Yum Yum Farm

 

Set amidst corn and soybean fields near Iowa City, Iowa, this small house evokes traditional farms while giving them a modern twist. The homeowners, involved in and passionate about organic farming, were looking for architects that could meld modern design with their traditional way of life. Their search led them all the way from Iowa to the Seattle office of DeForest Architects.

 
 
 
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Familiar Form - Freshened

The exterior is reminiscent of a traditional farmhouse, but the interior is modernized with an open floor plan and a strong connection between indoors and out. The compact square footage is organized efficiently, with overlapping spaces that make the house feel bigger and more flexible while making the most out of every corner.

 
 
 
Mix of old and new
 
 
 

Mix of Old and New

The interior features fir flooring salvaged from an Amish farmhouse, deep red plywood panels normally used for concrete formwork and recycled plumbing fixtures, paired with modern furniture from Bludot and Design Within Reach. Familiar materials from the rural landscape are used in unexpected ways, like corrugated steel in the shower and the loft ladder, made out of leftover pieces of cabinet plywood, steel and salvaged flooring.

 
 
 
yum yum farm sketches

yum yum farm sketches

 
 
 

Work at a Distance

In order to keep travel costs down, we met in person just a couple of times and used computer models to communicate ideas in three dimensions. A great local contractor with quiet attention to detail and a willingness to try new things was invaluable in making the project go smoothly.

 
 
 
 
 

Project Team

DeForest Architects Team | Brett Smith, David Fuchs, Ted Cameron , Shelly Johnson
Contractor | Amelon Construction
Photography | Farshid Assassi

Publications

Dwell Magazine, Best Houses of 2011
Dwell Magazine, 100 Kitchens We Love 2011
Edible, No. 28, Summer 2013
Room, March 2010
Dwell Magazine, Make It Yours 2010
Dwell Magazine, November 2009

 

NEXT UP:

Brambles

The first building is under construction at this unique project in the California Wine Country which will eventually include a walking golf course, glider-port, bunkhouse, and cottages.

 
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