Contemporary Design With Gated Courtyard

A hip roof rising to a glassed-in entry and central chimney gives this strong, geometric design extra appeal. Winged walls with arched cutouts add to the dramatic effect while sheltering the rear and side patios. Four-foot overhangs provide shade, and the wing walls extend 6 feet away from house for privacy.

A 10-by-15-foot courtyard, with a wrought-iron gate, built-in planters and a paved walk, leads to the fabulous glassed-in entry. Archways on each side of the fireplace separate the tiled entry from the living room.

Both the entry and the living room feature vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. Slump-block walls (indicated by the slanted links) complement the Spanish-style design and serve as heat collectors. Solar shades installed over the sunroof regulate heat gain. The rear wall of the living room is nearly all glass, offering a panoramic view of the rear patio. The living and dining rooms are open, with the latter defined by its lower 8-foot ceilings.

Family Room Has Wood Stove

Sliding-glass doors in the dining room provide access to the patio, and a pocket door leads to the kitchen. The U-shaped kitchen faces a large family room complete with a wood stove. Sliding-glass doors open to the side-yard patio, which also can be reached from the two-car garage. A service entrance opens to a 12-by-6-foot laundry room. The laundry is brightened by a skylight and includes a vanity with a deep utility sink and an 8-foot section of cabinets. The laundry also houses a heat pump, water heater and water softener.

Skylights are found in the home’s two baths as well. The master bedroom has its own bath, plus a walk-in closet and two vanities. The sleeping area overlooks the rear patio, accessible through sliding-glass doors. The second bedroom has two closets. Closets also are found across the hall from the main bath.

Homestyles Plan Service offers a variety of specialized plan books, as well as full-sized, complete construction blueprints. Plan 1431-M1A, which shows all four exterior elevations of this design and an easy-to-read floor plan, is available for $9.95, postage included. To order, call (800) 547-5570 or write to Homestyles Plan Service, 6800 France Ave. South, Suite 115, Minneapolis, Minn. 55435.