Sun Catcher (1680 sqft)

$1,395.00

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PDF Plan Set - Instant Download

PDF Plan Set - Instant Download

Why use a stock plan?

  1. Typically, an architect charges 5-20% of the construction cost of the finished house for a custom home design, i.e. for a $400,000 build, the original custom design cost was $20,000 – $80,000. That investment is still in these plans; only you don’t have to wait 6 months for them to be drawn and you get a massive cost savings — a big reason we offer select stock plans!

  2. Our stock plans are created by skilled professionals familiar with the unique requirements of quality straw bale construction. While plans vary in style (each designer or architect includes different details), we hold ourselves to high standards and are confident that these plans will meet or exceed your expectations regarding quality and detail — And help you stay on budget by preventing costly errors.

  3. Many stock plans are designed for a generic lot and the generic person. In most cases, our plans have been built, and the original clients are living in them. For some, a client changed their mind pre-build, but the designer or architect saw value in the design and completed it anyway. Care and custom detailing are embedded in each of these plans.

If you have specific questions about the contents of a particular set of plans, please contact us info@strawbale.com. If we don’t have an answer at hand, we will discuss your question with the designer and get back to you promptly.

FAQs

  • Absolutely. Orders are processed through secure servers and our merchant service providers are PCI/CISP certified (the highest level of internet security available) to secure your personal data. 

  • Upon purchase, your plans are instantly delivered to the email address you provided during checkout. Simply click the download link in the email to access your new plans!

  • It will depend on where you are building. Many jurisdictions require structural engineering that meets the current code cycle, and some also request energy efficiency documentation or other information.  A geotechnical report can also be required for some areas.

  • All sales are final. Due to the downloadable nature of this item, returns are not accepted on any of our stock plans. If you have questions before purchase, feel free to email us at info@strawbale.com.

  • You will receive a Copyright License along with the plans, which gives you the legal right to build the house (once only) and modify the plan if you desire.


  • Unfortunately, materials lists are not a standard inclusion with our plans.

    If an architect or designer has a materials list available, it will be clearly noted on the plans page as a bonus feature.


  • Not at this time.


  • So many! Here’s a few…

    A straw bale house is at least 3x more energy-efficient and has a fire resistance of 3x compared to a typical conventional house.

    These homes are extremely soundproof, are made from a compostable “waste” material, do not off-gas like conventional homes, and have soft lines that translate into a calm and beautiful home.

    This last point is hard to convey in words, but there is nothing quite like the ‘feel’ of a well-built straw bale home (if you have ever visited one, you know what we mean!)


  • Yes. Most of the homes on the site can be easily modified to change the foundation type.

    A structural review will be necessary to ensure that the change does not negatively impact the construction of the house; however, such a review is relatively simple to complete and can be done by your builder or designer (if you are using one for modifications), or by working directly with the original architect/designer.

    The same is true for lot types. Just because the home was originally built on a steep slope does not mean it can’t be modified to fit your flat lot, and vice-versa.

    There will, of course, be a cost to make such changes, but it can be done. Although some designs are limited by lot dimensions and slope, it is still worth investigating designs that catch your eye.

    We believe that proper placement of the home on the land is very important. Everything from solar gain and prevailing wind direction to the amount of site excavation and tree removal plays a large part in the success of your construction project.

    Keep in mind that making sure that the plan you like will work on your property is something you want to do early on in the process. 


  • The most common size of the plans is Architectural D or 36″x24″; however, we do sell plans in other sizes. The driving factor of the plan size is the scale of the drawings and the size of the structure. 

    We try to keep all plans in the industry standard of 1/4″ = 1′-0″ for floor plans and schematic drawings.

    Of course, the details are typically on a larger scale; however, they are focused on a specific aspect of the job and do not drive the overall paper size the way floor plans and elevations do.

    In addition, the number of pages in a given set of plans varies: depending on the scale, size of the project, number of detailed drawings, and more. Rest assured, our plans are full of the necessary information to build the structure.

  • There will definitely be changes required for these plans to work outside of the United States. 

    The biggest issue is that the unit of measurement is feet and inches for the majority of the plans on this site (not all, but the majority). You’ll need to change the measurements so that the unit of measurement common to your country is used.

    Adjusting the measurements in the field is NOT recommended.

    Plans may need modifications to meet compliance with local requirements and building site needs. It is the purchasers’ and his/her designer, architect, engineer, and/or builder’s responsibility to know and build with current codes and regulations in the jurisdiction governing the project.

    • 1680 sqft

    • 1.5 Level

    • 2 Bed

    • 2 Baths

  • Step into the green space of comfort and sustainability with this passive solar strawbale home. Designed with two stories and a wrap-around covered porch accessible from the first floor, this abode includes nature as you move throughout the main floor. The spacious open living area welcomes abundant sun during the winter months while providing cool, shaded retreats during the summer.

    On the upper floor of these straw bale house plans, a master bedroom and office await, offering the potential of a third bedroom. But that’s not all— an 8’x14′ detached solar utility building accompanies this dwelling, complete with solar thermal roof-mounted collectors AND a convenient root cellar on the lower level.

    The Suncatcher is not just a home; it’s an embodiment of self-sufficiency and off-grid living, perfectly tailored to embrace indoor-outdoor living.

    • Total Living Area - 1680 sqft

    • Main Level - 1155 sqft

    • Second Level - 525sqft

    • 1.5 Levels

    • 2 Beds

    • 2 Baths

    • Width - 48’

    • Depth - 37’

    • Ceiling Height - 8’-6”

    • Primary Roof Pitch - 3.5/12

    • Roof Framing - Engineered Lumber

    • Wall Structure - Non-Load Bearing

    • Structure Type - Post & Beam

    • Bale Orientation - Flat

    • Bale Size - Two-string

    • Foundation - Slab On Grade

    • Lot Type - Flat

    Alternatives To Consider (details not included)

    • Foundation - Stem Wall w/ Crawlspace, Stem Wall w/ Floating Slab, Basement

    • Lot Type - Gentle Slope

  • Interior Features

    • Open Floor Plan

    • Lots Of Windows

    • Office

    • Pantry

    • Radiant Floor Heat

    • Earthen Floor

    Exterior Features

    • Wrap-Around Porch

    Special Features

    • Simple Design/Layout

    • Passive Solar Design

    • Super Efficient

    • Separate Utility Building

  • Drawings & Specifications

    • Foundation Plan

    • Floor Plans w/ Dimensions (for each level)

    • Exterior Elevations

    • Building Cross Section

    • Floor Framing Plan (for each level)

    • Roof Framing Plan

    • Electrical Plan (for each level)

    • Construction Notes

    • Window and Door Schedule

    • Framing Details

    • Window & Door Details

    • Straw Bale Details

  • Can This Plan Be Modified?

    Yes! You may modify the plans to fit your needs, vision, and local building requirements. Learn more about the process and Terms of Use per Plan here.

    Yes! The original designer of this plan is available to make modifications.

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