Zumbro Zen: A Stairway as a “frontage road”

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Zumbro Zen is a sleek, energy-efficient, and sustainable home perched on a steeply descending slope above the north bank of the Zumbro River.  The house bumps out (see the photo above), and galvalume metal sheeting and glass enclose a straight run stair and landings.  This idea of stairs as a “frontage road” outside the square bounds of the home remove a circulation obstacle, and open up the narrow solar oriented floor plan.

Samples of galvalume metal sheeting.

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro ZenArchitect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An out-board stair can often be a great solution in the remodeling of existing homes as well. Central stairs often condemn a plan forever to a warren of little rooms encircling this obstacle. If you remove the stair and install a new one outside of the existing envelope you can then knock down the walls and open the plan, transforming a seemingly small, dark home into one of light and spatial wonder!

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Here are some more images of this Star Tribune Home of the Month Winner!

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Architect Eric Odor Zumbro Zen

Would you like to know more? Visit the Zumbr Zen project page on SALA's main site! For more on Eric Odor visit his profile page! If you'd like to keep these images for inspiration, visit the SALA Pinterest Page and pin from the Zumbro Zen board! If you'd like to here more about Galvalume, here is a video of a metal roof revue that used galvalume!