Iowa House

Des Moines, Iowa
2019

The site of this home connects to a cul-de-sac and is set in a typical American suburban development. The goal was to minimize views of surrounding homes while emphasizing an adjacent nature preserve. The plan is organized within three volumes: a garage volume, a living volume, and a sleeping volume. Clerestory windows are located where the volumes overlap, allowing light to reach stairs located below while creating views to the landscape and sky. Corrugated metal, chosen for its utility and efficiency, clads the exterior. A skylight brings daylight into the primary bathroom clad in concrete tiles. Sunlight traverses through translucent areas in Patagonia granite slabs, causing the kitchen to glow at various points of the day. White oak millwork and flooring bring a sense of warmth and craft throughout.