Herbold Residence
Monticello, Illinois

This house is sited near the top of a low ridge in order to capitalize on long views in two directions. The open site facilitates views over fields to the north from a traditional front porch and views of a river valley to the south from most interior spaces and from the arbored terrace.

A series of traditional forms breaks the house into zones as an additive history is constructed. Each form depicts a point in time, suggesting the spontaneity common to rural architecture. House components also serve to reflect the uses within and to break down the scale of the program requirements into a collection of simple elements.

The house successfully accomplishes client goals of single-story living while still creating a sense of place and history.