Modern Homes in Kansas

Throughout the house, Java Coffee and Steely Gray paint from Sherwin-Williams make appearances. Nadarajah describes her style as a cross between midcentury modern and Asian Zen culture. The dining room off the kitchen features a Crate and Barrel dining table, a rug from Dwell Studio, and Eames chairs and a George Nelson pendant light, both from Herman Miller. A drift wood sculpture from Cambodia sits in the corner.

Architect Josh Shelton said some of the midcentury influence that shaped the Heartland Habitat prototype in Kansas City came from a previous project, his own home, which featured slotted doors and an entry courtyard. The overall design rests on the idea of the outdoors as a social gathering space. "I've been fascinated with how you can extend the climate of a place like Kansas City into the domestic space," says Shelton. "You don’t see a lot of homes like this built in the city. Ventilation and circulation can really open up the home and add a few more months of not using air conditioning or heating."

Residents, too, have taken the opportunity of rebuilding to embrace experimentation.