WHAT IS THE KAMAMA PRAIRIE?

The Kamama Prairie is a 92-acre nature preserve owned by the Arc of Appalachia, located in rural Adams County, Ohio. The prairie is notable and renowned amongst experts as a particularly rare ecosystem, limited to a small area in southwestern Ohio and central Kentucky. The unique soil conditions combined with the rare plant species seem to have created an ecosystem that encourages rare species of all kinds to flourish. Kamama means ‘butterfly’ in Cherokee - an apt name reflecting the more than 70 species of butterflies that inhabit this unique prairie.

ADRIENNE CASSEL, KAMAMA LAND STEWARD

In 2012, Adrienne began her work as land steward of the Kamama Prairie, a volunteer position through the Arc of Appalachia. For all land stewards of its properties, the Arc encourages occupation of the site, in an existing or new shelter. This project provides Adrienne with the shelter she needs and desires, which in turn will aid the stewardship of the prairie. With an established presence on the site in a thoughtful, sustainable dwelling, the prairie can grow in recognition and can thrive as both an educational resource and haven for all communities. The house will be property of the Arc (a not-for-profit organization) for future land stewards of the site.

THE HOUSE

The 160-square-foot house is designed around and within a new shipping container, which provides a framework to build off of, and constraints to build around. The house aims to be both beautiful and buildable, with a clean, minimal aesthetic to not distract from the prairie. Indoor/ outdoor flexibility is key, with a semi-shaded deck as livable outdoor space. To coexist with the prairie, the house reuses many site-present materials, including barn wood and roofing tin from a previous structure on the site.