PORTER

The site is outside of Sioux Falls, South Dakota near the Big Sioux River. The home will sit on an elevated knoll overlooking a tree-covered narrow creek valley with abundant wildlife. The views, light and wind of the microclimate were all carefully considered in melding the architecture seamlessly to the site. A rigorous geometry provides a clear, yet varied spatial experience as one moves throughout the house. From the ground, shifting roofline heights and segmented vaults organize the geometry in a subtle yet dramatic hierarchy, adding interest to the building’s profile.

The theme of the building is that of a compound where various wings allow the landscape and light to intertwine with the house – a thick stone wall, which runs from the entry to the pool, acts as an anchor to the site. As one enters the property, ponds, streams and fireplaces present an additional theme of fire and water. The pond near the entrance road empties into a stream, which leads to the front door and then flows under the house and terminates at a swimming pool parallel to the stone wall. Various fireplaces and fire pits placed along the length of the stone wall create inviting places to sit.

A large vaulted roof floats above the great room and will contain Zebrawood cabinetry hovering below the ceiling, subtly dividing the various spaces within the great room. Floor to ceiling sliding doors open out onto a covered terrace, with the pool, the lawn and the view beyond. Flanking this main portion of the house are the guest wing and master bedroom suite. Both step down in harmony with the contours of the site. The master bedroom suite overlooks a tree-covered ravine and looks directly into a canopy of trees.
Clean geometric shapes contrast with and accentuate the natural surroundings.

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