WEBSTER DEVELOPMENT
Olathe, Kan.
websterarchitects.com

Project name: Suburban Loft
Project location: Olathe, Kan.
Square footage: 3,600
Total project cost: $170/s.f.

The goal of Webster Development in Olathe, Kan., was to target clients who wanted something different than what Webster staff believes are the watered down versions of Country French, Craftsman and Prairie Mediterranean styles often seen in Kansas City. The project challenge was a narrow infill lot (existing houses on both sides) that was on the market for 13 years. It had a number of mature trees and sloped uphill 21 ft. from the street to the back of the lot. The three-story elevation presented a major challenge. There was no room on the site for materials, so the wall panels and floor and roof trusses were built off-site and shipped to the lot as needed.

To take advantage of the views from the front and back of the house, Webster decided on a tree-house concept and put all the main rooms on the top floor. A modern style house was chosen due to lack of other modern style houses on the market. In addition, Webster used many green products and techniques, and limited the building footprint on the site.