Conceived as a refuge from urban life, the land’s rural setting is what drew the owners to select this location for their weekend retreat. Sited in southwestern Wisconsin, the project rests on a seam between two influences: a union with agricultural land on one side, and a powerful bond to the Mississippi River corridor on the other.

The program is broken into distinct, small-scale elements. A Machine Shed and Tool Shed house are positioned to offer privacy from the road, while the Living Shed opens southward taking advantage of views and solar access.

A single-sloped roof controls seasonal entry of direct sunlight and operable windows provide cross ventilation. To the north, living spaces are shielded from harsh winter weather using the thickened steel wall as a winter coat.