The Garden Room: award-winning architecture wrapped in natural slate
The Garden Room, a residential project in St. Louis, Missouri, designed by architect Adriana Perrone, has received a 2026 AIA Central States Honor Award in the Small Projects category.
The award recognizes a thoughtful architectural intervention that transforms an existing residential setting through careful design and material choices.
Previously featured on America ByDesign, the project brings together contemporary architecture and natural slate, used across both the roof and façade to create a distinctive, unified exterior.
Designed to accommodate a garage, gym and wellness space, The Garden Room introduces a contemporary structure alongside a traditional brick residence. Its distinctive geometry contrasts with the original house, while generous glazing opens the interior towards the garden, creating a close connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
“The project reflects our ongoing interest in creating quiet, intentional spaces that heighten awareness of light, landscape, and daily ritual“, explains architect Adriana Perrone.
Natural slate from roof to façade
Natural slate plays a central role in the architectural identity of The Garden Room. Used on both the roof and façade, with the CUPACLAD natural slate cladding system covering the latter, it creates a continuous exterior that emphasises the building’s geometry and gives the contemporary addition a unified appearance.
The dark tones and natural texture of the slate contrast with the brickwork of the existing residence, helping to distinguish the new structure while establishing a dialogue between the two buildings.
Beyond its visual impact, natural slate offers the durability and weather resistance required for both roofing and façade applications, making it a practical choice for a project where material consistency is a defining feature of the design.
Looking to incorporate natural slate into your next architectural project? Our team can help you explore the possibilities for both roofing and façade applications.
© Photos courtesy of Adriana Perrone.
