Black Hills Homestead

Studio: Tomecek Studio Architecture
Project: Black Hills Homestead
Location: Black Hills, South Dakota, USA
Year: 2017
Category: Private Housing
Credit: Kristina Barker

This project is envisioned as a full-time residence, part time guest house, chicken coop, utility building, and fully functional barn. The essence of the architecture takes cues from the rural agricultural aesthetic on one end of the spectrum and contemporary living on the other end. The conceptual goal of the project is to use the five structures to illustrate the evolution of how we use materials, harness natural light, and, most importantly, create and design useful spaces, all while portraying the evolution and modernization of architectural design.
The heart of the arrival sequence is the ‘Gateway to the Meadow’. The meadow is framed by an inviting, covered walkway calling out entry into the Main House or Barn while allowing passage straight through to an outdoor gathering space overlooking the meadow, chicken coop, and outhouse. The Barn harkens to the traditional functional aesthetic of the locale, become the icon at arrival/entry to the project. Subtle contemporary interpretations are found in the sliding door details and material selections. The Main house capitalizes on the meaningful connection and views to the meadow. The house is based on more traditional forms while having
clean detailing that speaks to building in the present day.
The Guest house takes advantage of the meadow views and utilizes a cantilever to reach out to and overlook the treed ravine below. This building is more contemporary in nature with clean lines and compelling transparency.