Carpenter Residence by KEM Studio

Houses

A house in the West Plaza area, directly off of a large park and is a narrow corner lot with southern exposure.

Designed by: KEM Studio

Owners Tad and Jessica Carpenter are very creative. Tad is a prolific, self-employed illustrator and writer and Jessica is a graphic designer with a refined eye.

After living in a condo in Kansas City’s River Market district they set out to find a piece of land to build their dream home. The site they chose is in the West Plaza area, directly off of a large park and is a narrow corner lot with southern exposure.

They wanted to keep the feel of a loft in their new home and incorporate Tad’s home office. The budget was modest. We paid particular attention to keeping framing and processes standard while maximizing their potential.

The design maximizes the lot and responds to the corner with an extruded balcony that has a slight angle on the front facade and the roof, exaggerating the corner, forcing the perspective and orienting you toward the park.

The inside of the extrusion is clad in stained cedar adding warmth and further emphasizing the cantilever. Given that the grade falls to the south and the tall floor to floor heights, the house will tower over the site giving them a panoramic view of the park and neighborhood from the balcony.

Tad’s office is located in the basement on the south corner, opening up to the street and good natural light. The concrete foundation extends and wraps around to create an exterior courtyard and entry to his office. Every effort was made to connect both the inside to outside and their work and personal lifestyles.

A view of the living, kitchen, and dining areas, with warmth provided by a modern fireplace with mantel decor above.
A view of the living, kitchen, and dining areas, with warmth provided by a modern fireplace with mantel decor above.
An open concept kitchen, dining, and living area with a large window overlooking the neighboring trees.
An open concept kitchen, dining, and living area with a large window overlooking the neighboring trees.
The dining room has open storage that contains books and figurines, the place is decorated with artwork.
The dining room has open storage that contains books and figurines, the place is decorated with artwork.
The kitchen, which has clean-lined cabinets, built-in appliances, and wrought iron fixtures.
The kitchen, which has clean-lined cabinets, built-in appliances, and wrought iron fixtures.
The office is located in the basement on the south corner, opening up to the street and good natural light.
The office is located in the basement on the south corner, opening up to the street and good natural light.
A bedroom with a balcony offering a panoramic view of the park and surrounding area.
A bedroom with a balcony offering a panoramic view of the park and surrounding area.
The design maximizes the lot and responds to the corner with an extruded balcony that has a slight angle on the front facade and the roof, exaggerating the corner, forcing the perspective and orienting you toward the park.
The design maximizes the lot and responds to the corner with an extruded balcony that has a slight angle on the front facade and the roof, exaggerating the corner, forcing the perspective and orienting you toward the park.

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