I can see the dual set up working well, though am not sure why bother with the plate at all then. I am surprised you have a plate that works in lower temps. I was thinking the plate, since it works through contact or near contact would have to be too hot to touch to make up for cold air...
Frankly - I am not sure the water issues are weighing less heavy than the lack of electricity in location 2. Water can be really difficult to manage, maybe you can use a battery to power a water heater? I admit I don’t have to deal with cold winters where we are, it only freezes during the...
I think elevating the coop is better - for rodent deterrence and also the water issue. A soggy run is bad, but you really don’t want a soggy coop and french drains will only do so much.
For your ventilation it works really well to have it right under the eaves, and in the triangles of the...