Hufft Projects designed Heavy Metal, a private residence located in Joplin, Missouri.
Project description
Aptly named, Heavy Metal is a steel-clad private residence sited on eight acres of heavily wooded terrain. The client owns a steel manufacturing facility, and he wished to have his home reflect both his family business and his personal artistic background.
These desires became a critical component for the layout of the home. The residence was designed to be a single-level, gallery-like space in which the client could move easily—from home, to office, to studio—with strong connections to nature from each space.
The organic shape of the surrounding trees contrasts the hard-lined form of the home. To the right, a photo studio is clad in pre-cast concrete. The large front door defines the central entry. To the left, the great room is screened by perforated metal.
Heavy Metal is a contemporary take on the Miesian courtyard house, in a rural setting. In this instance, the courtyard is created as much by the landscaping and vegetation as it is by the architecture.
The skylights and sliding doors at the fireplace are characteristic of the best qualities of the house, plentiful natural light and a strong connection to nature. The strategic layering of glass and perforated steel shades the interior of the home and provides views of landscape around it.
At night, the perforated metal skin and the reflecting pool are illuminated, while the entrance is highlighted with a single can light. The ceiling plane of the living room seems to float above the glowing clerestory.
The kitchen anchors the large living space. The concrete countertop and blackened steel-faced casework appear minimal and monolithic.
A koi pond & band of river rock border the gallery hall leading to the the master suite.
The master bedroom features a palette of polished concrete, blackened steel and unfinished wood. In the master bathroom, the vanity and shower look out on a secluded reflecting pool.
Design: Hufft Projects