436 Indiana Street House / Studio 804

Architect: Studio 804
Area: 1,000 – 3,000 ft²
Year: 2024
Photography: Corey Gaffer
Drawings: Studio 804, Dan Rockhill
City: Lawrence, Kansas
Country: USA

The 436 Indiana Street House, designed by Studio 804 in Lawrence, Kansas, is a sustainably designed single-family residence intended to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Located in the Pinkney neighborhood, this project addresses urban infill goals and environmental challenges by integrating advanced insulation, solar energy, and repurposed materials. The house’s design balances natural surroundings with city growth, aligning with Lawrence’s Horizon 2040 plan for sustainable development while reflecting Studio 804’s ongoing mission of fostering community-oriented, environmentally conscious design solutions.

The 436 Indiana Street House by Studio 804 is located in the Pinkney neighborhood’s 400 block of Indiana Street in Lawrence, Kansas. This site, set among mature trees, provides a unique environment for a single-family residence in the heart of the city. The house is situated near key amenities, including Lawrence Memorial Hospital, downtown Lawrence’s shopping and cultural areas, the Kansas River National Water Trail, and the 22-mile Lawrence Loop bike route. The neighborhood’s pedestrian-friendly environment and city bus connections allow easy access without relying on cars. This blend of historical context and sustainable design demonstrates Lawrence’s future-focused development approach.

The house was constructed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum standards, the highest level of certification for sustainable practices. As Studio 804’s 17th LEED Platinum project, this design reflects their ongoing dedication to minimizing environmental impacts while enhancing community life. The project aligns with Lawrence’s Horizon 2040 plan, which emphasizes infill development and higher urban density. A growing population, shrinking household sizes, and limited available property led the city to prioritize smaller lots and homes in established neighborhoods like Pinkney. Community engagement showed broad support for these strategies.

Studio 804 is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization offering a hands-on, one-year design-build experience through the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design. Graduate students lead the design and construction process each year, creating innovative and sustainable building solutions. Since 2008, Studio 804 has completed 16 LEED Platinum projects, one LEED Gold project, and three Passive House certified buildings.

The previously undeveloped site presented challenges due to a stormwater easement partially encroaching on the property. Adjacent to a tree-covered stormwater swale that functions as a flood zone, the site lacks the typical rear alley seen in most Lawrence neighborhoods. Studio 804 preserved this natural woodland while integrating it into the design, situating interior views and outdoor spaces to maximize the sense of seclusion within the tree canopy.

Sustainability is central to the house’s design, from energy-efficient systems to material choices. Sixteen 535-watt solar panels significantly offset energy consumption, and the building’s insulation exceeds code by 20%, with exterior walls reaching mid to upper R-30 values and the roof reaching low R-60s. High-quality air, vapor, and water barriers ensure a tight envelope, further enhancing energy efficiency. Triple-sealed windows provide effective thermal control and cross-ventilation.

Interior finishes are low in VOC emissions, promoting healthier indoor air quality. Exterior cladding, made from recyclable Corten and Richlite materials, is both maintenance-free and thermally efficient. Energy-efficient LED lighting, Energy Star-rated appliances, and WaterSense fixtures reduce the house’s overall environmental impact. The hybrid heat pump’s placement optimizes hot water delivery throughout the house.

The house’s stormwater management system features a permeable driveway that reduces runoff by allowing water to soak into the ground and replenish the water table. A rain garden on the eastern edge captures and absorbs runoff from the roof and foundation. Studio 804’s resourcefulness in using repurposed materials is evident throughout the project, including salvaged triple-pane IGUs, surplus tiles, and repurposed drywall and concrete formwork, reducing waste and enhancing the building’s sustainability.

The 436 Indiana Street House exemplifies Studio 804’s commitment to sustainable design that meets both community and environmental needs. The project showcases how thoughtful integration of historical context, innovative building strategies, and sustainability goals can create a lasting, positive impact on neighborhoods like Pinkney while supporting broader urban growth initiatives.