Project

The scale of this sustainable, contemporary home in Wisconsin is somewhat masked by its hillside location, with only a portion of the house visible from the approach. ©2010 Design Build Magazine

This timber-framed private residence is nestled into the rolling hills of southwest Wisconsin. The architect designed a unique contemporary residence that merges with the rural landscape and features a lookout tower, water features, multiple outdoor living spaces, and a greenhouse. The design also incorporates sustainable principles, including solar hot water, wind turbine, geothermal heating, passive solar, and natural ventilation. Passage through the two-story entry reveals an interior featuring the interplay of curving stone clad walls and rectilinear exposed wood elements. The light-filled living space opens to expansive views of the distant landscape and is anchored by the massive curved stone wall that dominates the northern exposure and terminates in an outdoor fireplace and chimney. The house’s three levels of glazed living spaces are organized around the outdoor court, which is defined by the reflection pond and the continuation of the circular stone wall beyond. The jury commented: “There was a lot of exuberance in this design. The home has very strong interior spaces. The loft-like quality of the rooms and wood is really beautiful, very slender, and very well detailed. The consistency of the materials—the stone, the wood, and the metal pieces, really lend a nice quality.” Read the full article at Design Build Magazine

Resources

River Architects (Wisconsin, USA)

Energy Center of Wisconsin (USA)

Wisconsin Green Building Alliance