Papillon

Indianapolis, IN

In creating their family home, a forward-thinking Indianapolis couple sought a simple, modern solution that balances contemporary minimalism with the warmth of a sustainable, natural material palette. While modern, the design outcome respects the context of its traditional one and two-story suburban neighbors. The design parti employs a simple “L” shaped building, articulated by solid massing, defined voids, and clear expression of materials. Cantilevered roof elements establish covered patios while masonry elements anchor the home and visually slide from exterior to interior. A richly hued walnut slat ceiling hovers over the kitchen and dining areas defines the separation between floor levels. A feature element and defining piece of the design is an interior, board-formed concrete planter, which houses a linear planting of live bamboo that passes from the lower level through an opening in the floor.

Awards

2022 American Institute of Architects - Indianapolis Citation Award

2021 American Institute of Architects - Indiana Citation Award

Media

Modern kitchen with a white island counter, black chairs, wooden ceiling, open shelves with bowls and plants, stainless steel range hood, and a woman moving in the background.
Modern open-concept living room and kitchen with a person standing at the kitchen island and another person on the upper balcony next to a frameless glass room. The room features a beige sectional sofa, a round wooden coffee table, and indoor plants.
Modern living room with high vaulted ceiling, large windows, and minimalist decor. There are black pendant lamps hanging from a wooden ceiling, a beige sofa with throw pillows, black armchairs, a flat-screen TV, and a child playing near the sliding glass doors.
Modern dining room with a wooden table, black chairs, a built-in white bookshelf with art, books, and decorative objects, a gray brick wall, a wooden ceiling with black light fixtures, and a light wood floor.
Living room with gray brick wall, wooden ceiling, and a horizontal window showing green trees outside. Contains a large plant in a black pot, a woven basket with a lid, a built-in wood storage, and a sofa with pillows.
Open-concept living room and kitchen with high ceilings, wooden accents, large windows, beige sectional sofa, woman sitting with drink, man in the kitchen, black bar stools, modern chandelier, and dining table with candles.
Indoor entry space with large glass window, green bamboo plants, wooden floor, and brick wall illuminated by sunlight.
Modern building exterior with a large rust-colored metal wall, a window reflecting trees, and tall ornamental grasses in the foreground.
Modern residential building with large glass windows, white and dark-colored exterior walls, surrounded by greenery and tall trees.
Modern house with a backyard featuring a swimming pool, patio furniture, and lush green lawn, planted roof, surrounded by trees and neighboring houses under a clear blue sky.
Modern house with large glass windows, outdoor seating area, a swimming pool, and landscaped yard at dusk.

Photography

Keith Isaacs

Lesle Lane of Studio 13