A dramatic contemporary home in Fishers, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis, showcases an innovative plus sign-shaped design that maximizes views of the surrounding natural landscape. The striking residence, designed by Höweler + Yoon Architecture for homeowners Daniel and Lucy Neely, features a unique cruciate form that organizes living spaces for their family of five while highlighting the property's mature trees and existing pond.
The project began when the Neelys decided to tear down their existing 1970s home rather than renovate it, seeking a contemporary design that would better suit their needs. The couple discovered their inspiration in the pages of Dwell magazine, falling in love with Höweler + Yoon Architecture's Bridge House in McLean, Virginia. After meeting architect Eric Höweler and touring that property, they immediately knew they wanted the firm to design their new Indiana home.
Situated on a six-acre parcel in Fishers' Forest Knoll neighborhood, the home's distinctive plus sign configuration was specifically chosen to take advantage of the site's natural features. "We proposed the plus shape as an elemental form that would organize the landscape around it," explains Höweler. "Kind of like a mark on a map—plus marks the spot." Each of the four wings faces a cardinal direction, with the dramatic two-story western exposure overlooking the property's pond, creating what Höweler describes as "an inhabitable telescope."
The home's interior layout centers around a strategically positioned kitchen at the intersection of the two main volumes. The first floor includes four distinct wings: a living room, dining room, primary bedroom suite, and entry foyer complete with powder room and gym. The upper level houses three en-suite bedrooms for the couple's three daughters, ensuring each child has their own autonomous space as requested by the family.
One of the home's most striking features is its exterior cladding made from yakisugi, a traditional Japanese charred wood siding. After considering various materials including limestone, corten steel, fiber cement panels, and stucco, the Höweler + Yoon team proposed this distinctive material, which was previously unknown to the Neelys. "We were attracted to the charred wood as an idea, because it has a natural protective layer," says Höweler. "It also showcases the natural qualities of the material in dramatic ways."
The yakisugi was sourced from Nakamoto Forestry, the world's largest manufacturer of this traditional material, commonly known as shou sugi ban outside of Japan. The architects selected multiple variations including Suyaki Tung Oil Black, Gendai Alkyd Light Gray, and Gendai Alkyd Black to create subtle variations in intensity and composition across the home's exterior. Lucy Neely describes the charred exterior as "blacker-than-black, as it seems to absorb all light striking it," noting that "the texture is unique and dramatic while still maintaining a connection to nature and sustainable materials."
The heat-treated wood offers practical benefits beyond its striking appearance, being naturally resistant to fire, fungi, and water while requiring minimal maintenance. Höweler notes that the material "has an almost mythical status amongst architects" and praises Nakamoto Forestry's ability to supply authentic Japanese yakisugi from their North American facilities, avoiding the complexities of import processes.
The home's design creates precise framing of views to the surrounding landscape, with each wing offering its own orientation and vistas. The western wing houses a bright, voluminous living room that overlooks the pond, while the south-facing dining wing accommodates large holiday gatherings with a custom black dining table seating up to 16 people. This southern exposure highlights views of dense green vegetation in the surrounding woods.
After living in the home for several years, the Neelys particularly appreciate how the design allows them to observe seasonal changes in the natural landscape. "We most enjoy watching the change of seasons that takes place outside of the massive living room window," says Daniel. The jet-black exterior creates a dramatic contrast with the changing seasons, providing "a striking contrast to the green grass in spring and summer, the autumnal colors of fall, and particularly the brilliant white snow of winter," according to Lucy.
The project represents a successful collaboration between architecture firm Höweler + Yoon, builder Page Construction Services, and materials supplier Nakamoto Forestry, with photography by Hadley Fruits capturing the home's integration with its natural setting. The residence demonstrates how contemporary design can harmoniously blend with natural landscapes while providing functional, comfortable living spaces for modern families.
