Historic limestone residence in Lincoln Nebraska with symmetrical facade stone masonry and landscaped front lawn Scroll Down arrow icon

Campbell House

The design for the Campbell House reimagines an existing residence within an historic Lincoln, Nebraska neighborhood through a careful balance of preservation and contrast. Rather than replicating the historic home, the design places old and new in deliberate dialogue—allowing the original limestone residence to retain its character while introducing contemporary spaces that support the daily life of a growing young family. From the street, the historic structure remains the visual anchor. All new construction is set back from the original façade and positioned farther from the street, preserving the home’s familiar presence within the neighborhood. This strategy reinforces the primacy of the historic massing while allowing the new additions to recede quietly into the background.
This project reflects Sinclair Hille’s approach as a custom home architect in Lincoln, Nebraska—balancing historic context with contemporary living.

 

A clear contrast in materials further distinguishes historic from contemporary work. The existing split-faced limestone remains expressive and textured, while the new additions are clad in smooth board-and-batten fiber cement panels. This restrained material palette allows the additions to visually recede while framing the historic stonework in sharp relief. The result establishes a clear hierarchy in which the original home remains the focal point.

 

Inside, transitions between past and present are intentionally revealed. Former exterior walls—now interior thresholds—retain their original split-faced limestone, marking the point where the historic structure gives way to new spaces. These exposed stone surfaces provide tactile reminders of the home’s history while celebrating its evolution. Rather than concealing the transition between old and new, the design makes it legible and meaningful.

The new additions open the home to light and landscape in ways the original structure could not. Larger windows bring daylight deeper into the plan while framing views of the surrounding yard and gardens. Living spaces extend to patios and outdoor areas, strengthening the connection between interior rooms and the landscape. These new openings support a more contemporary pattern of living—encouraging daily life to move easily between inside and out. This connection between architecture and landscape is central to many of the firm’s residential projects.

The result is a residence that honors the architectural legacy of the original home while embracing the openness, light, and flexibility of contemporary living in Lincoln.

 

Photography by © William (Bill) Hess

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