Situated in Prairie Village, Kansas, the 7400 Residence is one among several remodels of the original collaborations between Architect David Runnells and local builder Don Drummond. After the Second World War, when midcentury modern architecture was on the rise, the pair worked together on nine split level designs in the area, which were all completed in 1950. Original homeowner Jerard Forster, owner of Studio Build, restored and saved the home from being torn down.
The midcentury home was nearly falling into shambles, which meant there was not much left of the existing structure that could still be saved. The aim was to freshen up and expand the home so that it would comfortably accommodate four bedrooms for a young family. The project was brought to completion in 2017.
The homeowners were after something stable and polished for the long haul, “our biggest mission was to keep the house simple and sleek so that it would never feel like anything would become outdated”.
The yellowish exterior of the original structure received a completely dark, modern coating. Additions were made to both sides of the original 1200 square foot home. The home was reconfigured in a way that some features, such as the garage space, were shifted around in order to create more living space, and the project was brought to completion in 2017.
Inside, the home features open concept living spaces. Crisp white paint on the ceiling and walls is complemented by natural wood details. The open plan kitchen, living and dining areas seamlessly flow from one space to another, unified by a neutral color palette of natural wood, grey and white.
Rows of floor to ceiling windows make a wall between the dining and kitchen areas and the patio outside, which extends into a longer backyard. The bottom floor accommodates entertainment areas, where there is access to the garden. The private bedrooms are upstairs, where the outdoors is accessible by way of a long balcony, which connects the entire backside of the home.
