Positioned on a large, flat site in north central Illinois, this house evokes the horizontal influence of agricultural buildings historically built in the Midwest. The house incorporates a characteristic program for a family of five. However, visual and tactile elements interconnect and resolve each room’s function in a way that gives the project an uncommon sensibility. Cement board panels and varied sizes and applications of redwood siding are wrapped over a steel frame to create the exterior skin.

To maximize privacy, the house is L-shaped and oriented towards the perimeter of the lot. Facing the street to the north, the house acts as a privacy screen by protecting views into the pool area and yard. To create additional private outdoor space, a screened porch uses only the batten of a board and batten pattern of siding found on adjacent exterior walls.