Summer 2026

Dissolving Boundaries

Minimal barriers and expansive glass define this Loch Lloyd home, blurring the line between architecture and environment.

Words
Gloria Gale

Photos
Matthew Anderson
@matthewaphoto

Architect/Designer
Hoke Ley
@hoke_ley

Contractor
Starr Homes
@starrhomes

Furnishings and Finishes
Kristen Ridler Interior Design
@kristenridlerdesign

Landscaper
Next to Nature
@nexttonature_kc

F

inding the right site for a custom home is often a long process, shaped by compromise. For this couple, however, one priority remained non-negotiable: a lush, mature landscape.

Serendipity stepped in when they discovered an approximately two-acre lot densely wooded with hickory, cedar, maple, and oak. Gently sloping and naturally secluded, the site offered both privacy and a sense of drama—an ideal setting for a home designed to engage with its surroundings.

Checking All the Boxes

Their vision began to take shape after meeting Gerry Starr, principal and president of Starr Homes.

“From our very first meeting through the architectural design process and construction, we kept their inspiration at the center of every decision,” Starr says.

He introduced the couple to architects Jared and Katie Hoke of Hoke Ley, who translated that vision into a cohesive architectural and material strategy.

“Their wish list included a home filled with the art of nature, with minimal physical barriers and a strong emphasis on natural materials like stone, wood, and glass,” Jared says.

Over the next three years, the design evolved into an industrial-modern residence. The plans delivered by Hoke Ley established a striking architectural framework—handsome, organic, and filled with natural light that frames views from nearly every vantage point.

Some of the reasons we love our new home—beyond its functionality and intentional design—are the front-row views: spectacular sunsets, snow-globe storms, bird migrations, thunderstorms, stars, and endless clouds.
– the homeowners

The experience of nature begins immediately at the front entry.

“Natural stone featured on the exterior sets the tone,” Katie says. “The rough-cut limestone continues directly into the interior, becoming a shared wall between the entry and the dining room.”

From there, the expansive public spaces unfold—living room, dining area, and kitchen—unified beneath industrial steel beams and a ceiling canopy of seamless red cedar planks. The effect is both expansive and warm.

A dramatic wall of floor-to-ceiling windows anchors the living room, drawing the eye toward the landscape outside and shifting shadow and light throughout the day inside, creating a space akin to living artwork. Paired with the structural metal beams, the main living space has a definitive, signature wow factor.

Above the stone hearth, a large-format black porcelain panel adds contrast and focus. Minimalist leather seating and tailored upholstery complete the space, creating a setting that feels uncluttered and inviting.

The dining area centers on a generously scaled marble-topped table ideal for gathering, while the adjacent kitchen ergonomically balances form and function with walnut-trimmed cabinetry, a quartzite island, and integrated appliances concealed behind clean-lined panels. A butler’s pantry is discreetly tucked behind the cabinetry wall.

Just beyond, a small “martini deck” extends the kitchen outward—a quiet moment of connection to the landscape.

Throughout, the absence of unnecessary walls allows the home to feel open and intuitive, guided by simple lines and purposeful design.

“It doesn’t need much decor—the art comes from nature,” says Kelly Gilhaus with Kristen Ridler Interior Design.

A Home Designed for Living

The home’s private wing includes five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths, while both the main and lower levels offer flexible living spaces—each shaped by expansive windows and views into the surrounding trees.

The lower level serves as a media room with walk-out access to the backyard. A built-in bench surrounds a fire table, complemented by three swivel chairs for additional seating. The entire space backs up to a curtain of trees, ensuring privacy coupled with a sense of retreat.

“We took advantage of the walk-out to create a relaxed outdoor area,” Jared says.

In the end, the project reflects a shared vision between homeowners and team—one grounded in intention, collaboration, and respect for place.

Building a home is rarely without challenges. But with a clear vision and the right team, it becomes an opportunity to create something lasting.

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