On a two-hectare rural property located in Indiana, a discreet three-gabled structure has been erected, integrating harmoniously among trees and a field of wildflowers. This new construction, spanning 250 square meters, functions as a guest house, complementing the main complex which includes a primary residence, pool house, barn, and garden, offering a serene and private environment for visitors.
When not in use by guests, the house serves as a leisure and wellness space for the owners. The design incorporates two guest bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and soaking tub, in addition to a gym, a living room equipped with a wood-burning fireplace, a coffee area, a game room with a billiard table, and a multi-functional garage.
The building is composed of three distinct volumes, all shaped like barns: the bedroom area, the wellness area, and the multi-functional area. Each of these volumes adopts a simple two-gabled configuration, echoing the vernacular architecture of regional barns. These volumes are interconnected by glazed walkways, which serve the dual function of connecting spaces and acting as transition zones between the interior and the exterior.
Although separated by function, the wings maintain their distinct formal characteristics. The two-gabled roofs were executed using moment frames, which allowed for the creation of large and fluid internal spaces. This structural solution also enabled the inclusion of large openings at the ends of the gables, reinforcing the building's connection to the surrounding natural landscape.
The window frames, ordered six months in advance, presented a specific construction challenge, as they needed to fit perfectly into the structural openings. To ensure this perfect integration, meticulous site supervision and extremely precise detailing were required.
Internally, within the two-gabled volumes, solid blocks were strategically placed to house the most intimate functions, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. The empty space created between this massive internal volume and the external envelope frames the views of the landscape and captures natural light. The choice of warm and natural-toned materials complements these framed views, providing coziness to visitors while immersing them in nature.
On the site, the arrangement of the three volumes was planned to manage the entry of natural light and optimize visual connections with the surrounding environment. Clad in Shou Sugi Ban wood, the house has a dark tone and a notable texture, establishing a harmonious dialogue with the abundant vegetation, causing it to blend into the landscape and intensify the perception of tranquility and isolation.
