Elemental

Embodying the spirit of the Modern Prairie architectural style, this home eschews excessive ornamentation in favor of various geometric shapes. It also draws from Earth’s five natural elements, incorporating a balanced warmth of wood, support of the earth, circulation of air, strength of metal and flow of water.

The property’s unique topography—marked by a steep slope abutting a flood zone—created engineering challenges as well as opportunities for living in a one-of-a-kind environment. Massive and numerous concrete piers support the house. The floor plan has also been ingeniously angled to harmonize with the natural wedge shape of the property. Though driven by necessity, this design choice contributed to the home’s individuality by allowing the interior spaces to visually blend with the exterior landscape.

Proportional harmony with neighboring homes and expansive rear views required thoughtful design choices. The home’s facade, which blends into the surroundings, is defined by its linear configuration, flat- or low-pitched hipped roof lines, deep overhangs and locally sourced natural stone.

A seamless collaboration between the architectural team, builder and designer resulted in specialized, innovative spatial solutions and aesthetic selections for the home—all focused on maximizing natural light, views and interior flow to create a distinctive and harmonious lifestyle.