Back40House springs to life on approach at sunrise - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Welcome to Back40House - Entry Covered Breezeway - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Entry Hall greets visitors with a a colorful experience - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Entry Hall greets visitors with a colorful experience and mudroom - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Welcome to Back40House - Entry Covered Breezeway - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Primary Bedroom infuses geometric color and natural light - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Primary Bedroom infuses geometric color and natural light - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Entry Porch Detail - Entry Covered Breezeway - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Primary Closet incorporates colorful artwork - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Primary Bathroom vanity glows from skylight above - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Shower niche carries layered Corten influence inside - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Primary Bathroom vanity glows from skylight above - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Primary Bathroom vanity glows from skylight above - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Laundry is incorporated into Primary Closet - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Visitors are welcomed with thoughtful modern furnishings and art - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN View out entry door from central hallway - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN View from entry door reveals Cedar entry porch, residential garage, and Corten steel screenwall - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Guest Bedroom resides on south side of house and basks in balanced natural light from east-facing clerestory window and south-facing vertical glazing - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN View from Entry Porch reveals Corten steel screenwall and path to workshop - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Guest Bedroom includes en suite bathroom with skylight - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN View from Entry Porch reveals Corten steel screenwall and path to workshop - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Guest Suite bathroom carries exterior cladding palette concepts inside - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Our clients Brad and Nan go for a walk across the Back40 landscape - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Guest Suite bathroom carries exterior cladding palette concepts inside - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN South facade features Cedar rustic channel siding detail and bird-safe glass detail - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Looking from north wall into Art Studio - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Art Studio resides on north side with sloping shed roof ceiling and large windows - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Art Studio entry includes art sink and storage cabinetry - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN North Elevation at fall sunrise - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN North facing Corten-clad volume contains primary suite and art studio flanked by covered porches - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Back40House gazes at the sunset on a crisp fall day - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN North facing Corten-clad volume contains primary suite and art studio flanked by covered porches - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN North facing Corten-clad volume contains primary suite and art studio flanked by covered porches - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN North facing Corten-clad volume contains primary suite and art studio flanked by covered porches - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN South Elevation - vertical cedar siding, exposed concrete foundation, corrugated + perforated Corten steel siding, sloping site, new modern house - Back40House - Markleville, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager South elevation at dusk centers dining table and Nelson pendant light cluster - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN On view from south, Back40House floats on the sloping rural landscape - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN South facade highlights layered materials and volumes - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Corten steel entry wall draws the eye to the main entrance between house and garage - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Looking south through kitchen reveals Pantry counter on back wall - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Kitchen detail reveals Mahogany veneer cabinetry and orange panel corridor, each inspired by Corten exterior siding - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Straight-on view of kitchen highlights black and Mahogany veneer against bold-colored walls and art - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN View from living room to kitchen along south edge of open concept interior spys views to entry drive and cornfield beyond - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Pantry storage area wraps south end of kitchen - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Kitchen view looks north to property and fall foliage - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Indoor Outdoor fireplace brings industrial exterior cladding inside with a more refined palette - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Detail view of inside-outside fireplace reveals vertical storage slot for books and art pieces - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN West porch overlooks woods and sunset - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Covered porch shelters a view to Corten art studio through central hallway to main entry porch - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Corten steel art studio stands proud of adjacent facade - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Entry Porch Detail - Entry Covered Breezeway - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Entry Porch Detail with lookthrough to matching workshop building beyond - Entry Covered Breezeway - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Workshop repeats residence garage motif and helps support client racing team - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Brad Hayes Racing (BHR) garage features midgets and Formula 1600 piper - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Corten steel entry wall draws the eye to the main entrance between house and garage - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN South facade features Cedar rustic channel siding detail and bird-safe glass detail - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN Entry approach at dawn - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

Back40House

Pendleton, IN

Back40House, located where Pendleton meets Markleville, sits on family-owned land acquired in the 1800’s.

Journal

(Spring 2019):  Most certainly, we’re excited to report that the design + construction pricing process is just about complete.  Therefore, we anticipate ground-breaking by mid-summer 2019!  Without a doubt, we will plan to share the design + construction process and what we learn along the way.  So please check-out the ongoing updates below!

(Update 12/2021):  We completed construction (substantial completion) in late fall 2020, and our clients have been living in the home for just over a year now.  They have had time now to get acclimated and make it theirs (the personal touches).  Also, we had the opportunity to start finish photography in late October 2021.  We’re so excited to share the images.  But these things take-time, so be sure to check-back for updates.  We’ll be sharing soon!

(Update 10/2022):  Owner is growing wildflowers and prairie grasses on the property, so we can’t wait to make a visit back to see how the environment is evolving.  In the meantime, we’ve nominated the project for AIA Indiana architectural design awards.  We’re excited to report that the acclaimed jury  awarded BACK40HOUSE with a 2022 AIA Indiana Citation Award for Architecture (Category:  New Construction Under $5.0m).


Project Info – Back40House

Architecture:  HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles
Interior Architecture:  HAUS with Client
Construction:  WERK | Building Modern
Renderings + Photography:  HAUS
Client Page:  Back40House
Honored: AIA Indiana 2022 – Citation Award for Architecture (New Construction – Project Cost Less Than $5 Million)


Architect Statement:

History

Back40House was named by our clients to reflect on family-owned property granted in the early 1800s in 160 acre parcels by the U.S. government.  Six generations and 200 years later, they claimed the southwest 40 and returned to Indiana from California to design and build their dream home.

They had been away from Indiana for 10+ years, and had been working with Tesla to help develop the Model S.  This passion for engineering followed them back to Indiana, where they own a racing team for midget and Formula F entry-level series cars.  They also brought their keen sensibilities for Midcentury Modern architecture, interiors, and art.  Each was a major influence for our ongoing discussions and ultimate design solutions.

Context

Our client had an exciting vision and a thirst for quality design, but the process was not without challenges.  First, how do we most effectively navigate a modern aesthetic into a rural agrarian environment with no immediate architectural context?  Second, how do we manage our client’s initial goals of 1,600sf living space for a ‘too-low’ construction cost goal?  Third, how do we handle bank financing + comparables/appraisals for a one-of-a-kind project in Pendleton, Indiana?  Fourth, as architects + construction managers, how do we handle the onset of COVID-19 right in the middle of the construction process?

The client said they had been following our work for a few years, and pointed-out a few of their preferences inherent in another of our recent design-build projects for inspiration.  They also shared with us their previous design-build experience with a production builder, and how they were not satisfied due to inherent limitations with that process.  For sure they were looking for overall leadership, and were attracted to the design + construction specialty that we offer between our two related, architect-led companies.

Design Process

Our friendly clients flew-in for a day-long personal introduction, site visit and design kick-off session.  The initial design solution orients for site access, approach, and larger vehicle navigation.  Primary residence garage and racing team workshop volumes align in a repetitive south-to-north position oriented to the new access drive on the east edge of site clearing.  From these modern detached structures, we turned 90-degrees east-to-west to position the primary living spaces in a passive solar orientation.  All living spaces are organized around the entry hall with covered access points at each end for effective indoor/outdoor transitions.

Design Solutions

The materiality and details borrow inspiration from the site’s pre-existing structures and antique farm equipment.  Vertical rustic-channel wood cladding contrasts with weathering steel, providing an evolving material contrast that helps the art studio and primary suite stand apart.  These natural materials continue a humble industrial quality, but are executed with a new level of precision and detail.  On the interiors, natural light, site views, and spatial proportion help layer the sequence of spaces.  Then from there, inside-out finishes and color further articulate and clarify formal design relationships and client sensibilities.

Regarding size and budget, we helped navigate expectations during the design process.  Ultimately we ended-up at 2,300sf finished living space for a higher, but workable construction base cost, plus workshop for an additional allowance.  Sustainability Stats – Baseline Energy Use Intensity (EUI):  Typical Residential Home (130 Zero Score) – Target EUI:  (50 Zero Score) – Projected EUI:  (50 Zero Score) – Percent Reduction from Baseline:  60%.   Please see photo captions on subsequent images below for more about the overall design and environmental sustainability strategies.

Challenges

After the design efforts, we ran into some issues with financing.  Our client’s first two bank contacts fell through; one due to comp/appraisal difficulty, and another due to limitations in other financing requirements.  After the second effort fell-through, architect connected client with a previous partner recommendation with success.  And with that, we were underway.  Smooth sailing?  No … 40%-in, COVID-19 hits.  Some things did slow a bit, but we were able to navigate the unknowns for this relatively small project where most of the trade contractors and lead-time items were already lined-up.  By sticking to the plan with some minor adjustments, we were able to achieve success.

Success:  Architect-Led Design, Interiors, and Construction

We feel like this was another good case study illustrating the benefits of architect-led construction for a smaller, more detailed project.  After 18 months living in the home, the materials are beginning to show their natural progression and patina.  But what really makes it rewarding is how the project is living and the satisfaction of our clients.  “OMG!!!!!! I can’t believe we get to live in this beautiful home.  I mean, we have appreciated it even before it was built.  But to see it from this perspective (the new photos) and the, angles, light, and shadow just BLEW ME AWAY!  Thank you, thank you.  It’s incredibly overwhelming in the best way.  Thanks to you and everyone else that helped make this dream come to fruition.  It’s such an incredible honor.  We’re feeling so grateful and fortunate.” (Client Testimonial)

Back40House springs to life on approach at sunrise - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
On the Back40House approach, a thoughtful layering of natural, weathering materials becomes evident on the exterior.
Color Site Plan (smaller) - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
East-west oriented primary dwelling is countered with a series of detached garages running north-south.  Together, the Back40House volumes frame the north yard and views to the surrounding tree line.

Entry

Entry Hall greets visitors with a colorful experience and mudroom - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
On entry, we see outside materials continue inside.  Then those surfaces are framed further to reveal interior spaces beyond.

 

Entry Hall greets visitors with a a colorful experience - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
From Back40House entry hall one engages the primary suite to the right.  Below, bath benefits from roof light above, and connects directly to the covered spa outside.

 

 

Primary Bathroom vanity glows from skylight above - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

 

North Elevation at fall sunrise - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

Primary Bedroom infuses geometric color and natural light - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Taking a few steps further, we discover the primary bedroom and its artfully-appointed interior.  We’re immediately drawn to the autumn panorama through the horizontal glazing.  Then from the exterior, we can see how the colorful palette permeates inside-out.

Floor Plan

Floor Plan Diagram - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

Rooftop open scuppers celebrate precipitation events - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Flat roof rainwater is channeled to custom open-mouth scuppers that won’t clog from site debris – resilient, low-maintenance, sustainable drainage solutions.

 

Back40House gazes at the sunset on a crisp fall day - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
East-west oriented primary dwelling is countered with a series of detached garages running north-south.  Together, the Back40House volumes frame the north yard and views to the surrounding tree line.

Parti Diagram 5 - Design Concept - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

View from Entry Porch reveals Corten steel screenwall and path to workshop - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

Art Studio

Art Studio entry includes art sink and storage cabinetry - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
The art studio claims the northwest portion of the Corten-clad shed, directly west of primary suite.

 

Art Studio resides on north side with sloping shed roof ceiling and large windows - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Inside, we transition from gallery through anteroom into north-facing studio.

 

North facing Corten-clad volume contains primary suite and art studio flanked by covered porches - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Outside, the studio’s position, windows and cladding highlight its presence in the overall composition.  With thoughtful positioning of foundations and framing, the architecture transitions from grounded to elevated.

 

Covered porch shelters a view to Corten art studio through central hallway to main entry porch - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
The section looking east reveals how Back40Huse kitchen interior echoes art studio exterior.  Windows on east and west exposures are minimized and sheltered to limit east-west solar gain.

 

Straight-on view of kitchen highlights black and Mahogany veneer against bold-colored walls and art - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Central east-west entry hall bisects the opposing butterfly shed and provides indoor-outdoor covered access at each end.

Building Section Diagram 1 - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

 

Kitchen view looks north to property and fall foliage - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
New double-glazed, aluminum-clad wood, low-E windows + sliding doors orient to capitalize on best views.

Colorful Palette

Kitchen detail reveals Mahogany veneer cabinetry and orange panel corridor, each inspired by Corten exterior siding - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Looking from kitchen back toward main entry, we go from lighter to darker space; then from darker to lighter.  The rich color and material palette permeates throughout.

 

View out entry door from central hallway - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

 

Entry Porch Detail - Entry Covered Breezeway - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
As one can see at Back40Huse entry, design simplicity often requires complex thought, precise execution, and . . . patience.  Details matter.  At HUS + WERK, architect-led construction ensures that the deign details become reality.

 

Corten steel art studio stands proud of adjacent facade - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Client desired a creative space with ample natural light and excellent views.  Design + build team highlighted the art studio with shed roof + high ceilings to prioritize north light on the inside.  Then exterior cladding and form help studio stand apart on the outside.  After move-in, clients added strings to the window exteriors to deter birds.

Guest Suite bathroom carries exterior cladding palette concepts inside - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

 

Looking south through kitchen reveals Pantry counter on back wall - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

Pantry storage area wraps south end of kitchen - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Custom Mahogany millwork anchors the Back40House kitchen core, wrapping the corner to reveal pantry prep area with clever return air and window integration.  A lot of things have to go right to successfully achieve a work of architecture.  A design concept is only successful with client buy-in, then expert detailing, execution and follow-through by all team members.

 

Kitchen anchors the open living spaces with contrasting wood, stainless, and quartz - Sapele Mahogany - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
New high-efficiency appliances and plumbing fixtures, heat pump HVAC system + water heating, hot water recirculating loop, generator-ready (propane option – no natural gas on-site), and LED light fixtures further contribute to project sustainability and resilience. Garage is prepped for EV charging, PV-ready rough-ins included.

Low Site Impact

South facade highlights layered materials and volumes - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
The structure transitions from grounded to elevated, allowing the existing topography and drainage to remain mostly intact – minimal site impact.

 

Corten steel entry wall draws the eye to the main entrance between house and garage - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
New unvented roof system integrates closed-cell board continuous insulation over deck + cellulose insulation under deck (R-56 or better) + 2×6 exterior walls with R21 blow-in batts + insulated headers – highly-insulated thermal envelope.  insulated and conditioned crawl space – area of floating floors are R-56 (blown-in cellulose).  Pre-stained rustic channel Western Red Cedar siding is long -lasting for low-maintenance and durability – natural, renewable materials + butterfly shed roofs are light-colored standing-seam – resilient materials + minimize heat island effect.

Workshop

Brad Hayes Racing (BHR) garage features midgets and Formula 1600 piper - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

 

North facing Corten-clad volume contains primary suite and art studio flanked by covered porches - Industrial Farm Modern - Back40House - Pendleton, IN

 

Some History

Long ago, the government granted large plots of land to families in 160 acre parcels.  Per below, the land for Back40House has been in our client’s family since the early 1800’s, with 80 of the original 160 acres still family-owned.

From client page:

05 March 2019 – “So we are starting the journey to move back home to Indiana.  Our time in California has been great, but our family and friends back home are pulling at our hearts.  We have the opportunity to build our dream home on property that has been in our family for six generations.  We will be building on the back forty acre parcel that was part of the original 160 acres settled by my family in the early 1800s.  So we have nicknamed our future home the “Back40House”.  Be sure to follow this page to see it all come together…from a clean sheet of paper and an open meadow, to the home where we will continue to care for the land that our family has cared for over the past 200 years.”

06 March 2019 – “As we will be building on family property, I have been digging in to the history a bit.  I found this great map of Adams Township from 1876.  Notice the highlighted block then owned by J. S. Davis.  That was my 3rd great grandfather John Smithson Davis.  The Back40House will be in the south west corner of that plot.  We are so grateful that our family has kept this property over the years, and fortunate to have the opportunity to carry on that tradition.”

 

Historic Adams Township Map - Client Land Plot - Back40House - Marklesville, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Historic Adams Township Map – Client Land Plot – Pendleton/Markleville, IN

Site Visits

Our clients, Brad and Nan were living in California when we began the design process.  Brad and Nan flew-in for our first site and design charrette meeting in early February 2019 and we made a productive day of it.  We started off the day walking the site to get a feel for the lay-of-the-land.  After that, we headed to the HAUS studio for team introductions and an afternoon design-brainstorming session.

 

Initial Site Visit with Brad and Nan - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture
Initial Site Visit with Brad and Nan – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (February 2019)

 

Brad Hayes Surveys the Landscape - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Brad Hayes Surveys the Landscape – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (February 2019)

 

Design Process

Having explored a few ideas and variations, we have settled on the two similar diagrams below that represent the essence of the design direction.  Generally, these two variations express a difference in material concept.  We have settled on the bottom diagram, allowing the studio-master suite volume to become a special accent material setting itself apart from the predominant material.

Main House is to the lower left, two lateral volumes separated with a central entry hall.  And to the right, garage is detached and connected via breezeway/entry porch.  Also, to the north, more detached garage volumes continue the same massing and materiality to make-up owner workshop.

 

Parti Diagram - organization + material concept - central entry + circulation hall - Back40House - Marklesville, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles
Parti Diagrams – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (March 2019)

 

Inspiration – Front 40

Hayes Acres - Design Inspiration - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Hayes Acres – Design Inspiration (Existing Barn on the Front40) – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (June 2019)

 

Exterior Barn Door (Inspiration - Details) - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Exterior Barn Door (Inspiration – Details – Existing Barn on the Front40) – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (June 2019)

 

This south elevation view below shows the main living volume in grey siding, and breezeway entry to the right.  To clarify, we are exploring an exterior material palette combining naturally-weathered wood + corrugated Corten steel siding.  Also, we are planning to keep existing site grading intact and project over the landscape to capture the best views to the south, west, and north.  Equally important, in conjunction with dense treeline to the west, deep roof overhangs will provide shelter from prevailing weather and western sunlight.

 

South Elevation - vertical cedar siding, exposed concrete foundation, corrugated + perforated Corten steel siding, sloping site, new modern house - Back40House - Marklesville, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
South Elevation (Rendering) – Back40House – Markleville, IN (April 2019)

 

Telling the Story

PreConstruction Interviews - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
PreConstruction Interviews (Clients) – Brad + Nan Hayes – Logan Hayes (Videographer) – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (June 2019)

 

Site Staking Day

To get our septic design completed, we first needed to stake the building locations.  Things ended-up pretty close to where we thought they would on the site plan, but we did make a few adjustments on-the-fly based on topography and existing treeline locations.  The surveyors were good to work with and they spotted the grade elevations we needed to make final design adjustments.

 

Site Staking Day - Surveyors + Architects - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Site Staking Day – Surveyors + Architects – Back40House – Pendleton, IN – photo by Brad Hayes (July 2019)

 

Site Surveying + Staking was a group effort - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Site Surveying + Staking was a group effort – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (July 2019)

 

Survey + Staking Day - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Survey + Staking Day – Back40House – Pendleton, IN – photo by Brad Hayes (July 2019)

07.28.19 – We have septic approvals, and are awaiting building permit review.  Albeit, we anticipate having footings in the ground and back-filled by mid-September so we can then be weathered-in by end of November.  For sure, we want to be sure we aren’t held-up by the winter weather.

Clearing a Path

This photos below were taken on on the first day heavy equipment showed-up to cut the new access drive and clear a route through the treeline.  Soon thereafter, we would be excavating for and pouring footings.

 

Location for New Site Access - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Location for New Site Access – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (August 2019)

 

Cutting In Site Access - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Cutting In Site Access – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (August 2019)

 

Cutting-In New Site Access Drive - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Cutting-In New Site Access Drive – Heavy Equipment (CAT) – Backhoe – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (August 2019)

 

Excavation Begins!

Excavations Underway - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Excavations Underway (John + Brad Hayes walk the site) – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (August 2019)

 

Layout and Excavations Begin - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Layout and Excavations Begin – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (August 2019)

 

Jack is Happy about it!

If anyone is happy about ground-breaking, it's Jack - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
If anyone is happy about ground-breaking, it’s Jack – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (August 2019)

 

The Frogs are Probably Not happy about it

Bullfrog - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Bullfrog – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (August 2019)

 

Miniature Green Frog (Site Wildlife) - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles
Miniature Green Frog (Site Wildlife) – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (August 2019)

 

Pumping Concrete

Concrete Pump for Footings - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Concrete Pump for Footings – Back40House – Pendleton, IN – photo by Brad Hayes (August 2019)

 

Concrete Footings Placed - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Concrete Footings Placed – Forms – Rebar – Back40House – Pendleton, IN – photo by Brad Hayes (August 2019)

 

Forming Foundation Walls

Foundation Wall Forms Set (Concrete) - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Foundation Wall Forms Set (Concrete) – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (August 2019)

 

Foundation Walls Complete - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Walls Placed (September 2019)

 

Foundation Walls Complete - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Drainage Tile Installed, Pea Fill, Slabs, Backfill (September 2019)

The massive rectangular footing and foundation on the elevated west-end of the house is under the double indoor-outdoor fireplaces.  Since this end of the house is elevated on piers, this footing and wall above it will serve as the primary shear wall on this end.  Shear walls keep the building from swaying sideways from wind, earthquake, or wild house parties (housequakes).

One may wonder why would someone come-up with a pier design like this?  Good question.  We put a lot of thought and effort into designing the piers to be integral and complimentary to the overall building massing.  Altogether, we explored a number of variations to arrive at the final solution.  Simplicity is always a goal, but this doesn’t look that simple.  We joke that it’s a lot of work to make things simple, and simple oftentimes can be more complicated.

 

Concrete Piers + Two-Sided Fireplace Solid Foundation - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Concrete Piers + Two-Sided Fireplace Solid Foundation (September 2019)

 

Rough Carpentry Commences

Main Floor Deck Framing Begins - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Main Floor Deck Framing Begins (October 2019)

 

Garage + Main Platform Framing Progress - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Garage + Main Platform Framing Progress (October 2019)

 

Workshop Entry Canopy Framing - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Workshop Entry Canopy Framing (October 2019)

 

Beautiful Rural Indiana - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Beautiful Rural Indiana (October 2019)

 

Exterior Elevation Framing Progress - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Exterior Elevation Framing Progress (October 2019)

 

Breezeway Entry Progress - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Breezeway Entry Progress (October 2019)

 

Studio Wing Framing Progress - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Studio Wing Framing Progress (October 2019)

 

Getting Weathered-In

South Exterior Elevation - Weathered-In - WRB Weather Resistive Barrier and Windows Installed - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
South Exterior Elevation – Weathered-In (November 2019)

This giant window wall frames a view from the Kitchen island north.  During the design process, we put a great deal of thought into how best to frame views inside-out and outside-in.  It’s rewarding to see the concepts develop into built form.  It’s fun to be an architect.

 

Oversized Window Installations Complete (Views) - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Oversized Window Installations Complete (November 2019)

 

A few years ago, we helped a client with their Midcentury Modern house in the Glendale neighborhood on the northeast side.  It had the most incredible living space.  What made it incredible?  Besides the nicely-scaled space, it had the most amazing quality of light.  Clerestory windows surrounded it continuously on all sides.  We’ll never forget that space, and we refer to it often when designing new spaces.

For Back40House, we’ve incorporated an east-facing clerestory window to bring in a similar quality of natural light.  In conjunction with the 12-foot tall vertical slot window in the same space on axis with the entry, we’re really eager to see how the light defines this bedroom and changes throughout the day and from season to season.

 

Guest Bedroom Clerestory Windows - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Guest Bedroom Clerestory Windows (November 2019)

 

North Elevations (Snowbound) - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
North Elevations (Snowbound) (November 2019)

 

Truss Areaway for Ductwork - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Truss Areaway for Ductwork (November 2019)

Flat Roof Design

Although it appears so, not all of the roofs on Back40House are “flat”.  The two “bars” are sheltered with 2:12 metal panel shed roofs, one preweathered galvalume, and one Corten steel.  Together, these two sheds form a pseudo “butterfly roof” configuration.  Flat roof between the sheds collects all water and channels it to the open-mouth scuppers located at porch awnings.  This flat-roof connector continues over the breezeway to garage, which also has identical details.

Flat roofs are not really flat, and can have whatever degree of slope we want to design-in.  The more slope the better, to eliminate the potential for any standing or pooling water.  It’s best to design-in more tolerance to all building systems to allow for certain field-condition variances.  And good roof design is not just about slopes and roofing materials.  In fact, there are many considerations beyond waterproofing.  These considerations include but are not limited to, insulation techniques, ventilation (or not), orientation, drainage management,  color, solar gain, penetrations, climate, climate zone, etc.

 

South Exterior Elevation - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
South Elevation Massing Takes Shape (November 2019)

 

Breezeway North Elevation - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Breezeway North Elevation – Roofing Underway (November 2019)

 

Corten Siding Sample

We are using Corten steel for north studio siding.  However, this sample below is not what we selected.  Instead we decided to use the rounded 7/8″ corrugation profile.

For those not familiar with Corten “weathering” steel, it is designed to rust.  Corten’s chemistry allows the rust or patina to form a protective layer that then maintains itself without rusting all the way through.  It is designed to last many, many years.  See these Dezeen articles about weathering steel to see how beautiful it can be.  So when you see the rusty siding, it is by design and meant to give a dynamic contrast with adjacent materials – it clads Nan’s creative studio, and thus deserves some pop!

Corten Corrugated Siding Sample - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Corten Corrugated Siding Sample – Weathering Steel (November 2019)

 

We are really liking this view – however, there is a framing variation that we need to adjust.  Who can spot the variance from the design drawings?

Don’t worry, we’ll get it tuned-up!

Northwest Deck Elevation (Snowbound) - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Northwest Deck Elevation (Snowbound) (November 2019)

Rainscreen Siding Delivery

We are doing a two-tone rustic channel cedar siding that arrives prefinished.  This below is the lighter of the two tones.   We sampled various products and landed on this option.  It’s a bit more brown than the renderings, but wood is brown, folks.  The grays were also a bit pricey.  The darker of the two cedar sidings (not shown) is more in the gray family – dark color disguises the brown tone a bit more.  Accordingly, the plan is to let the woods weather, meaning we are going to let them naturally patina (ie, turn gray).

The Workshop, detached Garage, and south house wing are cedar.  However, the north mass is corrugated Corten steel siding (see the “parti” diagram at the top of the story – the yellow mass in the diagram is the Corten siding and roofing).

Prefinished Rustic Channel Cedar siding - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect - WERK | Building Modern, Paul Reynolds, Construction Manager
Prefinished Rustic Channel Cedar siding (December 2019)

 

Interior Details Underway

Entry to Art Studio features modern pendant lighting, custom cabinetry, and large windows - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Entry to Art Studio features modern pendant lighting, custom cabinetry, concrete floor finish, and large windows (spring 2020)

 

Powder Room continues materiality and form from facade massing - wall hung sink - linear vanity lights - storage niches - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Powder Room continues materiality and form from facade massing, incorporating hidden storage around perimeter of vanity wall projection.  Task and accent lighting highlight the concept (spring 2020)

 

Guest Bedroom includes built-in wardrobe unit in finish inspired by exterior cladding - clerestory windows balance light into the space - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Guest Bedroom includes built-in wardrobe unit in finish inspired by exterior cladding – clerestory windows balance light into the space (spring 2020)

 

Living Room interior fireplace enclosure continues Corten theme to interior with vertical Poplar and Boral trims - Exterior fireplace enclosure uses corrugated Corten - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Living Room interior fireplace enclosure continues Corten theme to interior with vertical Poplar and Boral trims.  We will wrap exterior fireplace enclosure  with corrugated Corten steel (summer 2020)

 

Two sided fireplace balances inside materials and outside materials - Corrugated Corten steel - custom storage niche blends with window frame in side of fireplace enclosure - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Two sided fireplace balances inside materials and outside materials – Corrugated Corten steel wraps exterior, while painted Poplar and Boral wraps interior.  Custom storage niche blends with window frame in side of fireplace enclosure (fall 2020)

 

Perforated Steel Screenwall Installation

Entry Porch Breezeway Detail - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture - WERK | Building Modern
Breezeway Entry Porch Detail – Back40House – Pendleton, IN (summer 2020) – prefinished vertical Cedar rustic channel siding + Cedar decking, perforated Cor-Ten steel screenwall (summer 2020)

 

Entry Hallway Features Unique Materials

We wanted to honor the concept diagram, so it made sense to continue exterior materials inside to realize a cohesive design.  For the Cedar sided areas, that was relatively easy.  But we weren’t sure we wanted to bring the Corten steel inside.  We were afraid it would be a bit rough for interior use (staining clothes and the like) and how would we get it to patina inside.  After considering pre-patina and sealers, we ultimately decided on a painted vertical poplar detail as indicated below.  We also used this detail for the interior fireplace wrap.

For the concrete floors, we used a lightweight concrete over a vapor barrier and wood structure.  More recently on the G BLOC project, we cut control joints to control the crack locations (normal industry expectation).  The end-result at G BLOC was a success despite a few obstacles along the way.  For Back40House, we and Owner decided to not do any joints, and just let it crack where it cracks.

This decision was informed by the concrete supplier advice.  They advised that with so many door openings (primarily in the entry hall), it’s going to crack where it wants to crack, even with control joints.  We decided on no control joints and saved a few bucks.  We did get more cracking in the hallway.  Surprisingly, the larger living spaces are virtually crack-free.

For final finish, we filled the cracks with sealant, ground the finish to a terrazzo look, and provided multi-layer clear-coat for a natural gray finish (we will provide finish photos).

 

Entry Hall brings outside material inside - Back40House - Pendleton, IN - HAUS | Architecture - WERK | Building Modern
Hall brings outside materials inside.  Finished vertical Cedar siding (right), Cor-Ten-inspired vertical cladding (left side), concrete flooring (prior to grind/finish) – (summer 2020)

 

Special Kitchen Wood Veneer

Kitchen anchors the open living spaces with contrasting wood, stainless, and quartz - Sapele Mahogany - counter depth refrigerator with cabinet panel cover - black upper cabinets with hopper doors and concealed range hood - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Sapele Mahogany kitchen anchors the open living spaces with contrasting wood, stainless, and quartz.  Counter depth refrigerator to the left is hidden with cabinet panel.  Black upper cabinets with hopper doors and concealed range hood blend with quartz top and matching splash surrounds (summer 2020)

 

We are loving how the kitchen cabinetry details are coming together.  We had some issues with the black island top, but were able to get that replaced.  This images show a stainless steel finish for the range, but it was supposed to be a black finish.  It looked great in stainless steel, and the wait time for replacement was a long wait.  Ultimately, Owner decided to stick with the stainless unit.

Cabinet doors and drawers have touch-latch operation.

 

Kitchen anchors the open living spaces with contrasting wood, stainless, and quartz - Sapele Mahogany - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Kitchen anchors the open living spaces with contrasting wood, stainless, and quartz.  Cabinet veneer is Sapele Mahogany (summer 2020)

 

Corner Window Views

View outside corner window from Living space through west covered porch deck - stainless steel cable railing - Viewrail - black window frames - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
View outside corner window from Living space through west covered porch deck – stainless steel cable railing – Viewrail – black window frames (summer 2020)

 

Corten Siding Patinas

At north exterior elevation, Corten-wrapped studio stands-out next to the adjacent covered porch - cable rail - Cedar decking - flat roof scuppers - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
At north exterior elevation, Corten-wrapped studio stands-out next to the adjacent covered porch – cable rail – Cedar decking – flat roof scuppers (summer 2020)

 

Corrugated Corten steel cladding installation begins to patina - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Corrugated Corten steel cladding installation begins to patina (summer 2020)

 

Scuppers Celebrate Precipitation Events

We’ve been doing a lot of new modern projects on wooded sites.  For that reason, we have needed to find low-maintenance solutions that divert precipitation while also considering how to handle debris (leaves, branches).  One of our more common solutions is the use of open-mouth roof scuppers.  Downspouts and debris screens have a tendency to clog.  So, we’ll often design solution that eliminates downspouts completely.

The wide opening will also allow leaves and other debris to fall off of the roof.  Sure, we’ll still have branches and other debris that needs to be maintained from time-to-time depending on the site.  But this solution will allow water to overflow and not collect on the roof, minimizing maintenance requirements.

 

Rooftop open scuppers celebrate precipitation events - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Rooftop open scuppers celebrate precipitation events (fall 2020)

 

View of Master Suite facade from hot tub enclosure - vertical corrugated Corten steel siding patinas - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
View of Master Suite facade from hot tub enclosure – vertical corrugated Corten steel siding patinas (late fall 2020)

 

South exterior elevation features two-tone Cedar rustic channel siding and corrugated, perforated Corten steel siding - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
South exterior elevation features two-tone Cedar rustic channel siding and corrugated, perforated Corten steel siding (late Fall 2020)

 

“You guys are masters of the orthogonal”, Paul Puzzello (13 March 2021)

 

Perforated corrugated Corten cladding shields hot tub area from front entry at breezeway - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Perforated corrugated Corten cladding shields hot tub area from front entry at breezeway (late fall 2020)

 

View of Back40House on approach from adjacent cropfield access drive - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
View of Back40House on approach from adjacent crop-field access drive (late fall 2020)

 

Paul Reynolds interacts with people, spaces and dogs - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Paul Reynolds interacts with people, spaces and dogs – Back40House – Pendleton, IN – (November 2021)

 

Chris Short waves arms around all day in-between photo ops - ironically, even that becomes a photo op - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Chris Short waves arms around all day in-between photo ops – ironically, even that becomes a photo op – Back40House – Pendleton, IN – (November 2021)

 

Paul Reynolds scopes project photo by cornfield - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Paul Reynolds scopes project photo by cornfield – Back40House – Pendleton, IN – (November 2021)

 

Chris Short scopes dusk photo on a brisk fall day - Back40House - Pendleton, IN
Chris Short scopes dusk photo on a brisk fall day – Back40House – Pendleton, IN – (November 2021)

 

Please check back – we’ll be adding to the story (design + construction) including finish photography!