“We take the world as we find it, as a rich source of inspiration and wonder, as a means to enrich and dignify the everyday.”— Marlon Blackwell, Architect - Marlon Blackwell Architects

Beneath its graceful simplicity, the Shaw Residence is also a model of sustainability. A geothermal system provides highly efficient heating and cooling, while advanced insulation, a radiant concrete slab, highefficiency lighting, and water-saving plumbing fixtures ensure an environmentally responsible footprint. A covered terrace extends the livable space beyond the walls of the house, which also induces airflow into the courtyard so that the house remains cool throughout the hot Arkansas summers.

The house also responds thoughtfully to the site’s significant topographical changes. As the structure projects outward from the hillside, a series of foundation wall “fins” emerge, subtly revealing the slope beneath. This design move not only accommodates the terrain but also enhances the spatial experience within the home, creating varied interior volumes and light conditions.

The Shaw Residence is a testament to Marlon Blackwell Architects’ design philosophy. Since 1990, the firm has been committed to creating environmentally responsive, award-winning projects that challenge conventions and redefine possibilities. With a belief that architecture can happen anywhere, at any scale, for anyone, the firm employs a deeply collaborative design process that ensures every project reflects the ideals of those it serves.

In the case of the Shaw Residence, this ethos is clearly evident. The home is not merely an aesthetic statement but a carefully considered response to its setting and inhabitants. In doing so, it exemplifies how contemporary design can coexist with nature, elevating both the built environment and the landscape it inhabits.

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