This Kansas City Custom Home Began with Our Clients’ Need for a New Phase of Luxury Living
By Clint Evans, AIA, Co-President of NSPJ Architects
Designing a custom home is a multifaceted process, beginning with conversations about what could be and what is possible and culminating in a completed residence with superior functionality and modern luxuries.
A 3,000-square-foot home in the West Plaza neighborhood of Kansas City is a testament to NSPJ Architects’ refined, collaborative approach to residential architecture. NSPJ worked closely with the homeowners to develop the Modern Marvel, a home with contemporary flair and timeless appeal, by harnessing years of architectural expertise. Chiefly driven by our clients’ vision, the result is a paradise for tasteful gatherings and a youthful refuge in the heart of this urban setting.
The Art of Listening
Our clients came to NSPJ Architects seeking a departure from their traditional suburban lifestyle. They had previously resided in Leawood, Kan., but with their children grown, they were after a new, more metropolitan chapter in their lives. For a time, they resided in a South Plaza condo, but it didn’t quite meet their expectations. When a lot became available nearby in the West Plaza, they jumped at the opportunity to create a custom home that aligned with their expectations for post-suburban life.
A short walk from the Country Club Plaza, Kansas City’s premier retail center, a world-class art museum and several esteemed restaurants and entertainment venues, the location was ideal for a couple wanting to embrace the vibrancy and allure of city living. Because the property is quietly nestled in a neighborhood, however, the homeowners can still enjoy a haven for relaxation and connection with friends and family.
During several meetings with the client, we listened carefully as they described their intricate vision for a custom home. They imagined a home architecture style that was contemporary and urban without losing the familiarity and connotation of “home.” These listening sessions yielded exceptionally detailed drawings that balanced their desire for both the modern and the classic, the communal and the private.
Personal Touches That Redefine Luxury Residential Architecture
A custom home is highly personal and should reflect the needs and preferences of those who live there. With a clear understanding of our clients’ vision, our architecture firm implements unique touches in every design, creating spaces that serve clients now and in the future. This West Plaza home is no exception.
NSPJ Architects met this couple’s expectations with a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom residence, which included the following features:
- A Chef’s Kitchen: As avid cooks, the homeowners envisioned a kitchen that fused everyday conveniences with chef-quality elements. State-of-the-art appliances are tucked away behind sleek cabinetry for a clutter-free and polished look. Additional storage solutions can be found in the adjoining pantry.
An oversized island offers ample space for meal preparation, while also providing seating for enjoying a quick bite or entertaining dinner party guests. Above the range, a hood was custom made to match the wooden slats that hug the lower half of the island. - Space for Sound: On the upper level of the home is a music room, giving the homeowners a dedicated outlet for creativity. The space was expertly designed to optimize acoustics and features plush carpeting, which not only aids in sound damping, but also adds warmth and comfort.
- Going Up: The home features a striking custom glass staircase with black steps that stand out against a wall of windows, along with an elevator that makes all four levels of the residence easily accessible. These luxurious additions accomplish form and function, which must always coexist in any exceptional home.
- Bringing the Outdoors In (and Vice Versa): Perhaps one of the most impressive themes in this custom home is the seamless integration of the indoors and outdoors. Windows appear on all four walls, flooding the interior with natural light. Blinds and solar shades are also installed on many of the windows, allowing the owners privacy when required.
On the exterior are two sitting areas and balconies, which in addition to sweeping views of the surrounding urban landscape, offer a desirable sanctuary for the homeowners and their guests. With space for solitude as well as lively gatherings, these outdoor locations challenge the conventions of residential architecture by acting as an extension of what our clients desired for their indoor space.
Blending Architectural Expertise with Our Client’s Vision
For more than 60 years, NSPJ Architects has maintained a devotion to creating the best lifestyle-enhanced environments for clients throughout the country. Our deep understanding of home architecture styles and our client’s vision primes us to deliver exceptional outcomes, like the Modern Marvel that now stands in the West Plaza.
Request a custom home proposal from our architecture firm today by calling (913) 831-1415 or by contacting us online.
