Plans updated looking for more feedback

I've updated my house plans, using the great feedback I’ve received so far. Here's an overview of what has changed and where the design is heading:

A number of people pointed out that I had too many windows and insufficient overhangs on the South and West. I still have a lot of work to do on refining the window placement. Finding the right balance between solar gain, day lighting, views, insulation, ventilation, and external appearance is quite a challenge. On the 2nd story roof, I added a 4-foot overhang, on the West side and a 2-foot over hang, on the East. This should help keep out the midday sun, but I still may have a problem with the second story overheating in the late afternoon, due to the large amount of west-facing glass. I think the mild coastal climate combined with good ventilation can keep overheating under control. As for the overhang on the West, I think my previous 2-foot overhang is just about right. I played around with a passive solar gain calculator and it looks like with a 2-foot overhang and the current window placement I get solar gain just the right time of year.

Rob Dawg suggested more thermal mass. My plan for thermal mass is first an insulated concrete slab. I am also considering some other options for more thermal mass, such as building the south wall of the staircase out of concrete, extra thick drywall, extra thick concrete counter tops. If this is still not enough mass, I could also fill some of the space under the stairs with containers rocks or water. I took Rob Dawg’s suggestion and moved the master closet to an exterior wall. I also like his suggestion of adding a basement but I’m a little worried about the added expense.

Reneesg expressed concern about my use of roof windows. While I do have some concern about water leakage and excessive solar gain, I think with enough thermal mass and the option to vent or shade/insulate the skylights, the skylights in the first story roof above the entry will enhance the passive solar properties of the design.

I received some much-needed advice on my floor plan. I took the advice of CA renter and others to combine the pantry and laundry room into a single laundry/utility/storage room with a direct route from the garage to the kitchen. After consulting with my wife, I passed on a couple of suggestion related to the laundry room. CA renter suggested moving the laundry room to the second floor. While I understand a first floor laundry room will results in more trips up and down the stairs, but my wife agrees that she does laundry during the day and will be downstairs doing other stuff while doing the laundry. I gave Sue’s idea of not having the laundry room be the entrance to the house from the garage some serious consideration. My wife didn’t think having to look at dirty laundry when entering the house from the garage would be a problem, as she keeps things tidy. As for myself, I’ll most likely park in the driveway and enter through the front door. I did add a solo tube from the second story roof through the master closet and into the laundry room to brighten it up with some natural light. I’m also going with mrgreenhouseguy’s advice and exploring the idea of adding a laundry shoot from the master closet to the laundry room.

I like CA renters suggestion of gray water recycling, but for cost reasons I think gray water recycling will be limited to having an outdoor shower that. I’ll also keep the option of capturing rainwater when the rain gutter is laid out. I also appreciate CA renters suggestion that I have a good drainage plan. I’ve added this to my to-do.

I did take Sue’s advice and made the closets in the kid’s rooms deeper.

I think I made some progress on the master suite. Moving the closet to the south wall seems to have made the extra space in the maser suite more usable. I also added a fireplace on the south wall of the master suite to give that part of the room a focal point.

The master bath has been fully enclosed but it’s still pretty much a just box that makes sure stuff fits. I think all my bathroom layouts need a lot more thought. Bathroom design seems to be an area that I am especially lacking in imagination. I agree with Sue that double vanities in the master would be good for resale value. I at least want to fix the master bath layout so this is an option.

As for the kitchen layout, I need to give this a lot more thought. I’m going to take Sue’s advice about using pullout pantry shelves but I’m still concerned about a lack of kitchen storage and counter space.