The Ridge

N 37° 5’ 56”

For a retired couple building their "forever home," the design brief was clear: a single-story residence built for a lifetime of comfort and connection. They weren’t just building a house; they were designing a future. Our challenge was to create a space that would meet the practical needs of aging-in-place while also providing a warm, welcoming home for their extended family. The result is a prairie-style sanctuary that gracefully meets the landscape, prioritizing effortless living, thoughtful functionality, and enduring beauty.

The home sits proudly near the crest of a rolling hill in Southwest Missouri, commanding a view that inspired a core design principle. We created a low-profile home that stretches across the property, its long, horizontal lines and low-sloped roof echoing the prairie landscape below. The design uses robust masonry and expansive, tall windows to create a grounded yet open feel, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and connect the residents to their surroundings.

Every aspect of the home’s layout was considered with a focus on seamless, single-level living. The master suite is a private retreat with dual closets and bathrooms, offering direct access to the laundry room for effortless daily routines. For their family, we included a complete mother-in-law suite with its own living room, kitchenette, and private entrance, as well as a separate en-suite bedroom for their son. These distinct zones of the home were designed to ensure that everyone can enjoy their own space while still being part of the larger family unit.

The home’s commitment to longevity and comfort extends beyond the floor plan. We integrated PHIUS principles to create a highly energy-efficient and healthy living environment. This included wrapping the entire home, including the slab and footings, in a continuous insulation blanket, and creating an airtight enclosure to minimize energy loss. An ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) system provides a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, ensuring a clean and comfortable atmosphere year-round. This focus on sustainability not only reduces the home's environmental impact but also guarantees a stable, comfortable interior for decades to come.

This residence is more than a beautiful space; it is a meticulously crafted home designed to support a family's needs through every stage of life, all while remaining a serene and energy-efficient retreat on the hill.

Burkholder Architecture