House on a Prairie

The initiation of the project began with a study of the site. The site was envisioned as a perfect prairie setting with beautiful trees and tall grass. We used this motif through the proposition of our design. The House on a Prairie started as a culmination of Irish architecture and design motifs. We specifically used dry Irish stone walls and an homage to thatched roofs which is a prevalent roofing system in Ireland. The roofs project out and are connected to the main long spanning roof. This decision was done with accordance Irish architecture. We also noticed that cobblestone and stone walls were synonymous with the local architecture. Hence, using this material for our special details was an utmost necessity.

There were many iterations of our project. It began as a 1950's classic modern architecture style and slowly transformed throughout the design process. We took inspiration from the design brief which allowed us to perfectly choose a design that fit the family. It is eclectic in its roofing style and material choice. We strictly used an open plan to compliment the family's personality. The design also has an important space that we designed with emotion. The meditative courtyard is in the exact center of the site and sits between all ground floor spaces. At any point, in any room, you will always have a view towards this courtyard. The courtyard can be opened to allow fresh air, or to connect this space with the rest of the house. The courtyard has uninterrupted views with the help of floor to ceiling, panoramic windows.

The spaces were organized specifically, which caters to the family. The family asked for an open plan, large spaces, organized and without clutter, and safety. We took these considerations into the planning and zoning of the house. The house is almost secretive from the main entrance. We also were inspired by the hobbies of the family. The art gallery and studio is a space where the husband can enjoy painting while getting inspired by the meditative garden. The wife, who plays violin, can accompany her husband, serenading him while he paints. The children can cool off during the summer in the pool, or warm up at the cobblestone fireplace during the winters. The children have their own space "away from the parents". They have a multipurpose hall, which they can use to build their toy models, study, read, dance, act etc. The multipurpose hall is complimented by the meditative garden from the floor below, and creates a wonderful atmosphere for the whole family. When the family expects guests, there is sufficient space to accommodate them. The formal living room entertain the guests.

The project will stand the test of time. As architecture ages, like every industry does, it goes through some special changes. Some styles become popular, while others lose their relevance for the time being. This is the reason why we made the decision to combine multiple styles in order to facilitate a timeless design. Some aspects may become unpopular while the little details will help the building stand out.