IN northern IL 60 mi due west of Chicago I'm leaning towards a balloon framed raised ranch with the following wall structure....small amount of veneer brick w 2" foam w tyvek over the foam, the remainder in syn stucco on 2 to 4" of foam then 1/2" plywood [not osb] applied to 2x6 on 24" centers, wet spray cellulose no vapor barrier except primer on 5/8 drywall. Total sq ft would be 3200 including lower level, garage adds about 700 will be insulated and kept around 50 in winter.Geo for hvac...open to critical analysis....Eric

Just curious, slab on grade or a basement, if basement what type of wallls? Ok, so it's a high ranch what are the lower level walls made up of?

John

John the lower level is day light so 8" thick 4' hi bellow grade as code requires footings at least 4' bellow grade. from the outside in the wall is 2" xps, roller applied waterproofing membrane, 8" concrete, 2" xps. wont use icf as I have a friend who is reasonable and fast for concrete work. I will be roofing by the time it would take to diy an icf and I would not save any money. The lower level floor will be radiant in stained concrete with smooth finish 2" xps under slab and 3" around perimeter...Eric