The design, we hope, will prove quite functional in terms of usage of spaces and traffic flow. Many design elements are quite standard these days (e.g. open concept kitchen to dining to living room), so I will restrict my comments to those elements which are unusual, novel or represent a return to tradition.
We have included a back stairs that leads directly to the kitchen. In particular this provides easier and private access between floors, and is particularly handy if coming into the east or south side of the house from the outside.
We have built in a laundry chute directly to the laundry room (say no more). We have a wrap-around porch covering much of the west and east sides and all of the south.
Less traditional but important for handicap access, all doors on the main floor are 36 inches wide. We have also built a bedroom downstairs with easy access to both kitchen and bathroom.
Two other design elements touch on versatile/flexible use of space. Previously mentioned was the temporary vestibule. In fact when the wall is lowered into place, and when the window sashes are put back into the windows, this space becomes a 14 x 11ft 3-season porch.
One area of concern going forward is the size and location of the laundry room, and whether there is adequate storage space on the main floor.