Ridgeline House

Sited on a ridgeline peninsula, in a heavily-forested bird sanctuary, this project is practice of scale. Our question was: How does one celebrate the panoramic landscape, while still grounding the occupant in their home? 

This prompted us to created a house with explicitly defined areas and visual corridors. Long distance views of the background are captured through large format windows — each opening placed with restraint so as not to give too much away. Meanwhile, retained patios and courtyards carve out private moments in the wooded foreground, which allows immediate access to the outdoors. 

The exterior expression is inspired by the agricultural buildings of Appalachia. The simple gable form, with shed roof extensions, reflect the barns that can be found throughout the surrounding countryside. The materiality is more precious – the standing seam metal roof wraps the entirety of the 2nd level, while light brick masonry defines the ground level. 

The front door is accessed in the middle of the plan, with the private, primary suite being on one side, and the public kitchen/dining/living spaces on the other. Upstairs, there are multiple bedrooms and a private study. Both levels have vaulted ceilings.