Modern & Efficient: kül grilles Partners with Studio 804 on a Minimalist, LEED Platinum Home

When you’re training to be an architect, honing your skills sometimes means stepping away from the screen and actually building something. Recognizing this, University of Kansas Department of Architecture Professor Dan Rockhill created the Studio 804 program, offering a unique opportunity for architectural graduate students to get first-hand design-build experience that focuses on sustainable, affordable and inventive building solutions. kül grilles was excited to provide modern air vents and custom air vent solutions for this uniquely designed project.

Design: Studio 804 Architecture & Design
Photography: Corey Gaffer © Gaffer Photography

In designing and constructing a building from the ground up, students learn everything from doing estimates, working with zoning and code officials, framing, roofing, setting solar panels and placing concrete.

Once the build is complete, students focus on selecting standout materials that meet high standards for both aesthetics and functionality – products such as kül grilles air vent covers, which come in six different finishes, including custom capabilities.

As a strong supporter of the not-for-profit’s educational mission, kül grilles partnered with Studio 804 on its Indiana Street Project. The super-insulated, LEED Platinum building was designed with a modern, almost minimalist aesthetic and a custom design that was a perfect match for kül grilles' products.

As Rockhill explains, "The quality of craftsmanship that kül grilles represents is an extension of the aesthetic we strive for."

The project involved some unique challenges that required truly custom solutions, as the properties on either side of the narrow 50-ft. infill lot were built before zoning was adopted in the city, and they encroached on either side. This was addressed by conceptualizing two different shaped layouts for the upper and lower levels.

The downstairs space, which includes two bedrooms, one of which is used as an office, is designed with a slimmer profile than the upper level, allowing for more separation from the adjoining properties.

With a narrow footprint, the minimalist design becomes essential in maintaining a clean, open feel—exactly where kül grilles’ custom wall and floor vents enhance that modern aesthetic. The brushed chrome finish melds seamlessly into the design.

The main living spaces were moved upstairs, where the morning sunlight that shines through the east facing side and the evening sun which brightens the deck and spills into the kitchen open up the space visually. A canopy of trees creates a pleasing, less hemmed in feeling, while mini splits provide energy-efficient heat and air conditioning. The modern, custom design plays out throughout the space, enhanced by kül grilles’ modern vents.

Rockhill notes, "Before we found kül grilles, everything was vanilla, but these products have a language that recognizes every bit of the design intent to create something custom and special."

With all of its energy saving features, the modern, all-electric home met its targeted goal of using net zero energy over a calendar year – and its new owners were delighted when they got their August electric bill for the hottest month of the year, and the total was an incredible 87 cents! 

To learn more about Studio 804, visit https://studio804.com/

Ready to add a modern, custom touch to your project? Explore kül grilles and discover vent covers that are anything but ordinary.

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