Millhaus takes its name from the former Cherry Mill property upon which it is located and from the Passive “Haus” building principles to which it subscribes. The mill metaphor is expressed by three simple and pure asymmetrical gable forms that are hyphenated by flat roof areas, which are supported by steel (industrial) elements. The exterior of the home is predominantly finished with bark siding echoing the surrounding cottonwood tree trunks, with the entry areas and special corners highlighted with white cement fiber siding panels. The interior décor furthers the mill metaphor by making use of natural materials contrasted with steel elements, all enhanced by abundant natural light spilling in from the plentiful high-performance windows.
The project has been constructed personally by the owner/architect and is intended to serve as a pioneering example of what is possible in the construction industry – the beautiful combination of elegant design and measurable high performance.
