4958 Miami St - St Louis
Modern "Dwell" Inspired Single Family Home
New Construciton - 2550 SF living space and connected 4-car garage
Owners: Ivan & Jenifer Garcia

Don’t worry about resale value or what people think.  Build something that you will love and will be perfect for you.  When it comes time to part with it, not everyone will love it, but there will be one person who will see the house they way you do and will love it too. - Ivan's friend

The Garcias, a young married couple with a small business, wanted a sustainable, modern ‘Dwell House’ for their 120’ x 35’ lot in south St. Louis that anticipated current and future needs. 

The interior includes an open floor plan, ample natural light and tall ceilings with a loft feel.  On the first floor, stairs, bath, laundry, closets, and utility are banked on one wall to allow the kitchen, dining and living room flowing together and be wide open.  A bright breezeway connects to a garage.  The 2nd floor includes the master bedroom, a guest room and an open office which can later be converted to a child’s bedroom.  The open feel is enhanced with white walls, exposed ductwork and ¾” bamboo flooring installed throughout.  The exterior, (tan brick, metal panels, large metal windows & flat roof) was designed to have the modern lines the owners desired yet tastefully contrast the neighboring 1920’s bungalows. 

Sustainable design features include recyclable metal panels, bamboo floors, energy star appliances, high efficiency windows, recyclable materials for the deck and fences, minimization of waste during construction and most importantly, location.  The city location eliminated the Garcias' commute to work and other activities, diminishing their carbon footprint.  A once-a-week gas tank fill up habit was reduced to once a month.

What makes this house interesting is the bravado of its location.  When the owners first approached us, we were dubious.  Would the Garcias build this modern house in this traditional neighborhood?  They were not the first client to ask for a Dwell house.  Many past clients have either suspended their project or opted for more traditional forms.  I asked Ivan Garcia how serious were his intentions to actually build the schematic plans that we had developed at that point.  He proceeded to tell the story of his friend who was building a guitar.  The friend had lost over 200 close friends and colleagues at the World Trade Center on 9/11 and had semi retired and adopted a more philosophical approach to life.  Ivan’s friend encouraged him to approach his house like he was approaching the building of the guitar.  Don’t worry about resale value or what people think.  Build something that you will love and will be perfect for you.  When it comes time to part with it, not everyone will love it, but there will be one person who will see the house they way you do and will love it too.  Ivan and Jennifer built the house per those schematic plans.
- Mike Killeen, Architect

Photos by TamelaDementPhoto.com