EcoNest Sample Plans
Every aspect of the design and the specification of these compact homes is conceived with ecology, beauty, your health and well-being in mind. The 12” thick walls, originally designed for light straw clay construction can be adapted to both Faswall blocks and AAC blocks.
If you are beginning your design journey the Peregrine and FolkNest series are an excellent way for you to explore a variety of plan arrangements and sizes. Each site presents its own set of opportunities and challenges. The natural and man-made surroundings, existing views, prevailing winds, and orientation on your site will be one of- a kind. These factors, along with your unique lifestyle, will suggest the most beneficial distribution of room layout and site orientation.
If there happens to be one that fits your design needs, site orientation and size requirements then you may be able to adapt one of these existing plans to your needs saving you time and money in our design and drawing process.
The Peregrine Series
These plans embody a design aesthetic inspired by Japanese architecture and we have named this collection of nests the “Peregrine” series, in honor of the bird used by Japanese falconers. The structure of each is a Japanese-style timber frame. The characteristic “quiet” and rhythmic proportion of the frame imparts a serene and peaceful atmosphere to these homes. Retractable shoji screens are used in many of the designs to create flexible, multipurpose space.
The designs shown range from a 700 square foot guest house to a 1900 square foot family home. Each single-story plan features compact design, passive solar collection, and an interweaving of indoor and outdoor spaces under an elegant low slope roof. A sky lit ceiling screen of rice paper on cedar brings diffused light into the heart of each home.
Peregrine GH
This nest is a study in efficiency containing all of the spaces that would be found in a larger home, compacted into 732 square feet. With ship construction as its inspiration, every inch of space is utilized to create beautiful functionality that belies its small size. Office, entry, dining nook, kitchen, sunroom and bed nook all radiate from a large central skylit living room.
Peregrine GH2
This nest is a study in efficiency containing all of the spaces that would be found in a larger home, compacted into 732 square feet. With ship construction as its inspiration, every inch of space is utilized to create beautiful functionality that belies its small size. Office, entry, dining nook, kitchen, sunroom and bed nook all radiate from a large central skylit living room.
Peregrine 32xs
The Peregrine 32xs is an exercise in ultimate efficiency, packing 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths into 1250 sq. ft. The open floor plan, defined by the timber frame core, provides a sense of spaciousness and flow that belies its compact footprint. It contains all of the Peregrine features of larger models; a skylit central mandala ceiling within the timber frame core, a sun bump for passive solar gain and mass storage capacity, plentiful cross ventilation, and a masonry heater for healthy, ecological warmth.
Peregrine 32s
The Peregrine 32S is the smallest and most economical of our three bedroom plans. Ideal for a site with an east entry approach and views or private outdoor space to the west, a mirrored plan is also available. Living room, dining room and kitchen are arranged in an open space plan and the wall between hallway and living room is a partial height stepped adobe wall, contributing to an open and spacious feel in this compact layout. The master bathroom could be enlarged if mechanical room were placed in a garage or carport.
Peregrine 22s
This EcoNest is the original Baker-Laporte Residence. Although compact in configuration, the space easily accommodates gatherings of 30 or more people. The home works with a north or an east entry approach and the open floor plan with views to the east and through the north – south axis gives the home a feeling of spaciousness. When the shoji screens to the winter garden, meditation room and entry are closed the central living room takes on a feeling of serenity and intimacy. When open, the space feels expansive. The stepped down winter garden with its “solar bump out” and overhead skylights is a warm and welcome sanctuary for greenery and occupants throughout the winter.
Peregrine 22O
In this home, retractable shoji screens, at the winter garden and entry, open to create an expansive visual axis through the home. When closed the individual spaces become defined and intimate. Shown with doors off of the dining room leading to an east facing trellis, this plan could be easily modified to accommodate a dining room window seat instead. In another variation, the office/den could have a retractable shoji screen wall between it and the dining room. The master bathroom could be enlarged to contain a separate shower or sauna if mechanical room were placed in a garage or carport.
Peregrine 32.5M
The 32M is the largest of the three bedroom layouts in the Peregrine series. This plan, with the large outdoor room in the southeast corner, is ideal for a site with views or gardens to the south and east (or to the south and west as a mirrored plan.) The mechanical room is located in a detached garage (not shown). The garage could be joined to the north and east by means of a breezeway and used to define either an entry garden to the east or private courtyard to the west.
Peregrine 22M
This Peregrine home offers an expanse of covered portal for extended outdoor living to the west. It is ideal for a site with entry from the east and west views or west gardens. Mirrored plans are available. Retractable shoji screens on the east and west living room walls, when closed, create an intimate space and reprieve from late afternoon glare. This spacious and efficient layout has no hallways, other than two small bedroom foyers with floor to ceiling built-in bookshelves.
Peregrine 22L
This home is the largest of the Peregrine series stock plans. Although moderately sized by current standards it applies all of the Peregrine principles of compact design and open space planning to create an elegant living space. The garage (not shown) houses the mechanical room and is joined to the home via a covered breezeway to the north. This is a perfect plan for a lot offering sunrise and sunset views with an east, west or northerly approach.
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