Project Statement

Settled on the southern edge of Fayetteville, the Musser Home reimagines a traditional vernacular through a contemporary lens. The single family home extends an existing cottage, once occupied by the grandmother, who now resides in a tiny house in the garden. Both structures are placed back in the property allowing the mature front yard trees to filter the sunset view each evening.

The existing gable form serves as the architectural inspiration and anchor; its timeless silhouette is duplicated and then connected by spaces to gather. These open public spaces serve as the connective tissue that binds the old and the new while inviting the outdoors in, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior living. Filtered by the expansive front porch, the floor to ceiling glass wall allows the living room beyond to extend into the landscape creating a front porch experience throughout all of Arkansas’ four seasons. The immense natural light allows the owner’s automated window shades and highly controlled lighting package to manage the mood and connectivity of the spaces.

Detached from the main structure, a 580 SF tiny house occupies the garden space once tended by the owner's late husband. At its core, this minimalist dwelling embodies a profound sense of restraint, stripping away excess to reveal the inherent beauty of simple living. It is intended to be approached by foot and ideally, showers are taken outside. The all too common TV location is replaced by an oversized picture window becoming the interior focal point that allows the landscape to occupy your time. Opposing operable windows provide passive cooling while the wood stove heats the space during the winter.