Overview Of Youngmeyer Field Station– North America was rocking a massive 150 million acres of tall grass prairie back then. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got less than 4% of this fantastic ecosystem left, mostly hanging out in the Kansas Flint Hills. The underground scene in Flint Hills has been growing for over 250 million years, with rocking layers of limestone and shale. The shallow, rocky soils make it a tough spot for farming and building, which works out great because it’s been keeping the tallgrass ecosystem, its fantastic wildlife, and those sweeping, rolling views intact forever.
© Brad Feinknopf
The Youngmeyer Ranch covers nearly 4,700 acres in Flint Hills. It’s a happening cattle ranch and a hot spot for research by Wichita State University. The place is buzzing with activity from various departments diving into studying plants, animals, soils, and waterways. They’ve got the Youngmeyer Field Station, a sweet setup with 3,400 square feet of meeting space, labs, and living quarters for six researchers. And get this – the whole deal is off the grid, living its best life with no ties to public or rural utilities. They’re generating power and collecting water right there on the spot. Pretty cool, huh?
© Brad Feinknopf
This project is about blending in with nature and standing strong against the elements. We took cues from the layered stone beneath the Flint Hills and other cool stuff you can spot around the area. It’s like a nod to the old Midwestern dugouts – part of our building is tucked into the ground to shield it from those chilly northern winds and, you know, to fit in with the surroundings. The design of Youngmeyer Field Station is about embracing the views to the east, catching those sunrise vibes, and enjoying the water, especially in the central gathering spot with its killer panoramic scenery.
© Brad Feinknopf
Youngmeyer Field Station’s Design Concept
Inside, imagine natural, earthy tones arranged in cool patterns reminiscent of sediment layers, fields of grain, or a starry night. The exterior rocks four types of limestone embracing the Youngmeyer Field Station, sneaking inside to create awesome layered bands. It’s a nod to the underground sediment layers nearby. One type, the Prairie Shell, is a rockstar with loads of fossilized shells. You can even go on a fossil hunt around the Youngmeyer Field Station, spotting ancient treasures on the walls. And, hey, there’s a perfect nautilus right by the front door. Pretty cool.
© Brad Feinknopf
Alright, check this out: We’ve built the whole Youngmeyer Field Station – even the roof – with solid concrete, and we’ve covered it in tough, non-flammable materials like concrete, limestone, and glazing systems to guard against the wind and wildfires. Being a fantastic neighbor in the Flint Hills means not messing with the amazing views, so we kept things sleek and clean. Our concrete roof goes all fancy with a taper at the edge, almost vanishing when you peek at it from the nearest neighbor’s place a few miles down the road. We’re all about fitting in and keeping things low-key.
© Brad Feinknopf
Project Info:
Architects: Hutton
Area: 3400 ft²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Brad Feinknopf
Manufacturers: Bedrosians, Emser, Illuminate Vintage, Lumenwerx, MSI, Rejuvenation, Tesla, US Stone
Electrical Engineering: Professional Engineering Consultants
Mechanical Engineering: Professional Engineering Consultants
Structural Engineering: Professional Engineering Consultants
Architectural Design Lead & Project Manager: Emily Taylor
Architectural Design Support: Matt Byrum
Architectural Design Principal: Josh Herrman
Construction Project Manager: Todd Wedel
Interior Design: Mattie Lane
Program / Use / Building Function: Field research station & retreat center
Civil Engineering: Engineering Consultants
Design Builder: Hutton
Country: United States
