A COLLECTION OF PROJECTS COMPLETED AT STEVEN IN OMAHA,
While the neighborhood is full of classical-contemporary architecture, an eco-friendly family of four desired a new, modern-contemporary residence with an open and airy feel. Solar House is a tribute to the family’s dedication to a more sustainable and contemporary style of living.
Behind the front facade is a hidden primary entrance highlighting a main corridor that combines an open living room, dining room, and kitchen. The main level is comfortably functional, linking a lounge, mudroom, and garage. The patio facing rooms look to the swimming pool through large windows that terminate into the floor plane for a continuous marriage of interior and exterior spaces. Finally, the master suite is a looping corridor looking over the swimming pool as a sequence of bedroom, closet, and sundrenched bathroom.
The design emphasizes a procession of crossing axes spawning from the adjoining road to the West and converging into perpendicular masses. The first block of the precession is a vertical stair tower, which culminates vantage intersections from basement to roof and is all encompassing of the building’s modern materials. A ship’s ladder on the second floor reaches the tower roof for astonishing panorama views, stargazing, and access to the solar panels which power the residence.
At every turn simple, cost-effective solutions were sought to conserve energy while creating a house that is both beautiful and sustainable. Working closely with the general contractor with constant communication and frequent site visits resulted in a house with thoughtful details throughout.
Sustainable technologies that make the efficiency of Solar House possible include geothermal climate control, solar panels, stack ventilation, passive solar heat gain, smart appliances, native prairie grasses, and a rainwater retention swale.
Under Construction - 2023
A new house built on a beautiful 72 acre lot surrounded by a conservation area near Missouri Valley, Iowa. The house features a large two-story library with a custom spiral staircase and enclosed slide to the basement below. The three kid’s bedrooms each have their own loft with windows facing both North and South.
An idea is only effective if it can be properly communicated. As is often the case, plans and sections are sometimes not enough for some people to understand how a space will look and feel. An essential part of this project was showing the clients the house through realistic renders and walkthroughs of the 3D model.
The building sections tell the story of this house. Each kid’s bedroom has a loft that allows for natural light and ventilation from both sides of the room.
A large two-story library anchors the house on the hill. Large glass panels on either end allow for uninterrupted views of the Loess Hills.
The library also features a slide that connects to the play area in the walkout basement.
TOP: View of library staircase
The connection to the surrounding landscape was a driving factor throughout the design process. After many design iterations, the final design placed the house on top of a hill with views of the valley below and prairie beyond.
A new house and studio built on a rural site near Cedar Bluffs, NE. Overlooking the Platte River amongst the historic bluffs of Pahuk sit a unique house and studio. The quality of spaces, the views, and the sense of calmness that has been achieved at the house and studio reflect the lifestyle of the couple.
The house draws its strength and spirit from its dramatic settinga strikingly beautiful landscape of terraced prairie grass. Weaving up the hill of terraces is a gravel driveway that provides glimpses of picturesque views of the house and studio. The house is organized around two perpendicular axes that share a common theme of extending uninterrupted throughout the length of the house and terminate with exits and views out at both ends. Structural concrete columns line the entry of the house and continue on the interior. A third story office with 360 degree views provides the perfect vantage point for birdwatching.
Inspired by the surrounding farm buildings, a “farm-simple” approach was taken when designing key details. Local materials were used throughout the house including for the main structural elements. Concrete columns and stone retaining walls anchor the house on the hill. The gray columns are complemented by the warmth of the exposed wood trusses and tongue and groove ceilings. The exterior of both buildings features a standing seam metal roof and Yakisugi or Shou Sugi Ban (charred Japanese cypress) siding. A geothermal system keeps the buildings at a comfortable temperature while a dedicated well provides the water. The end result is a pair of buildings that stand proud on the site but don’t take away from its serenity.
Designed to provide the essential requirements for a tapestry weaver - a large workspace for a large loom, a dye kitchen, a bathroom, and a fly loft to hang large pieces. Working in harmony with the house, this economical studio features simple gable roofs with sustainable exterior finishes and windows on every side to ensure plenty of natural light fills the interior.
Omaha, NE
Under Construction - 2022
Renovation & addition to existing home in Omaha, NE. This unique sea ranch-style house was taken down to the studs and rebuilt to include a study room, music room, wine room, office, and expanded kitchen. The new design aims to keep the character of the unique house style with updated finishes.
The family loved the location of their existing home, but it was not fulfilling all their needs. Instead of building new, they decided to renovate and add on to their unique, sea-ranch style house. However, adding on to three sides of the house proved to be a challenging task. An existing courtyard plan with complex roof forms required some creative solutions to get the family everything they desired.
The courtyard retains its existing role, hosting gatherings and providing users a connection to the outdoors while staying separated from the busy city streets. Extending the house out in three directions presented challenges with the existing roof composition. The new roof line mimics the sharp angles of the existing while providing new access to natural light with windows incorporated into the saddle roof design.
Along with a new entry sequence and expanded kitchen was the addition of a study room and music room. The family homeschools their children and a room for learning was an essential piece of the new home. Light fills the room from both sides with windows at desk-height mirrored by windows high above the custom bookshelf.
The transformation at the front of the house reinvigorates what was previously a confusing and uninviting entrance by introducing a new entry courtyard with stepped planters and new windows, granting the space a new relationship with the interior.
New house and workshop located between two lakes near Valley, NE. This open floor plan house responds to the landscape with an elevated main floor to stay above the flood water level and features resilient masonry walls throughout.
A challenging site combined with a complex program results in a completely unique Nebraska home. The only access to the site is via a wooden bridge that frames the entry drive. The main axis of the house stretches the full length of the house and connects the front door to the stair tower at the back of the house. At the center of the house, the Great Room, is the heart of activity and connects the two wings of the house. The activity from inside spills out onto the elevated pool deck complete with a covered porch, hot tub, and pool with views of the landscape beyond.
TOP: VIEW OF COVERED PORCH
BOTTOM: STAIR TOWER & BEDROOM WING
A key aspect of the design behind this house was to create special spaces that stir the soul. Interior spaces are functional while maintaining a relaxing atmosphere. High ceilings and large spans of glass invite the sky and landscape into the building. Chosen materials are kept to a fundamental few - the hard stone floors and masonry walls are offset by the warmth of the heavy timber beams and hardwood finishes.
