Unique Partnership of New School of Architecture
Most homeowners dream of building a home with an award winning and world-class architect. When you combine a nationally known home design company and an experienced home consultant into the mix, it would seem like an unrealistic home project for the average consumer. This dream sounds even more unreal when one tries to build the home and at the same time, preserve the land that it is built on. How many times have we driven by a job site and commented, Too bad they couldnt keep the trees, what a shame! Historically, only the wealthy have been able to put all theses pieces together, the landscape designer, architect and the custom builder. Thanks to the efforts of a partnership program the concept is now in place in the St. Louis, Missouri region. Not only did it all come together, but also it was done for an affordable price, and can be duplicated in most markets across the country. After seeing the architectural work of James Cutler, Lindal Cedar Homes of Seattle, WA. partnered with Cutler/Anderson, the award-winning architectural firm, to create a series of homes available nationwide. Together they packaged a series of homes, which would be affordable to a larger audience of consumers who wanted an architectural engineered house made of natural elements and set in natural surroundings. Even though James Cutler, was one of the architects for Microsoft founder Bill Gates home, Jim prides himself more as a dedicated proponent of making a social change with architecture as it fits into the environment. The design influence of the two firms developed a home that manifests itself in simple plans and formal compositions of the homes. These residences, mostly finished in wood inside and out, are in harmony with their forested sites. The homes do not rely on the manipulation of architectural space, but rather uses the nature of materials to create a solid sense of place in a natural setting. Once the design elements were set in place with the housing design firm and architect, two other elements were needed to complete the picture. First, was to find the right custom home consultant who appreciated the concept and second, the right piece of property. The circle was complete, when long time Lindal Cedar Homes distributor and custom home consultant, Ken Whipple of Manitou Custom Homes, reviewed the designs and liked the environmental tie in. Ken set the final element in motion and contacted the developers at Innsbrook Resort Community, near St, Louis, MO. Their location, with the right environment of wooded lots, was perfect, Cutler feels very strongly that homes must respect, and protect nature. As part of the building process, he generally likes to be sure that the building crews disturb as little as possible around the area of the house, so that his design can showcase the outdoors. Once inside, his designs invite the outside world in. The land, the house, and the interior all become one! In order to ensure the integrity of this project, Cutler relied on Ken Whipple, the area Lindal Cedar Homes representative, to provide him with digital photos, on site environmental measurements and other information about the landscape so that his firm could properly place the home. The home, which is part of the Lindal Reflection Series, is pattern-designed so that cores and wings can be interchanged to efficiently provide a residence that meets the needs of the homebuyer. This allows for maximum flexibility in placing the building within the landscape. The 3459 sq ft home is located on a 236-acre, Lake Alpine, which is part of the Innsbrook community. Interior design of the home was done by: Steve Patton of Frank Patton Interiors and the landscape architect: Keith Thompson, Innsbrook Horticulturist. The design, the concept, and the environmental concerns, have generated a lot of interest. Plans are now underway for similar homes in Maryland, and Michigan.
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