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Back40House

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East-west oriented primary dwelling is countered with a series of detached accessory structures running north-south. Together, the Back40House volumes frame the north yard and views to the surrounding tree line.
East-west oriented primary dwelling is countered with a series of detached accessory structures running north-south. Together, the Back40House volumes frame the north yard and views to the surrounding tree line.
Site parti diagram illustrates the relationships between primary and accessory structures.
Site parti diagram illustrates the relationships between primary and accessory structures.
On entry, we see outside materials continue inside. Then those materials are framed further to reveal interior spaces beyond.
On entry, we see outside materials continue inside. Then those materials are framed further to reveal interior spaces beyond.
Guest bedroom benefits from east-facing clerestory windows and a neutral material palette with modern furnishings.
Guest bedroom benefits from east-facing clerestory windows and a neutral material palette with modern furnishings.
As one can see at Back40House entry, design simplicity often requires complex thought, precise execution, and . . . patience.
As one can see at Back40House entry, design simplicity often requires complex thought, precise execution, and . . . patience.
At entry, perforated Corten steel screenwall continues the north volume cladding and provides screen for covered spa.
At entry, perforated Corten steel screenwall continues the north volume cladding and provides screen for covered spa.
From the entry hall, one engages the primary suite to the right.
From the entry hall, one engages the primary suite to the right.
Primary bathroom benefits from roof light above, and connects directly to the exterior covered spa.
Primary bathroom benefits from roof light above, and connects directly to the exterior covered spa.
Primary suite closet includes modern art.
Primary suite closet includes modern art.
Taking a few steps further, we discover the primary bedroom and its artfully-appointed interior. We're immediately drawn to the autumn panorama through the horizontal glazing. Then from the exterior (subsequent photos), we can see how the colorful palette permeates inside-out.
Taking a few steps further, we discover the primary bedroom and its artfully-appointed interior. We're immediately drawn to the autumn panorama through the horizontal glazing. Then from the exterior (subsequent photos), we can see how the colorful palette permeates inside-out.
Back40House includes one-level and 2,200 finished square feet.
Back40House includes one-level and 2,200 finished square feet.
Covered spa behind weathering screenwall is accessed from door directly from primary suite bathroom.
Covered spa behind weathering screenwall is accessed from door directly from primary suite bathroom.
Flat + shed roof rainwater is channeled to custom open-mouth scuppers that won't clog from site debris - resilient, low-maintenance, sustainable drainage solutions.
Flat + shed roof rainwater is channeled to custom open-mouth scuppers that won't clog from site debris - resilient, low-maintenance, sustainable drainage solutions.
Client desired a creative space with ample natural light and excellent views. Design + build team highlighted the Back40House art studio with shed roof + high ceilings to prioritize north light on the inside.
Client desired a creative space with ample natural light and excellent views. Design + build team highlighted the Back40House art studio with shed roof + high ceilings to prioritize north light on the inside.
Then the exterior cladding and form help studio stand apart on the outside. After move-in, clients added strings to the window exteriors to deter birds. The art studio claims the northwest portion of the Corten-clad shed, directly west of primary suite. The studio's position, windows, and cladding highlight its presence in the overall composition. With thoughtful positioning of foundations and framing, the architecture transitions from grounded to elevated.
Then the exterior cladding and form help studio stand apart on the outside. After move-in, clients added strings to the window exteriors to deter birds. The art studio claims the northwest portion of the Corten-clad shed, directly west of primary suite. The studio's position, windows, and cladding highlight its presence in the overall composition. With thoughtful positioning of foundations and framing, the architecture transitions from grounded to elevated.
Windows on east and west exposures are minimized and sheltered to limit east-west solar gain.
Windows on east and west exposures are minimized and sheltered to limit east-west solar gain.
The section looking east reveals how Back40House kitchen interior echoes art studio exterior. Central east-west entry hall bisects the opposing butterfly sheds and provides indoor-outdoor covered access at each end.
The section looking east reveals how Back40House kitchen interior echoes art studio exterior. Central east-west entry hall bisects the opposing butterfly sheds and provides indoor-outdoor covered access at each end.
Here is a view of the kitchen from living space. Wood cabinetry veneer is Magogany.
Here is a view of the kitchen from living space. Wood cabinetry veneer is Magogany.
This detailed view highlights the relationship between kitchen and entry hall. Built-in refrigerator to the right is hidden with custom cabinet panel.
This detailed view highlights the relationship between kitchen and entry hall. Built-in refrigerator to the right is hidden with custom cabinet panel.

14 more photos

From HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Architect’s Statement:

Back40House was named by our clients to reflect on family-owned property granted in the early 1800s in 160 acre parcels by the U.S. government. Six generations and 200 years later, they claimed the southwest 40 and returned to Indiana from California to design and build their dream home.

They had been away from Indiana for 10+ years, and had been working with Tesla to help develop the Model S. This passion for engineering followed them back to Indiana, where they own a racing team for midget and Formula F entry-level series cars. They also brought their keen sensibilities for Midcentury Modern architecture, interiors, and art. Each was a major influence for our ongoing discussions and ultimate design solutions.

Our client had an exciting vision and a thirst for quality design, but the process was not without challenges. First, how do we most effectively navigate a modern aesthetic into a rural agrarian environment with no immediate architectural context? Second, how do we manage our client’s initial goals of 1,600sf living space for $500k construction cost? Third, how do we handle bank financing, comparables/appraisals for a one-of-a-kind project in Pendleton, Indiana? Fourth, as architects/construction managers, how do we handle the onset of COVID-19 right in the middle of our construction process?

The client said they had been following our work for a few years, and pointed-out a few of their preferences inherent in another of our recent design-build projects for inspiration. They also shared with us their previous design-build experience with a production builder, and how they were not satisfied due to inherent limitations with that process. For sure they were looking for overall leadership, and were attracted to the design + construction specialty that we offer between our two related, architect-led companies.

Our friendly clients flew-in for a day-long personal introduction, site visit and design kick-off session. The initial design solution orients for site access, approach, and larger vehicle navigation. Primary residence garage and racing team workshop volumes align in a repetitive south-to-north position oriented to the new access drive on the east edge of site clearing. From these modern detached structures, we turned 90-degrees east-to-west to position the primary living spaces in a passive solar orientation. All living spaces are organized around the entry hall with covered access points at each end for effective indoor/outdoor transitions.

The materiality and details borrow inspiration from the site’s pre-existing structures and antique farm equipment. Vertical rustic-channel wood cladding contrasts with weathering steel, providing an evolving material contrast that helps the art studio and primary suite stand apart. These natural materials continue a humble industrial quality, but are executed with a new level of precision and detail. On the interiors, natural light, site views, and spatial proportion help layer the sequence of spaces. Then from there, inside-out finishes and color further articulate and clarify formal design relationships and client sensibilities.

Regarding size and budget, we helped navigate expectations during the design process. Ultimately we ended-up at 2,300sf finished living space for $925k, plus workshop for another $195k = total $1.12m. Sustainability Stats - Baseline Energy Use Intensity (EUI): Typical Residential Home (130 Zero Score) - Target EUI: (50 Zero Score) - Projected EUI: (50 Zero Score) - Percent Reduction from Baseline: 60%. Please see photo captions on subsequent pages for more about the overall design and environmental sustainability strategies.

After the design efforts, we ran into some issues with financing. Our client’s first two bank contacts fell through; one due to comp/appraisal difficulty, and another due to limitations in other financing requirements. After the second effort fell-through, architect connected client with a previous partner recommendation with success. And with that, we were underway. Smooth sailing? No … 40% in COVID-19 hits. Some things did slow a bit, but we were able to navigate the unknowns for this relatively small project where most of the trade contractors and lead-time items were already lined-up. By sticking to the plan with some minor adjustments, we were able to achieve success.

We feel like this was another good case study illustrating the benefits of architect-led construction for a smaller, more detailed project. After 18 months living in the home, the materials are beginning to show their natural progression and patina. But what really makes it rewarding is how the project is living and the satisfaction of our clients. “OMG!!!!!! I can’t believe we get to live in this beautiful home. I mean, we have appreciated it even before it was built. But to see it from this perspective (the new photos) and the, angles, light, and shadow just BLEW ME AWAY! Thank you, thank you. It’s incredibly overwhelming in the best way. Thanks to you and everyone else that helped make this dream come to fruition. It’s such an incredible honor. We’re feeling so grateful and fortunate.” (Client Testimonial)