Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Art & Music House balances the beauty of nature, art and sound to create a clean and modern backdrop for curated living experiences within a spacious two-level home.

This retired couple desired a quiet lifestyle in Wisconsin to enjoy home life with their beloved dogs. As an artist and an audiophile, they found the perfect site at the foot of a hill amidst vast farmland acreage. While they wanted the home built into the hillside, zoning required a different approach. Instead, the structure accentuates the landscape while thoughtfully framing views for a curated experience in every space, inside and out.

The Plan

The five-acre site rises west to east, culminating at a hill. The 6,345 sf structure was positioned with a private road entrance to minimize disruptions from the nearby busy country highway. The elongated floor plan sits at the base of the hill with a sloped roof tipping upward, complementing the climb in elevation. The purposeful orientation harvests morning light that filters through the trees while aligning the dining room views with an old specimen Russian Elm tree. 

A long stone wall defines the interior layout, separating public and private spaces. The clear circulation pattern allows for uninterrupted views from one end of the home to the other and is mimicked by the secondary path along the window wall. The main level features an open living, dining, and kitchen area, a terrace, a den, a primary suite, two guest bedrooms, a guest bathroom, and a spacious mudroom/laundry area adjacent to a four-car garage. Highlights of the lower level include distinct his and her spaces—the audio room and art studio—and a family room, office, and gallery.  

The Structure

The structure is clean, modern, and expertly executed, reflecting the artist’s focus on simplicity and nature in a contemporary expression and the audiophile’s commitment to quality and experience.

The stone wall, a robust line passing from out to in, greets visitors at the driveway, providing an intuitive wayfinding cue towards the front door. A refined steel trellis paired with well-considered lighting and landscaping creates an elegant entry sequence. The long rectangular house forms are nestled within the site. In addition to complementing the landscape, the roof shape supports the spatial hierarchy inside the home, creating a large volume that accentuates the communal areas while maximizing natural light. Expansive windows celebrate the countryside views with strategically placed solid wall panels that define rooms and provide vignettes for art installations. The windows and wall panels provide an elegant framework to highlight each space and experience. Two fireplace walls provide textural focal points while framing the covered outdoor terrace.

A floating wood ceiling in the lower-level audio room breaks the large surface while offering absorption qualities. The room features ribbon loudspeakers to achieve a transparent and dynamic listening experience. Movable panels further support the sound quality of the room.

The Materials

The material selections reinforce the recurring framework theme of the spatial organization. Locally sourced

Princeton Halquist Stone was selected for its color and standard height specification to achieve the desired contemporary appeal of the home. Further, the coursing heights and layout were designed to run continuously throughout the house with careful attention to the placement of controls and devices to fit within a specific course.

The exterior wood siding is made from Accoya, a branded wood product. It begins as Radiata Pine and then goes through an acetylating process, resulting in rot-resistant wood. From a functional standpoint, it is an ultra-high-performance product, making it a durable, long-term sustainable choice. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, it was cut with a band saw to create a linear texture on the face of the wood that runs perpendicular to the length of each board.

The slender profile of the Pella Reserve Contemporary Windows provides the distinct framework detail that adds texture and dimension to the exterior while punctuating the interior and defining rooms. Reclaimed wood timbers and cedar ceiling details contrast the aluminum-clad wood windows while infusing warmth that complements the natural strata textures and neutral palette of the stone.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography