Located on a historic farmstead in Wabaunsee County, Kansas the Illinois Creek Ranch was designed for a family of five, their extended family, friends and guests. The goal was to forge an emotional bond between people and a unique landscape. Structures were purposefully straightforward in their vernacular appearance with a focus on innovative, nuanced detailing and contemporary material selection. The architect began by studying the site - history, topography, soil and hydrological conditions, seasonal wind and sun patterns. The positioning of the house was a response to these conditions. Parts of the home were positioned parallel to topography to accommodate single story program, other parts were turned perpendicular to allow multiple story programming. The structures strategically blocked wind to allow comfortable outdoor spaces while breezeway windows were positioned to allow passive cooling inside. The massing of the house was positioned to take full advantage of seasonal solar heat gain. Movement throughout the home was carefully choreographed to engage a range of landscape experiences.