Building your first new home doesn’t have to be difficult, and with the new Excel Homes’ Starting Lineup series, it isn’t. The Starting Lineup series features smaller homes with all the style of what is typically found in a larger floor plan and is designed specifically with the first-time homebuyer in mind. These basic homes can be shipped on a single carrier and the completion of the home is simple enough that in most cases, it can be finished by the set crew.
All renderings are for illustration purposes only. See engineering documentation for specific configuration.
The Craftsman Cottage is a reverse two story home with the bedrooms on the first floor and the main living space on the second floor. This promotes privacy, allows for grand views and offers something a little different from other homes at this price point.
The front stairs and kitchen are basked in sunlight from the large palladian style windows. The open floor plan of the second floor allows the space to flex as needed to fit the desires of the homeowner, making this 945 square foot home feel and live larger. With a basic footprint of only 15’-9” by 30’-0” and the second floor living space, this home is ideal for narrow waterfront lots.
The Craftsman Cottage is perfect for a budget-conscious new family and is designed with expansion in mind. As the homeowner needs to expand, so can this home. Pre-designed additions can be added when the home is set or with minimal rework at a later point.
SPECIFICATIONS:
SQ FOOTAGE: 945 sq. ft. (base model)
# BEDROOMS: 2
# BATHROOMS: 1
SPECIAL FEATURES: A reverse two-story plan with pre-designed additions; designed to be simple, green and flexible, weather-tight set service included in standard cost
MISC: Great narrow lot design. Home is shipped ENERGY STAR and green ready.
Like it? Don’t like it? Think something should be changed or added?
Please feel free to comment on this design by leaving a comment below.
Tags: excel homes, modular, starting lineup
Don’t like it at all. I don’t see anything suggesting a craftsman style, or frankly any style on the exterior. Sorry, just looks like a double high instead of a double wide.
Hello, the latest post on my blog details my feelings on all 5 of Excel’s new green \ultra-value homes.\ I include photos of each one, and make changes (using Photoshop) to show something small that would improve the design of each one. For example, on this Craftsman Cottage model, I moved the white band up about a foot, which took away the top-heavy look. It also looks better with no white band in the middle.
I like the Trailblazer, Craftsman Bungalow and the Prairie View especially. While this 2-story Craftsman Cottage might be a little plain for most people, and the inconvenience of a bathroom on the 2nd floor only, I think it adheres to the craftsman ethos of simplicity very well.
Although my blog is mainly about the Clayton i-house (I’m not associated with that company), I’m also introducing to my many readers, all the new competition in AFFORDABLE and well-made green modular homes, and I think these 5 by Excel are worth checking into for the people who live in the states where they are available.
I agree with Helena, I do not like this exterior look at all. It is way to plain!
So let me get this right. The bedrooms aree on the 1st floor. Kitchen and living on the 2nd. How do you expect someone to carry a couch, appliances andtable to the 2nd floor. Once you come in the front door, you will never turn a couch to get it up the steps.
Also, as a person who sleeps in the nude, getting out of bed and going to the bathroom, neighbors could see thru the Foyer windows or the glass front door.
Very differant, odd design.
Some clarification from the architect. For many, having the bath and bedrooms on the first floor with the living space on the second may be a little unusual, but keep in mind this type of design is intended to take advantage of views from the living room. By having this space on the second floor you elevate it, increasing the opportunity for spectacular views. Additionally, the second floor was kept as open as possible; no solid walls from bathrooms or other rooms to block views. As for furniture going to the second floor, the open ceilings allow for items such as a couch to be stood on end and manipulated up the stairs. (Believe me, being the big guy with the truck I was asked to help many friends move into those upstairs apartments with stairs just like this and you can do it with a little thought.) In this particular rendering we showed the home specifically as it would be delivered. Our hope is that the builder and home owner will take the time to add those site built items like porches, planters and decks to dress the home and tie it to its environment. The placement of the trim board is a case of form follows function. This trim covers the connection between the first and second floor
The “Craftsman” Cottage floor plan is interesting but the design shows no Craftsman elements; it’s a “shoebox” modular but for the horizontal trim board between the two levels. It would make a great apartment but would serve poorly as a home for a young couple starting out and building a family or for a retired couple. A basement is customary in the Northeast and the small bedroom would best be sacrificed for a stairway down, the necessary but missing laundry and additional closet storage. More living space is necessary for hobbies/office/computer, mechanicals and possibly a guest bedroom and these could occupy a basement level. If one were to accept three level living, this would make a great vacation home design; but please don’t call it Craftsman.
Some practical considerations:
How do the windows over the stairwell get cleaned? Designers love inaccessible windows.
Inadequate storage for everyday needs: Where would a vacuum, broom, pail and cleaning supplies be stored? Coats, boots and other winter wear would not fit in the entry closet.
Bedroom not functional. The bedroom would be a challenge with a queen size bed and its closet is barely adequate for one. The actual bedroom width after subtracting for the closet would be about 12-5 x 10, leaving only enough space to walk around a queen size bed. Other than end tables, bedroom furniture would not fit in the room. The bedroom could be made much more functional by adding 2′ bump outs to the gable and side wall.
Despite the criticisms, I like the plan; it has a lot of potential for expansion, and it would make a great vacation home.