Client:

private

Location:

meridian, mi

Program:

single family home

Area:

500 sqft.

Construction Budget:

private

Completion Date:

unbuilt

Role on Project:

project manager/lead architect

Architect: AROA

Designed as a second home on 150 acres of rural farm/prairie for a urban couple from Chicago. An early analysis of the site conditions allowed for us to take advantage of an existing hill to create privacy for the home, orienting it with views to the lake, and prairie.

The clients stressed that they wanted a contemporary home, utilizing glass as the main material allowing them to feel as though they were living within the landscape. This pavilion idea is reflected in the design through the one story structure that is made up of a series of shifting volumes. Each volume moves east or west based on views, program, and importance of space for the clients. The larger spaces creating more open and engaging rooms contrasted by the more private spaces which are reflected in smaller scales.

The structural system plays off of the surrounding trees that dot the landscape. We felt as though the homes shading devices as well as structural systems should work together to generate a unique but simple structural solution. The use of columns which are structural as well as aesthetic gives this home a level of transparency, allowing for it to blend into its natural surroundings.

Finally the materials that were selected are cost sensitive as well as durability tested. The home consists simply of glass, concrete, steel and a few wood clad walls. The simplicity of the material pallet was designed to reflect the concept and let the landscape be the dominating visual feature.