Download free design plans and building details for solar and energy efficient homes.

 

Download free design plans and building details for energy saving solar, earth bermed and super-insulated home designs.

Three Bedroom Home with Optional Sunspace  Superinsulated home design from the National Institute for Appropriate Technology

Two Bedroom Passive Solar House  Design from the National Institute for Appropriate Technology

Earth Bermed and Passive Solar Home  Three Bedroom home with a sunspace and solar attic.

Experimental Solar Home  This three bedroom home incorporates a solar collector and under-floor thermal mass heat storage.

Use Landscaping to Help Save Home Energy Costs  How to use trees, shrubs, paving and groundcover to conserve energy.


About These Cooperative Extension Plans:  These plans were developed over many years by engineers at U.S. Land Grant universities. They are generally older plans that need to be revised for today's construction methods, codes and standards. They provide design ideas and conceptual information for planning purposes. The plans were prepared through the USDA Cooperative Farm Buildings Plan Exchange.

Buildings must resist various forces from snow, wind, earthquake and use. They also must adhere to local building and zoning codes. A local building inspector, engineer, building supplier, or building contractor can help you determine what is a safe and legal building for your area.