Hastings, MI (2021-2022)
Project Size: 3700 sf, above ground interior living space
Tower House is a single-family dwelling, commissioned for design by a metalsmith and a stonemason. As a celebration of these two practices, the design integrates metal and stone as expressive exterior and interior architectural elements, accentuating a hybrid construction system of precast and cast-in-place concrete, heavy timber, and typical wood framed construction elements.
The exterior elevations become a canvas for the composition of metal finishes, designed with the intention to change and develop over time - Corrugated weathering steel panels, replete with the patina of rust and wear, sit in contrast to the sheen of the galvanized corrugated tower, which is further accentuated by a rhythm of formed copper fins, that emerge from the corrugations and extend vertically along the height of the tower. In contrast to the metal cladding, a base of cast-in-place concrete is positioned to receive color and character from the metal cladding above. The patina from the rusted metal and copper ribs will paint the concrete surface with the passage of time. Atop the roof, a stone-clad chimney alludes to the stone masonry craftwork within as it descends into a massive fireplace and pizza oven that is constructed at the center of the main level using stones uncovered from the surrounding site.
The interior volume of the house is simultaneously expansive and personal. The heart of this home is the kitchen, which anchors the main social space for the family and is particularly emphasized by its attachment to the stone masonry fireplace. By situating the kitchen centrally within the continuous open volume of the home, it also becomes a visual control center for the interior and exterior of the project. The interior space is also populated with a variety of specific types of wood structure. Exposed heavy timbers on the main level and basement are harvested from white oak and cherry trees on site. The roof structure is a system of long span wood trusses. The two grand, open staircases are fabricated from the same on-site white oak. These texturally rich moments of structure provide touchable components for the occupants to relate to while contrasting with the extended horizontal continuity of the living space as well as the tall vertical double height space of the main stair.
The eponymous tower performs a number of roles, lending a distinct character to the exterior of the house that merges the typology of a castle turret with the vernacular of the rural Michigan grain silo. On the interior, the tower wing programmatically accentuates each story, providing a nook for piano on the main level, a generous master bedroom and balcony to the upper level, and a loft above, with expansive south-facing views.
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This project was completed in collaboration with:
Travis Williams - Principal Architect, Project Architect, Project Manager
Kasey Vliet - Design and Construction Estimation support
Elpis Wong - Designer
Trevor Herman Hilker - Designer
Zada Harris - Designer
Structural Consultant - SDI Structures
Pre-Construction Team: In Parallel Architects + Builders - General Contractor, Arens Excavating, Burgess Concrete, Kerkstra Precast (Fabcon), Great Lakes Superial Walls, Jon Mitchell Builders, Harmsen Construction, Superior Ground Cover, Georgetown Waterproofing, Weltons Heating and Cooling, Morgan Electrical Service, Action Plumbing + Mechanical, Reliable Sheet Metal, Foam Technology Pros, Bob Teunessen Drywall, Migala Flooring, Van’t Hof Door and Gate Systems
