Omaha, Neb. / Randy Brown Architects
Randy Brown, FAIA, LEED AP, is opposed to the typical suburban production home, so he designed the Elm model of the Hidden Creek 12-unit project to fly in the face of convention.
One programmatic move transformed the kitchen of a traditional builder house into an urbane space that works as well for intimate dinners as it does for large parties.
The judges marveled at the craftsmanship of the Crabapple model at Hidden Creek, a community of 12 modern houses in Omaha, Neb. "It's interesting that we're talking about craft relating to production technologies," mused one.
When Randy Brown, FAIA, bought a 10-acre property and old house in the farm country of Omaha, Neb., he intended it to be a laboratory for experiments in how to design something so connected to the land that it looks both natural and manmade, and in how to
Five firms foray into residential development in five different ways. They share the bumps and boons along the road.
When a Home Depot opened up in Omaha, Neb., it sparked a subversive idea in local architect Randy Brown's mind. "You can buy a bath there and basically plug it into your house," he says. "We decided to do the opposite."
The attention lavished on a fireplace and built-in television cabinet in this suburban remodel impressed the judges. Architect Randy Brown actually tore a hole into the side of the house to line the TV up flush with the wall.