The Harris School of Violin is speculative education project that combines the architectural programs of violin instruction and violin making. The selected site was in the University Place neighborhood of Lincoln, Nebraska, a quaint, eclectic neighborhood provided a rich contextual environment for the hybridized violin playing/making facility. The delicate, yet intensive, balance of tension embodied within the programmatic artifact of the violin provided an inspiring impetus for design creativity. Inspirational elements of a violin’s tension and material warmth also found their way into the interior spaces and custom millwork in the workshop and recital hall areas.