A rough floor plan

Here's a floor plan that I've been working on. It's far from finished, but it's useful as basis for discussion.

Construction notes:

• Load is carried by large timbers (not drawn)
• Exterior walls are cordwood.
• Interior walls are conventional drywall over 2x4 studs
• The big wall north of the kitchens and bathrooms is 2x6 studded and insulated.
• Floor is poured concrete slab with embedded radiant heat tubing
• Slab and footings fully insulated
• Floor covering is homemade earthen terra tiles
• Garage is insulated and floor has unconnected radiant heat tubing, for later use
• South wall is full of windows

Features:

• Simple shape for cheaper roof
• High insulation, thermal mass, and south-facing windows for energy efficiency
• Under 1250 sq. ft. heated space, so codes will allow a large dwelling on the same property
• Noise of washer and dryer contained in garage.
• Attached garage contains holds functions that would normally be in heated space, making the heated space smaller.
• Open floor plan brings family together.
• Adults separated from kids at night.
• Door to garage is a functional entrance for the family.
• Short trip from garage to kitchen (for groceries).
• All plumbing is in one wall, easing construction and maintenance and keeping distance from hot water heater to kitchen short.

Issues:

• Kitchen is vague
• Not sure where front door should go.
• Not sure where sofa belongs
• No transition from public to private spaces
• Large fireplace would break the open space and block light to kitchen.
• Hot water to shower is not a short path.

The floor plan is drawn in Google SketchUp. If you're interested in taking a closer look, click on the image above.