Guided by the context of the site, this home tells the story of a passion for aviation ‘intersecting’ an appreciation for Iowa’s natural landscape.

Functionality, elegance, and simplicity; the roots of Mid-Century design. Whether it be Mies Van Der Rohe or Phillip Johnson or, an aircraft designer such as Walter Beech, they all sought simple and elegante ways of engaging their work with the context of their sites. Even if it be an aircraft, Walter Beech took pride in how his aircraft not only appeared in the sky, but also how they engaged the ground. Combining mid-century aviation design with the vernacular of Iowa agriculture, provides the blueprint for how this home ‘intersects’ its surrounding landscape.

Tucked into the natural topography of the site, the home appears simple and rooted as you approach from the north. Transitioning around the home, you see it take flight! Cantilevering to the south, and spanning piers to the east, the simple rectangular forms appear to lift off, paying homage to the story of Walter Beech while mimicking the simplicity of farm sheds scattered across Iowa. Arriving on the south side, you are greeted with rolling fields, a picturesque landscape, and a framed view of the approach and departure ends of the grass runway lying in the valley behind the home. Tying a love for aviation into an appreciation for Iowa’s natural landscape.