Situated on a heavily wooded parcel with a stream meandering along its perimeter, this property proudly occupies a prominent intersection in Kansas City, Kansas. The owner, a local attorney and real estate developer, envisioned a small barndominium to serve dual purposes: the ground floor would house equipment for maintaining an adjacent community garden, while the upper level would host a short-term rental offering a tranquil retreat. 

To harmonize with the proportions of surrounding properties, the design keeps the roof eaves as low as possible. The lower level provides tall ceilings to accommodate the storage of a small tractor and skid-steer used for garden upkeep. Above, the short-term rental tucks neatly into the roofline, with dormers punctuating the façade to offer increased ceiling height and natural light in key areas. 

Access to the upper level is through a creatively conceived grain silo—a semi-detached structure set slightly askew from the barndominium. Wrapped in corrugated metal, the silo welcomes guests and serves as a unique design feature that complements the rustic charm of the property. The main structure is clad in vertical timber siding, designed to weather gracefully over time and blend seamlessly with the surrounding trees. 

A cantilevered deck extends from the second-floor rental, providing guests with a serene vantage point among the trees. This elevated deck is an ideal spot to unwind, while a spiral staircase leads down to a lower-level patio. Flanked by a built-in planter, the patio sits near the stream, offering an intimate connection to the natural surroundings. 

This project blends functionality and charm, creating a space that supports the owner’s commitment to community while offering guests a peaceful escape immersed in nature.