spoonbill ranch

Spoonbill Ranch is a modern private residence set on former cattle land now being restored to native tallgrass prairie in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota. The site is defined by open grasslands dotted with shallow wetlands, creating a landscape crucial for ecology and continent-wide hydrology. The house responds to this expansive context by using a low, horizontal form embedded in a slope, organized around a sheltered central courtyard to provide refuge from the region’s frequent winds and to foster spatial intimacy within the prairie setting. The building’s green roof blends visually with the surrounding terrain, with the roof plane extending to frame and shelter outdoor spaces. The main living area, accessed through a deep portico and a vestibule, features an open plan with kitchen and fireplace at opposing ends. Interior finishes include concrete floors, blackened steel, white walls, and a detailed scalloped wood ceiling for added warmth. Large lift-slide doors open to both the courtyard—defined by a tall stainless steel sculpture evoking local wildflowers—and the broader landscape, while a patio with firepit and a stargazing aperture in the roof offer outdoor gathering and views of the prairie sky.