The natural grassland surrounds the low-lying ranch style house, providing a natural habitat for seasonal birds and other animals visiting the adjacent wetland.

The homeowner’s primary goal is to enjoy the natural beauty and active wildlife of the adjacent wetland throughout the day. Therefore, the main living area incorporates large windows along the gable end wall providing a panoramic view.

The main living area is essentially one open room with a lower ceiling in the kitchen. Maintaining a warm, cozy feeling to the room was an important goal without losing a large visual connection to the outdoors.

Maintaining wetland views from the kitchen was a critical goal. In addition to the larger living room windows, a larger patio door with a transom window extended the unobstructed view of the wetlands. Adjacent to the kitchen is a back kitchen, equipped with prep sink, service counter and pantry. The back kitchen allows for no upper cabinet storage in the front kitchen, freeing wall space for more windows and wall art.