Bent + Sliced Residence / Hufft Projects

Architects: Hufft Projects
Location: Springfield, MO, USA
General Contractor: Smart Design, LLC
Project Year: 2008
Project Area: 390 sqm
Photographs: Mike Sinclair

Representing the second take on the originally proposed “Bent House”, the “Bent and Sliced House” incorporates the original concept of bending the home to accommodate the curving slope of the site. Furthermore, the idea of slicing and unfolding the home in a manner similar to Japanese Origami is introduced to create clerestories allowing opportunities for daylighting and natural ventilation.

The Bent and Sliced House also incorporates a number of sustainable features. These include geothermal heat pumps, a vegetated roof in combination with highly reflective and recycled roof membranes, local and recycled materials inside and out, low VOC paints, a cistern to supply all water required for irrigation, and ample daylighting which eliminates the need for artificial light during the day.

The house’s exterior and interior is also marked by the iconic and sensitive use of Western Red Cedar. It wraps the surfaces of walls, encases bathroom furnishings, and turns from the surface of a wall to form a ceiling. The material’s versatility is exhibited to the fullest. Different finishes allow for subtle but noticeable color variations giving the Bent and Sliced House its characteristic signature aesthetic.