Flynn Residence

Bloomington, Indiana

Approaching this prairie-style home along the private drive, visitors meander through naturalistic plantings, reminiscent of the area’s historic oak savannahs. At the crest of one of southern Indiana’s characteristic rolling hills, the home is gradually revealed, and low stone walls that root the home into its surrounds focus one’s attention inward to the main entrance. Distinct outdoor rooms created by the walls are a unique adaptation of the sala scoverta or “uncovered rooms” of Italian garden design blended with the Japanese concept of shakkei or “borrowed view,” where the landscape walls and plantings are used to direct the view beyond the site and expand the sense of available space. On the ground plane, varying levels of formality in the patterning of stonework and groundcovers are used to distinguish between those spaces primarily used for welcoming and entertaining guests or relaxing and dining with close friends and family.

This prairie-style home combines advanced technology inside and sustainable site design outside to create a family-focused environment that is environmentally sensitive. Turf areas are minimized and garden beds use low-volume drip line irrigation supplied primarily by captured rainwater that is stored underground. The rainwater also supplies water to a recirculating water course. As project manager and project landscape architect through construction documentation, Andy Albright was responsible for the detailed design of all paving, site walls & furnishings, plantings and water elements.

Architect: Perkins Von Deylen & Associates
Prime site consultant: CONTEXT, LLC. Images used with permission.