Exteriors

With its concrete curves, charred timber and steel fence, the exterior is impressive while maintaining Lachie's privacy.

After expanding their farmhouse, rural Illinois Daniel Payette and Jessica Merchant called on Converge Architecture to help them design a space that’s “more than just a car-hole.”

In the biggest transformation of the home, the concrete patio next to the original entryway was converted into a treatment room for Andrea's business as an acupuncturist.

The facade’s lime plaster was restored.

The forest feeling continues in the evergreens surrounding the house. Adding to the outdoor area are Artemide Dioscuri sconces and Loll Designs outdoor dining furniture from Design Within Reach.

Stormwater is captured and retained on site. Runoff flowers from a cantilevered gutter, to a vegetated bio-retention area, and finally into the existing retention pond.

Parts of the new rectangular shed extend over the original concrete foundation. At the entry, the old and new portions combine to form a sculpture stair.

The Corten steel shell

The couple first rebuilt their home post-fire in 2000. They opted for a custom cedar Lindell home.