The Dahl President’s Home is located on a wooded knoll overlooking the central campus of Augustana College. The design of the home is influenced by the prairie style of architecture, is sited to preserve and nestle amongst the mature oak and hickory trees, and to provide framed views of the campus. The warm-tone natural materials complement the wooded site and utilize a horizontal layering of brick and stone detailing at the base and body, topped by the cedar-sided upper level with a low slope roof. The home’s windows have gentle arches that create a dynamic connection to the landscape and the Augustana campus. A broad cantilever roof and stone wall provide a welcoming entry on the central axis of the great room and fireplace. The large central brick chimney is capped by an arched copper cap, matching the exterior copper details for roof flashing, gutters, downspouts, and light fixtures.
Interiors of the home incorporate large expanses of windows, with the central axis focused on the library. The interior of the home was designed to serve both public entertaining for the college and private family living for the college president. The warm interiors reinforce the prairie influence and incorporate porcelain-slate tile, warm-tone painted walls, natural cherry trim and casework, and painted steel stair and railing at second floor balconies. Custom art glass is utilized throughout the house to allow glimpses between the rooms and a cast of colored light patterns.
