Plans available for sale at http://www.notsobighouse.com/plans/ssplans.asp

This home is featured in The Not So Big House, and was designed originally to embody many of Sarah's "not so big" principles in a house that is "not too expensive" to build. PRAIRIE INGENUITY illustrates how a few simple design decisions can keep costs in check without sacrificing space and detailing. The form of the house is a simple rectangle with a bump-out at the stairway. Unlike a house with a more complex exterior, a rectangular form encloses significantly more interior space within significantly less exterior surface. Since the exterior envelope of a house is where the majority of the construction costs reside, this simple strategy helps get the most out of every dollar spent. Exterior trim and siding color changes help make the form more expressive, without adding unnecessarily to the cost of the structure. The interior of the home is rich with ceiling height variety, with long connecting views making it appear to be significantly larger than it actually is. A continuous trim band runs above all the doors and windows and weaves the home together, adding lots of character. For a family that wants the spatial variety of a Not So Big house without the hefty price tag, this house is an excellent choice.