare them and choose the one that’s ideal for you.
6 Best Energy-Efficient House Plans, Including Passive Solar Designs
The best energy-efficient house plan with a passive solar design is #1042-19 because it offers a ton of versatility coupled with great design. However, here are our category winners.
- Best for your average family: 1042-19
- Best on a budget: House Plan 890-1
- Best luxury: House Plan 938-87
1. 484-5
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 860 sq ft |
| Decks | 630 sq ft |
| Main Ceiling | 8’ |
| Floors | 1 |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Baths | 2 |
Energy efficiency and the modern style are a great combination for a house of the future. This 860 square feet green home has two bedrooms, two baths and a spacious deck attached on its front side. You will no longer worry about the bills getting high thanks to the latest systems and technologies implemented in your new home.
Suitable for both desert areas and mountain lots, this house plan implements the contemporary style while offering superior comfort. Even though it lacks a garage, we appreciate the extra features included. In the kitchen, you will find an eating bar and an island. And with so much space on the chill deck, we’re sure you can turn it into an amazing outdoor relaxation spot.
Pros:
- The master suite has a closet
- Spacious chill deck
- Perfect choice for a vacation home
Cons:
- This plan does not have a garage
- Ceiling is just 8′ high
2. 1042-19
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 3,334 sq ft |
| First Floor | 1,953 sq ft |
| Second Floor | 1,381 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Baths | 3.5 |
| Floors: | 2 |
| Garage | 2 bays |
A large family will need a lot of space, and this 3,334 square feet green home is the best plan for them. It has four bedrooms and three and a half baths on two different levels. One of the benefits of having a green house is lower costs. The layout of this property was cleverly designed to facilitate heating during the winter days so you won’t have high bills or cold rooms when the temperatures drop.
Your family can enjoy breakfast at the oversized kitchen island which also comes equipped with four bar chairs. The 22’x13′ recreational room seems to be the extra space every family needs, and you can get creative with the purpose of this room. Outside, you will find covered porches that protect you from the rain and sun.
Pros:
- The master bathroom has a tub and a shower
- Two-car garage incorporated into the house
- Study room can be found upstairs
Cons:
- Electrical layout is not included in this plan
- The mechanical room is on the first floor
3. 497-31
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 2,115 sq ft |
| Main Floor | 1,490 sq ft |
| Upper Floor | 625 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Baths | 2 |
| Floors | 2 |
This two-story house plan has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. With a total living space of 2,115 square feet, any family will find comfort in this home. If you are used to tall ceilings, keep in mind that both floors have a ceiling height of just 8′. The master bedroom is on the second level while additional sleeping spaces can be found downstairs.
It is worth mentioning that there is no garage included. Those who need a lot of storage space will have to get creative or seek other options. Outdoor living is encouraged with a deck space of 567 square feet, which is large enough to set up a grill and hold parties or family events.
Pros:
- Suitable for those who want a lot of indoor space
- We love the modern style with a contemporary look
- Master bathroom has two sinks
Cons:
- Stairs are difficult to climb for people with mobility problems
- There are only two bathrooms
4. 890-1
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 800 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Floors | 1 |
| Depth | 34’ |
| Height | 15’ |
| Width | 32’ |
Suitable for small budgets, this house plan proves that you can save a lot of money in the long term by sacrificing space. It is a cost-effective modern cottage plan that has two bedrooms and one bathroom within a compact layout of 800 square feet. The highlight is a wrap-around deck, with the main porch measuring 22’x12′.
Rigid foam insulation in walls and roof will keep indoor temperatures stable while separate solar panels provide your house with green energy. Most of the layout consists of an open space connecting the kitchen, living and dining areas. Keep in mind that the mechanical room can only be accessed from outside.
Pros:
- Large wrap-around deck
- The kitchen, dining and living room are connected
- Most affordable option on our list
Cons:
- Lack of a garage
- Limited expansion potential
5. 21-454
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 1,600 sq ft |
| Porch | 222 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Baths | 2 |
| Floors | 1 |
| Garage | 2 bays |
With a total living space of 1,600 square feet, this one-story farmhouse has a lot to offer. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage are included in the original layout. The master suite measures 15’10″x12’6″ and it comes with a bath and an oversized closet. The other two bedrooms are 12’x12′ each, so your kids will not fight over who gets the better room.
Storage space is cleverly implemented into the layout and you will find enough spots in the garage’s storage area. Keep your living cost down with all the energy-efficient features of this house while having a rustic and traditional look on the outside. For an additional price you can include a basement in this plan to increase storage or total heated space.
Pros:
- Oversized garage with two bays
- A rustic, traditional farmhouse aesthetic
- Only one floor, there are no stairs
Cons:
- The pantry in the kitchen is too small
- Small front porch, you can only place a few decorations on it
6. 938-87
SPECS
| Total Living Space | 2,483 sq ft |
| Main Floor | 2,143 sq ft |
| Upper Floor | 340 sq ft |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Baths | 3 |
| Floors | 2 |
| Garage | 2 bays |
Our luxury pick is a green house built in the cottage style with a generous 2,483 square feet of living space spanning two floors. This home features four bedrooms and three baths, making it ideal for families or hosting guests. A two-car garage offers a lot of storage space and you can also park two vehicles at once. On the first floor, you will find the 15’4″x16′ kitchen which comes equipped with a central island.
The luxurious master suite measures 13’8″x16′ and it comes with a bathroom and two walk-in closets. Upstairs, an additional bedroom suite offers privacy and comfort to its owner, making it perfect for guests or older children. A 10’x7’3″ covered balcony opens up from this room, allowing for spectacular views over the surrounding area.
Pros:
- Designated space for golf carts in the garage
- 15’9″ vaulted ceiling in the living room
- Two walk-in closets for the master suite
Cons:
- Not suitable for small budgets
- There is no laundry for this layout
Factors To Consider
Before you make a final decision it is important you get familiar with terminologies, measurements and your own requirements when it comes to green house plans. They will help you understand them better, but you should also take a look at the following factors to consider.
Natural Light
Consider house layouts with large windows. They will let a lot of natural light come in during the day, helping you reduce the need for artificial lighting. The orientation of your home is also important because these details can drastically reduce the electricity bills in the future.
Storage Space
How much storage space do you need? Efficient layouts will maximize every area of the house and each square footage has a purpose. As a result, the cost of heating, cooling and lighting unused spaces is reduced.
Insulation
If you live in a mountainous area where winters are cold, look for house plans that have high-quality insulation in their design. Use materials with good thermal properties to keep the house warm when temperatures drop.
Why You Should Trust Us
Everyone wants to get the most value for the money they spend, but it’s easy to make wrong choices when it comes to green house plans. Manually researching, analyzing and comparing countless house plans is an exhausting task that will overwhelm you sooner or later. You can trust us with this difficult task and let us present you the best plans you can currently find on the market.
How Much Do These Designs Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay between $800-$1,100 for such a house plan. Luxurious options that feature a lot of living space are expensive while green home plans with a small square footage are suitable for reduced budgets.
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