1950s Grain Silo Transformed into a Sleek and Cozy Home for Two

Architect Christoph Kaiser has repurposed a 1950s-era grain silo, transforming it into a cozy home he shares with his wife. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the dwelling is a stunning example of what's possible with an unconventional–and previously uninhabitable–structure. The corrugated-steel silo is tall enough for two stories within its cylindrical walls, and it features a modern decor that's an ode to the mid-century exterior.

To begin the redesign process, Kaiser first purchased the dismantled 1955 grain silo online from a Kansas farmer. It was then transported down to Arizona on the back of a pickup truck. After arriving, major modifications were made during its reassembly, including custom-made doors and windows, ten inches of spray insulation, and a paint job meant to reflect the scorching heat of the desert sun.

When creating the silo's interior, Kaiser took a cue from the shape of the building. Cabinets, counters, and even couches are curved to enhance the tiny space. Everything–with the exception of two Eames Wire Chairs–is custom built, and he used $350 worth of scrap walnut plank flooring to help keep his decorating costs low. A wood and black steel staircase leads from the living area to a cozy loft bedroom, which has an operable skylight that's set within the cone-shaped roof. This gives the structure an airy feel, making it seem much larger than its 340-square-foot size.

Christoph Kaiser: Website
via [Inhabitat]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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