Northwest Arkansas Residence
Maurice Jennings + David McKee Architects

The owners required a three-bedroom residence oriented toward a year-round swimming pool, outdoor cooking area, and gathering place for family and friends.  The geothermally heated swimming pool is partially covered by a concrete roof structure that creates a grotto complete with waterfall, fireplace, and cooking area. Numerous large circular coffered skylights allow ample natural light into the grotto.
The property had been mined for the soil and gravel suitable for construction projects off-site.  In response, the pool was pushed back into the deepest part of the cut where it could be bermed over to regain more natural contours and dropped down below sight lines from nearby residences.

The residence earned a Merit Award from the Arkansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and an Excellence in Concrete Construction Award from the Arkansas Ready Mixed Concrete Association.