Home in a Forest
Environs of Sauk City, Wisconsin

Designed for a family of four with a child with disabilities, this design provides 2,050 square feet on the main living level of a steep wooded site. While not obvious at first sight, the plan accomodates full wheelchair accessiblity and independence, as well as other features required for caregiving: a roll-in shower, a lowered area of sink counter in the kitchen, and a closet space designed to accomodate a future lift to the lower walk-out level to name a few.

A clerestory in the vaulted ceiling provides daylight and openess to the living space, kitchen and the entry/stair. Solar shaded south facing windows on both levels provide a connection to the outdoors and the beautiful views of the surrounding hillside forest, as well as tempering the house with good solar heat gain in Winter.

Below: The garage is attached to the house via a covered walkway -- a design that keeps the family safe from the toxins that off-gas from vehicles. The arrangement creates a sheltered entry court.