Colin Edward Slais, Architect/Designer: Custom Homes

Cabin in the Country

Fredericktown, Missouri, USA
1-14-28

This modest 3 bed, 2 bath custom cabin/art studio was designed for a teacher/artist couple on several acres of farm/horse property in Fredericktown, Missouri. The home is based on the principles of "New Integral" Architecture (see post "Design Principles of New Integral Architecture" dated 1-14-28 below), a new design "style" I have recently been formulating and refining. There is definitely an influence from Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian homes, as well as Fay jones, Alden Dow, Richard Neutra, Eichler homes, and mid-century modern.

Much of the interior furniture would be designed by me to appear "built-in" but still be movable. There are lots of shelves, counters, and wall space to display numerous art pieces created by the Clients themselves. Terraces invite outdoor communing with a fire pit, fountain, and ledges for the Client's sculpture.

The 4-foot module design consists of exposed wood post & beam construction w/ a stone base and Hardie Panel and batten siding, glass, concrete and standing seam metal roof (all of which are both inside & out!) to metaphorically give a sense of living in and among the tress pervading the site.

The exposed, stained concrete floor is 2 feet above grade w/ no basement to address frequent flooding. A curved outdoor seating wall also diverts water runoff from a hill away from the home.

Sustainable design features include passive solar design/orientation, solar panel garden, and a rainwater collection cistern. The home also features Universal design as the Clients age, with 3 foot wide doors, single-level, and ramps to help traverse the 2-foot elevation rise.

Client Letter Regarding the Design:

"We were so excited to open our gift plans for the house of a lifetime! Every last detail -- cats, dogs, birds, sculpture, was included, and the design is devine. I love the windows in large quantity facing south, the rock wall/stone fireplace, and the solar garden. There is so much that you considered, making it all logically perfect!"

Design Principles of "New Integral" Architecture
1-14-28 (Principles created by Colin Edward Slais, Architect)

Simplicity throughout – Form, structure, systems – use of structural grid.
Clarity/Honesty – Clear, honest expression of function, systems, materials and structure (use of cantilever as appropriate).
Functionality, Stability and Beauty – a belief in “Commodity, Firmness, Delight” – Vitruvius.
Integral Design Inside & Out – Systems, materials, details, motifs, patterns, metaphor, furniture, colors all integrated.
Indoor/Outdoor Relationship – Seamless transition between inside & outside - direct connection between the two.
Universality – Flexibility, adaptability, changeability, expandability. “Universal Design” for advanced age as requested.
Color – From natural materials themselves, from the site/nature as well as Client’s favorite color – informed, natural, not arbitrary.
Relation to Nature – Inspired by/expressive of an understanding & love of nature, stars/sun/moon – adapts to it like a living organism for the comfort of life in and out.
Site Specific – Harmonious w/ site in location, layout, orientation, materials, colors, climate, views, Client needs. Site-informative.
Life Priority – Human and pet scale, proportions, needs – supports life inside and out.
Sustainability – Passive solar, conservation of resources/utilities.
Screen Walls – Walls “slide” through space as acoustic, visual & structural screens defining space, not confining. No boxes!
Balance of Contrasts – Soft/hard, straight/curved, light/shade, horizontal/vertical, yin/yang.
Work of Art – Expressive as a complete work of art lifting the spirit.
Timeless – Though of its time, still ageless & respected by its universality, purity, logic, connection to nature.
Freedom – Free from “handcuffs” of past styles/historical references, but rather more representative of true Democracy.
Creativity – Creative & unique design solutions and use of materials.
Sense of Shelter – Broad overhangs provide protection from elements.
Intelligence – Rational, thoughtful, useful, reasoned, intelligent design answering What, Why and How.
Joyful – Design brings positive, warm, cheerful feelings with a sense of joy and belief that imagination becomes reality.
Heart of Home – The Kitchen is the center of the home.
Respectful – Respectful of context, history and privacy, but in a current, fresh way.
Friendly – Welcoming/inviting to owners/guests
Technology – Use of current infrastructure technology for “smart” systems, wireless, security, etc.
Metaphor – Elements/details express and link the design idea metaphorically or symbolically to the site/nature/Client.
Furnishings – Custom-designed to appear built-in but movable for flexibility; or purchased to harmonize w/ the home’s design.
Low Maintenance – Easy to maintain and clean for better hygiene and health.
Time Capsule – Newspaper, artifacts, etc. in every project linking the past, present and future.
Informal Order -- Orderliness/organization of space and structure but with a casual feel.