Credits
From Dan Maginn
Two oddly configured lots, two unique individuals, and a forty-one-year marriage founded on a unified vision - these are the elements that informed this residential project pair. That vision was to live downtown, participate in the city’s culture and view the skyline as it changed throughout the day. Given the misalignment of the city grid with the view, the architect decided to shift both of the buildings’ orientation to create a plan form we named the “Quackezoid”, thereby framing the city skyline for each building, as if the pull and allure of the city caused each structure to bend around neighboring homes.
The Quackenbush residence is a pairing of two homes, one a residence and the other the private artist studio of noted Kansas City artist, Robert Quackenbush. Located on the crest of Beacon Hill, overlooking downtown, the architectural team wanted to take advantage of the vistas located to the north and west.
Because the street grid and surrounding buildings did not align with this orientation toward the view, the team bent the plan from the orthogonal orientation to the street, toward the cityscape, thereby capturing and maximizing views from the two structures. This crank in the plan also creates a more defined space between the buildings, which acts as the main outdoor living area.
The design team also sought to capture the feel of previous beloved living spaces the couple had of a log cabin and a NYC loft, which resulted in the vaulted, clean yet warm, vibrant home – a true reflection of the owners.