The Campbell Dome House in downtown Overland Park stands as a truly exceptional mid-century modern masterpiece. Boasting a distinct and captivating aesthetic, the interior space features an open layout highlighted by a spacious living room, galley kitchen, sitting room and dining area. With its picturesque setting, the Campbell Dome House is the perfect location for any event seeking an unforgettable backdrop.
Mark and Sandy Campbell are the homeowners, and Mark's daughter Keli Campbell and Jeffery Rhodes are the current occupants helping to renovate and care for the home.
“The house was designed and built by my grandfather, Bob D. Campbell in 1967,” says Keli. “He was a structural engineer in Kansas City and started the engineering firm Bob D. Campbell & Co., which still operates on the Plaza as BDC & Co. He worked on many of the notable structures around the city, including Arrowhead Stadium and frequently worked with several of the modern architects in the area, including an architect out of Salina named John Shaver. He and John Shaver worked on schools across the country, and many of them included domed gymnasiums. My grandfather liked the dome shape because it covered the most amount of space using the least amount of material, and you could have a large open area without any pillars or supports. While working on these schools with John Shaver, Bob decided to build his own dome as the family home.
“I wish I could ask my grandfather what inspired him to build this unique house as his home. He always said that welding the steel frame of our dome helped him problem-solve the domes he was building for schools. I believe he was also inspired by the other professionals he was working with and the modernist movement, to just try something new. It was an exciting time for bold visions. We submitted the house as a nominee to the Kansas and National Historical Register and we were accepted under the notable architecture category. As far as we know, it is the only Schwedler Dome structure used as a residence in the United States, possibly the world. The house is also the youngest structure on the Kansas state historical register.”
One of the house's most striking features is the mechanical wall, which gracefully lowers into the basement, creating a seamless connection between the living room and the lush tropical courtyard.
“There are several unique things we love about the house beyond the roof. Half of the space under the dome is a courtyard with a pool, tropical plants, and several garden beds. My grandparents loved plants and always kept the courtyard lush with greenery—we are trying to continue that tradition and design feature. The wall connecting the interior living space is mostly glass so you can always see out to the greenery—it recesses into the basement to open the interior space to the courtyard. We also love the simple, natural materials, wood details, and mid-century modern style. The ceiling in the formal sitting room has the same design of the dome roof, but is made out of wood instead of steel. It's a great feature and an excellent bit of craftsmanship.”
Bathed in year-round sunlight, the south-facing courtyard makes it an inviting retreat throughout the seasons.
“The house is designed with a passive solar orientation—the quarter of the roof that is glass paneled, like a greenhouse, faces south to make the best use of the winter sun. On cold winter days, if the sun is out, the courtyard can be a comfortable 60+ degrees, even when it is below freezing outside. During the summer months, the angle of the solid roof overhang shades most of the courtyard, helping to keep it cooler.”
To truly appreciate its charm and beauty, one must experience this hidden gem in person.
“We use a similar platform to Airbnb called Peerspace to rent the house for daytime use. It has been an interesting mix of uses! We get a little bit of everything from baby showers, movie shoots, styled fashion shoots, small weddings, and memorial services. Our first rental was an NFL Films production, taping an interview with Travis Kelce.”
The Campbell Dome House is located on Hamilton Drive in Overland Park. To rent this historic, mid-century modern home, visit peerspace.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Johnson County City Lifestyle