The St. Olaf House at St. Olaf College

The St. Olaf House, also known as the President’s residence showcases modern architecture harmonizing with its natural surroundings. By integrating functional needs with aesthetic considerations, sustainability, and a strong connection to its natural setting, and using materials and forms that speak to contemporary sensibilities while honoring construction methods, the architects have created a space that is both impressive and inviting.

1. Material Palette: The residence makes extensive use of natural materials, which provides a sense of warmth and integration with the environment. This can be seen in the use of bleached poplar for the exposed wood framework. Poplar is known for its light color and smooth grain, which, when bleached, enhances the modern aesthetic and brightens the interior spaces. The black slate tiles are utilized as flooring, which offers a stark, elegant contrast to the light wood, and this choice of material is also practical for high-traffic areas due to its durability and ease of maintenance.
2. Windows and Natural Light: The design heavily prioritizes natural light, using large, floor-to-ceiling windows that not only illuminate the interior but also provide panoramic views of the exterior landscape. These windows are framed with the same light wood, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior.

3. Structural Expression: The architects have made a clear choice to express the structural elements of the building. The exposed wood beams and columns are not just functional but also serve as a visual feature. They give the space an open, airy feel, suggesting a modernist approach that celebrates the intrinsic beauty of the construction materials.
4. Integration with Landscape: The choice of materials and the design of the space show a thoughtful consideration of the building’s setting. The natural tones of the bleached poplar and the earthy hues of the black slate floors are reflective of the natural environment, suggesting a design philosophy that seeks to blend the structure into its surroundings rather than dominate them.
5. Interior Design: Within the interior, there’s a minimalistic approach to design. Furniture is contemporary and is arranged to promote social interaction, especially around the fireplace, which itself is made of stone, providing a natural focal point and a communal gathering spot. The artwork and decorative elements are carefully chosen to add splashes of color without overwhelming the simplicity of the design.
6. Fireplace: The fireplace serves as a central feature in the great hall, constructed from stone which complements the natural aesthetic and adds an element of rustic charm amidst the modern design. It also acts as an anchor for the social spaces, inviting a gathering around its warmth.

6. Ceilings: The ceilings are noteworthy, with exposed wood trusses that follow the roof’s pitch, adding to the expansive feel of the space. The use of trusses not only has structural benefits but also adds a rhythm and pattern to the ceiling, creating visual interest and drawing the eye upward.
7. Sustainability: the use of local and natural materials such as poplar wood and slate, along with the emphasis on natural lighting, suggests an awareness of sustainable building practices. The wood’s bleaching process likely serves to protect it and prolong its life without the use of harsh chemicals, aligning with eco-friendly design principles.
8. Exterior: The exterior of the building carries the same material language to the outside, providing a consistent and holistic design approach.
9. Functional Spaces: The design includes functional spaces such as a hallway with a bench and storage furniture, suggesting a thoughtful consideration of the flow and utility of each area within the residence.