An architect, urban planner, and general contractor in Kansas City, Missouri, Richard Wetzel always wanted to design and build the house he had been mulling over for years – one that could house a growing and extended family, but also one that showcased his love for modern design, his adopted hometown of Kansas City, his family’s heirloom book collection, and a wide variety of work from local and family artists.
When Wetzel found the last two home sites within a newly constructed planned development a block away from the world renowned Country Club Plaza shopping district, he knew it was time. The 6,300 square foot house, a collaboration of Chris Fein of Forward Design + Architecture, Kali Buchanan of Kali Buchanan Interior Design, and Centric Homes (where Richard is a partner), is consistent with the traditional design of the surrounding development on the exterior, but a gallery of natural light, space, art, and a simplified material and color palette on the interior. Features include an enclosed courtyard, a three-story staircase skylight shaft, and the reclaimed basketball floor from a venerated arena. The final result is a space worthy of a gallery opening, yet comfortable enough for a three-generation movie night.
Photography Copyright Nate Sheets Photography.