This project began as a site and home design concept including a gated entry, and a new drive into and through the five acre property. The placement and design of an 8,500 square foot home was oriented around the topographic level changes of the property. A courtyard connected the main house to an apartment and office level over the three car garage. The concept included the development of a plan for the area around the home to become a grove of select hardwoods after removal of the mix of invasive species trees and other vegetation allowed to grow there in earlier years.

Intended to be the client’s retirement home, after evaluation of goals for use of the site, our client evolved their priorities to developing a smaller home that ultimately had a different style and design. The three car garage with apartment was subsequently located well away from the home for benefit of family and guest privacy when the desire for an office was eliminated. The original covered outdoor entertainment areas were subsequently added to the pool area as separate structures and not tied to the home’s main level.

This custom home was initially designed as a larger home with areas for larger family entertainment to happen on multiple levels, with walk out areas over roofs for the upper level and the main level. The home site was pushed to its limit of adjacency to the steep embankment above the year round mountain stream flowing through the site by cantilevering the home office space out beyond the foundation thereby allowing office’s three walls with views to take in the views of the stream to their fullest effect possible. Ultimately this home was downsized and the roof line simplified to meet the changing goals of the client.

Located in northwest Rockingham County this residence sits near the top of a very steep sloping mountain property. Designed on the hillside the land was terraced just above and below the home which allowed the lower level to be anchored into the the slope and elevates the living side of the house on both levels. This second home was designed for the couple to continue to work at home even when away in the mountains. The 2,100 square foot upper level is complete with an office for each and the 1,600 square foot lower level has living quarters for guests. Both levels have elevated decks that span the entire northwest façade of the home which provides the couple and their guests with spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains year round.