Gobbler’s Mountain House

What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?

In 2009, we were asked to design a new office space for a sales representative of an aluminum curtain wall supplier. The business owner was a husband and wife team, Cory and Kerry Watts, who had seen some of our other projects and even supplied glass and aluminum framing for some of them in the past. The program was small, only 1500 square feet or so, with four offices, conference table and plan room, located in a suburban strip retail center. During the design of that project, we challenged them to think beyond their original expectations for what that office space could be. We talked about the ability of the architecture to brand their company, exploiting the transparent and reflective qualities of glass and aluminum, and using the architecture to educate their clients and tell their corporate story. The project was successfully completed and they loved the new space. The project received some awards and was published which brought them some added attention. A few months later, they asked if we would be interested in designing a weekend house on the lake for their young family. Of course we jumped at the chance, not only because it was a great design opportunity on an incredible site, but because it was such an enjoyable experience working with them. 

Please provide an overview of the project.

Cory & Kerry told us they had purchased an existing house at Table Rock Lake and wanted to know if we thought they should demolish it and start from scratch. We suggested we all visit the house and site together before making a decision, thinking there must surely be some redeeming value in the existing structure that could be celebrated and improved. Upon visiting, it was apparent that demolition was in order, given the condition of the vacant structure.

The site was a steeply sloped and narrow, wedge-shaped lot at the apex of a peninsula, within a 1960’s subdivision. A gravel road at the top of the slope provided access to the lot on the north side, while another gravel road accessed the lot along its southern edge and provides the only separation between the lot and the lakeshore. Neighboring houses on each side were only a few feet away.

The couple described their goals for this weekend retreat, which included the ability to make it a primary residence, if necessary. It would need to be small, but functional and efficient, maximizing the relationship to the lake and providing a comfortable place for guests and socializing with friends and family. The program includes a master suite, two bedrooms for kids and one for guests, a kitchen, dining and living area that works well for entertaining, a game room for kids and a single car garage. There was also a strong desire for outdoor spaces to experience the lake, so it includes a large elevated deck along the south end of the house.

What are the main ideas and inspirations influencing the design of the building?

The primary design approach was derived from the organization of programmatic elements responding to the specific conditions of site and overall lakefront context. The design solution organizes the program into two, slightly askew bars, one public and one private, with a skylit single run stair in the resulting space between the bars. We used the house to obscure the view of the lake when approaching from the north so the view could be gradually revealed to visitors as they approach and enter the house. We wanted to build in a sense of anticipation for visitors. 

Subtle references are made to the nearby boat docks. The north entry is made by stepping from a bed of river rock up onto an elevated wood plank, similar to stepping from the lakeshore onto a floating dock. Similarly, the roof form is inspired by the thin, gabled, metal roofs of the docks that line the lake perimeter. Steel angle trusses are exposed on the interior and help keep the roof thin while referencing the tectonics of the docks and nearby Kimberling City bridge.

The skylight between the gables is exaggerated vertically, hinting at the interior spatial quality. Responding to the need to drain water, we developed large crickets between the gables and the skylight and then expressed those crickets on the interior, rather than hiding them. This move expands the interior space and allows the skylight to admit daylight more fully across the open interior. The open stair below it admits daylight to below grade spaces, and when sliding doors are opened, allows breezes from the lake to flow up through the house and out.

The east and west elevations are more solid, shielding views to and from the neighbors while the south end of the two bars are fully glazed to focus views across the lake.

To what extent did the clients and/or future users of the building influence the design and the outcome of the building?

We worked very closely with our clients, from the first visit to the old house on the site all the way through the design and construction of the new house. At one of our earliest design meetings, we actually presented two different approaches to the formal expression of the house. As we talked about our logic in developing the two schemes, Cory and Kerry really identified with the gabled roof forms, which emerged as the scheme that we developed. Then, as we began to develop details such as the glass railings, and steel trusses, we talked a lot about how contemporary architecture should work for a family with young children. We avoided sharp corners and railings that kids could climb, and we provided a long bookcase that serves as fall protection for the stair while being a place for storage of children’s books and board games. There’s ample floor space for playing with toys or accommodating guests for a dinner party. 

In addition, our clients have many contacts for glass and aluminum products. With their help, we were able to use some large sliding glass doors that are not commonly available.

Were there any significant challenges that arose during the project? If so, how did you respond to them?

The site was very limited and steeply sloping. As the old house was removed, it became apparent that the presence of subsurface limestone rock had limited the size of the old basement. The design of the lower level plan for this new house would require significant rock removal, which would have been extremely expensive. In response, we worked with our clients to redesign the lower level plan to reduce the amount of rock that would have to be removed. The rock that was removed was then used in site retaining walls and landscape features, which further connects the house to its site.

How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?

The house employs a number of sustainable strategies including a ground source heat pump system, spray foam insulated walls and roof, conditioned crawl space, LED lighting, high performance glass and glazing systems and recycled and recyclable materials. In addition, it is equipped with an app based systems control feature that allows the owners to monitor activities at the house while they’re away.

How would you describe the architecture of Missouri and how does the building relate to it?

Architecture in rural Missouri is honest, resourceful and straightforward. Many of the most interesting buildings had no architect involved. These are the agricultural and utilitarian structures that were conceived out of necessity, with ingenuity and clever problem solving in order to sustain one’s livelihood. There is beauty in their economy and restraint, but sometimes oddly composed making awkwardly unique forms. Pragmatism supersedes decoration. This house builds on that tradition by responding to specific site conditions and user needs and celebrates the resulting idiosyncrasies. The form of the skylight against the simplicity of the two gables illustrates that. In addition, the material palette is familiar, making use of common, locally sourced cedar, concrete, glass and rock.  

Email interview conducted by John Hill.