Hasta La Ideas

American architect Wesley Walls has created a home for his family in central Arkansas that is composed of stacked boxes clad in stone, metal and glass (+ slideshow).

Called Two Rivers Point, the multi-level house sits on a steep slope and overlooks a river valley near Little Rock, the state’s capital.

Encompassing 3,700 square feet (344 square metres), the residence was designed by the architect for his family of four.

Creating an aesthetic that was modern and restrained – as well as providing panoramic views – were key factors during the design process.

The result is a three-storey structure comprising two 22-foot-long (6.7-metre) bars stacked atop a boxy volume at the base. A flat, angled roof covers the rectilinear home.

“The design intentionally sidesteps trendy formishes in an effort to create a sophisticated, timeless residence,” said Wesley Walls, a principal at the local firm, Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects.

The material palette was limited to stone, steel and glass, with the surrounding trees meant to add “colour” to the design.

The house is oriented to the north, which enables the interior to be filled with soft light.

“The ever-changing seasons, weather and time of day provide a myriad of exterior and interior experiences,” the architect said.

A stone wall serves as a visual anchor, while also acting as a physical barrier between private and public spaces within the dwelling.

The front door is located on the top level and is accessed via a driveway and concrete steps.

Visitors step into a glazed area, called the Upper Level Gallery, and are guided toward a “vertical communicating stair” that connects all floors.

The living and dining rooms, along with the kitchen, are situated on the top storey and merge with an outdoor terrace.

An island in the kitchen serves as both a counter for entertaining and as a dining table for daily use.

The middle floor contains a den, master suite and guest bedroom, while the bottom level houses two children’s bedrooms and a shared bathroom.

Throughout the home, ample glazing provides sweeping views of the scenic terrain. The dwelling is fitted with contemporary decor and finishes such as warm-toned wood and stone.

Sustainable elements include the use of recycled materials, LED lighting, and high-performance mechanical systems.

Other homes in Arkansas include a dwelling by Modus Studio cloaked in weathering steel and wood, and a metal-clad residence by deMx Architecture that is shaped like a bowtie.

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