Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography

Arboretum House grows out of its forested site as a cultivated collection of forms that combine to create an architectural ecosystem.

Set within the diverse landscape of the University of Wisconsin Arboretum neighborhood, the design objective was to create the desired residence with minimal impact on the existing vegetation.

The Plan

Precise studies of the existing trees and topography informed the placement, site and organization of the house. Portions of the structure cantilever out into the site, reducing the footprint and reflecting the dense tree canopies above. At the entry, a floating wood canopy provides shelter as it extends deep into the interior, drawing one’s view through the house to the woodland beyond. Modular wood panels line the primary circulation corridor and extend into the main living hall. The panels are extruded into functional objects, connecting the adjacent spaces with a common vocabulary while they perform various functions. The main living hall rises vertically with clerestory windows harvesting light on three sides. A covered wood deck and screen porch extend the interior space out into the woodland and share a stone fireplace chimney and hearth with the living room and reading nook.

The Structure

The building’s envelope is composed of high performing closed cell foam insulation that achieves full assembly R values nearly double code requirements and low-e coated argon-filled glazing within thermally efficient fiberglass frames. Precisely extended roof eaves work in concert with the house’s orientation to utilize the foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees as a natural shading element in the warm summer months. Cross ventilation through carefully placed operable windows eliminates the need for air conditioning. The 3,000-sq.ft. of finished space is heated with a hydronic radiant heat system that utilizes the mass of concrete slab floors to maintain a comfortable environment. Throughout the winter, outside air is filtered through a heat recovery ventilator, bringing fresh air into the home without sacrificing thermal performance.

The Materials

A textural palette of natural materials, including wood, concrete and stone, wraps the collection of forms to seamlessly integrate the home within the landscape while providing a modern interior that welcomes the outdoors in. As part of the intent to minimally impact the existing vegetation, five trees from the home’s selected footprint were harvested, dried and milled to become ceilings, soffits and stairs – the felled timber of this cherished site will forever be experienced and enjoyed.

Photo Credits: Tricia Shay Photography