Net Positive 4-Plex
Sustainable 4-Plex
- Each unit is 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
- Each unit is 986 square feet
- Total of 4 units overall with entrances from the East, South and West
Estimated cost to build (Including PV System)
Learn how we calculate this »
PV system size
Details
This four-plex was designed to be considerate of both neighbors and occupants alike. Blending into the neighborhood, the low pitched roof makes this 4-plex fit into any Bellingham single-family-home neighborhood. The roof-line is low on the north side, to ensure any north neighbor is not shaded by the 4-plex. With the clerestory design, all of the inner-most areas are well lit. Each unit has a designated private yard and entry. Two units enter from the main street and the other two enter from the alley. Three parking spaces are allotted with an EV charger per space, plus an extra for a car parked in the street.
Each unit is 986sf with an accessible first-floor that can be converted into a studio for anyone with mobility impairments. The complex would be built to achieve at least Built Green 4-star status, as well as meet EnergyStar, Zero Energy Ready Home, and EPA Indoor airPLUS certifications.
Key Features
- Accessible first floor with adaptive floor plan to create first floor bedroom with attached bathroom in units 2 & 3
- Private entries and yards for each unit
- Fits into any neighborhood
- Designed to fit on a lot as small as 50'x100'
- Clerestory design to light the inner-most areas
General House Features
- Affordable net-zero or net-positive design
- SIPs Neopor shell (R-29 6.5” walls & R-49 10.25” roof)
- SIPs roof creates vaulted ceilings
- Vinyltek triple-pane windows (U-14 to U-16)
- Post & beam construction allows easy future remodels
- 4” Slab-on-grade floor for thermal mass
- 4” R-20 under-slab insulation
- NuDura insulated concrete forms (ICF) foundation
- Optimized south-facing glazing & optimized daylighting
- Built Green certifed
- Heat pump heating & heat pump hot water
- Heat recovery ventilator recovers a minimum of 80% of energy from outgoing air
- Rooftop solar installed onto pitched roof to meet net-zero or net-positive
- Electric car charger
Building Plans FAQ
For what building materials are the plans designed?
The walls and roof are SIPs (structural insulated panels), stem walls are ICFs (insulated concrete forms), and we specify a concrete slab-on-grade atop 4” of foam. We specify triple-pane windows and insulated exterior doors. We always specify a heat pump as the heat source. We also always specify an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) to meet ventilation code and ensure great indoor air quality.
What is a zero-energy home anyway?
Net-zero-energy homes combine energy saving techniques with renewable energy generation so that they produce as much energy as they consume over the course of a year. These ultra-efficient homes usually add energy to the grid when the sun is out and take energy from the grid at night and during the winter, boasting a net zero-energy consumption on an annualized basis.
Can I get a refund?
After you purchase and download any plans, we do not offer a refund. However, our mission is to ensure that you have a successful new home build. If the plan you purchased exceeds your build budget, or you are unhappy in any way, we will exchange for a different plan for free. You may also upgrade to a higher tier of the same plan and pay only the difference.
Can you engineer the plans for my lot?
If you are building in the state of Washington, we can arrange for our professional engineer (PE) to run the calculations and stamp your planset. If you are in another state, we can direct you to an appropriate engineer, and if needed, we will help with the process. Learn more about our process.
Are these plans code compliant?
Each of our plans has been built at least once, and all are compliant with the latest iteration of the International Residential Code (IRC), which most U.S. jurisdictions have adopted.
What size should I print the plans?
We deliver our plans in PDF format, and they are designed to be printed on 36″ x 24″ sheets of paper. The resulting scale is ¼” = 1’.
What climate are these plans designed for?
All of our homes have been designed for the Northwest region (Climate Zones 2 & 3) to generate at least as much power as they consume on an annualized basis. If you plan to build outside of this zone, some modifications may be required. Please contact us for more information.
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Need mods to make this plan perfect?
Need a porch or garage added? Would you like to move the location of the front door? Want to rearrange the interior layout? We can help with any modifcations you require. Our customization service starts at $95 per hour.