Madison Residence

Architecture Residential Missouri, United States Of America

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1. Award winning small home

KEM STUDIO has earned a finalist award from Interior Design, Best of Year and a KC AIA Design Excellence Honor Award for the Madison Residence.

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2. Exterior

The exterior has two basic materials of reclaimed sinker cypress and factory-painted corrugated metal.

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3. Side Deck

Given a challenging, narrow 40 ft. lot that is all solid rock and severely sloping from front to back, KEM STUDIO placed the house on concrete piers and steel beams to elevate it and minimize the amount of rock that needed to be removed.

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4. Efficient layout

The home is extremely efficient in every sense of the word.

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5. Kitchen and dining area

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6. Office space

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7. Entryway

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8. Open staircase

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9. Living area from above

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10. Dining area from above

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11. Bedroom

Functionally it translates into a 1,250 sf, 2 bedroom, 2 bath home on a modest budget.

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12. Sustainability practices

Sustainable practices included the use of solar panels collecting 4.6 kw of renewable energy, spray foam insulation, high efficiency zoned mini-split mechanical units, low VOC paints, reclaimed materials, hardwood floors made up of shorts from other projects, and xeriscape landscaping to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation.

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Description

The goal of this project was to break conventional notions of what we “need” in a house and design for the clients specific lifestyle. KEM STUDIO went through a comprehensive research process to define the parameters of the project, analyze the clients lifestyle and develop a clear idea for the project.

The big idea centered around three principles:
1) To be modern, minimal and sustainable: focus on the experience with volume, light and interactions more than square footage.
2) To emphasis the interaction of the house with the site and hillside: draw from the owner’s rural background and her unconventional, creative interpretations.
3) To be super efficient: the budget is very modest and the clients desire is to have very little waste, a high level of sustainability and low maintenance.

The design met those goals and responded to her lifestyle as a writer, musician, runner, cinephile and creative spirit. Functionally it translates into a 1,200 sf, 2 bedroom, 2 bath home on a modest budget.

Questions and Answers

Discuss the sustainability features of the Madison Residence?

Sustainability Takes Center Stage at Madison Residence

The Madison Residence, a 1,200 sq. ft. home in Kansas City, MO, is a shining example of sustainable design and construction. The project's focus on eco-friendliness is evident in the careful selection of materials, innovative solutions to environmental challenges, and thoughtful integration of green technologies.

Materials Matter

The exterior of the home features two primary materials: reclaimed sinker cypress and factory-painted corrugated metal. These choices not only reduce waste but also add a unique aesthetic to the home's exterior. The use of reclaimed materials extends to the interior, where hardwood floors are crafted from "shorts" salvaged from other projects.

The home's landscaping is designed with water conservation in mind, utilizing xeriscape principles to minimize water usage. This approach ensures that the home's environmental impact is reduced, while also creating a beautiful and low-maintenance outdoor space.

Renewable Energy and Insulation

Solar panels have been integrated into the home's design to generate renewable energy and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources. Spray foam insulation is used in the walls, providing high insulation values and minimizing heat loss. These features combine to create a highly efficient and sustainable living space.

Efficient Systems and Finishing Touches

High-efficiency mini-split mechanical units and tank-less water heaters ensure that the home's systems are running at optimal levels. Low VOC paints were chosen to promote indoor air quality, and reclaimed materials are used throughout the home to minimize waste and reduce the building's environmental footprint.

The challenge was to build a home on a very tight budget, while also designing a long-lasting, sustainable, custom home. We needed to keep the square footage low, but still have the house feel spacious and connected to the site.

Despite the challenges posed by the narrow, sloping lot, the Madison Residence serves as a model for sustainable design and construction. Its focus on eco-friendliness, combined with its modern aesthetic and efficient systems, make it a truly remarkable achievement in green building.

Details

Project size 1200 ft2
Completion date 2013
Building levels 2

Project team

KEM STUDIO