This prairie style live/work studio set into a hilly 35-acre site in Wisconsin may be made of insulated concrete forms, but its interiors have the warmth and character of a timber structure thanks to interiors almost entirely clad in wide-plank Eastern White Pine. Architect Kyle Dumbleton of Midwest Modern LLC prioritized the selection of natural materials that are durable and long-lasting for the modern home overlooking the historic Wisconsin River Valley. That led him to a collaboration with a Carlisle Wide Specialist to find just the right wooden elements for the job.
When working with materials like concrete in a residence, it’s more important than ever to balance their cold, hard materiality with something rustic and organic. There are lots of reasons to choose Eastern White Pine, not the least of which is its sustainability, but in this case, the way it weathers over time is especially prized. Though its knots are muted by a dark stain to give the space a contemporary feel and contrast with the lighter surfaces, it will transform with age and use, giving the home a sense of history despite its newness.
Carlisle notes that Eastern White Pine is an especially smart choice when installing directly over concrete thanks to its flexibility as a softer wood. The material is carried up the walls and onto the ceilings for a cohesive effect that dramatically alters the feel of the space. Imagine how different its mood would be if all of its walls were white concrete or drywall instead.
Dumbleton envisioned the home as a study of opposites made of high quality materials that give it the status of a family heirloom. The passive solar design and high performance shell work in tandem with in-floor radiant and geothermal heating.
