Located on a 10 acre parcel of land with expansive prairie views, this one-story, L-shaped house brings “livable modern” to an area of Yelm, Washington comprised of traditional, country-style homes. Simplicity was a key theme guided by the homeowners’ personal aesthetic as well as budgetary concerns. Easy to work with, cost-effective materials were selected for this modest yet elegant, modern home with clean lines and minimal color.
Sleek exterior materials comprised of cedar and stucco siding and metal panel accents subtly contrast with floor to ceiling glazing on the North and South facing sides of the central core of the home. This area is visible from the front entrance, allowing for gracious views of the interior which extend all the way through to the back yard. Natural light illuminates this inviting open-plan, gathering space which includes the kitchen, living, and dining areas. The copper toned, stained birch ceiling and a concrete masonry fireplace add a sense of warmth to this area of the home, a casual yet functional space where the couple spends most of their free time along with their two dogs. A lighter-stained birch was used for all of the kitchen’s custom cabinetry and breakfast bar.
The concrete flooring used throughout the entire home continues beyond the living room’s South-side glazing, visually expanding the space into the back yard landscape. A concrete masonry wall located outside on the North-side of the home provides an element of privacy and creates a courtyard which can be seen from both the living space and their private home office.
Environmentally responsible features of the home include radiant floor heating, heat-recovery technology, and natural ventilation. A well is located on-site. Efficient planning and the repetition of elements throughout the house helped to keep costs down. What resulted was an economically-priced, modern home that complements its natural, rural environment.