Painter Louis Copt is known primarily for his dramatic depictions of the Kansas landscape.

So it made perfect sense when he and his wife, Phyllis, an English teacher at Free State High School, decided to build their dream home, with panoramic views from every window, on a 51/2-acre tract of land northwest of Lawrence.

Vaulted ceilings lend a loft-like feel to the living room while expansive windows fill Louis and Phyliss Copt's home with natural light.

Reminiscent of prairie style architecture popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, the two-story home features overhanging eaves, an open floor plan, rows of windows and a central chimney servicing a fireplace and an authentic wood-burning pizza oven, imported from Italy.

The oven is the focal point of the home and the Copts’ social life. With Louis acting as chief pizza chef, the couple frequently entertains large groups of family and friends for “make your own pizza” parties and everyone is encouraged to get into the act. The wide-open kitchen, with granite-tile countertops, provides plenty of space for hungry visitors to create their own masterpieces. At about 700 degrees, the oven can bake a pizza to perfection in two minutes. At that rate, the Copts claim to have produced 100 bubbling pies in one night.

Reminders of the Copts’ travels, heirloom furniture, family photos and treasured artwork from friends are displayed throughout the home. An expansive studio with large windows, high ceilings and a garage-door entry permits Louis to move freely among his huge canvases. An interior window through to the kitchen allows him to keep an eye on pots of pizza sauce simmering on the stove.

The home will be featured this week on “Home & Away,” which is hosted by Cathy Hamilton.

A new show airs at 6:30 p.m. each Monday on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 and repeats at 9:30 p.m. Monday; 9 a.m., 5:30 p.m., 9 p.m. Tuesday; 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 10:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. Saturday.

– Cathy Hamilton is host of Sunflower Broadband’s “Home & Away.”