The preferred design needed to be challenged, after I got contractor vibes about size x cost = scary. So last weekend was literally back to the drawing board, where I came up with a house design that is 2150 square feet (down 400), would fit on a 40' lot (versus 44'), and seems to offer a few improvements. But it's not as solar-friendly and has lessened envelope thermal performance (though still far above code). The [very] preliminary main floor plan is shown here.
A glimpse of the possible new super model; thinner and more angular than before.