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Defining Modern Architecture in Asheville: Insights from Vellum’s Work
August 14, 2025
On a cool mountain morning, fog drifts through Asheville’s valleys, softening the outlines of the Blue Ridge. In this ever-changing light, modern mountain homes take on a character all their own. Here, a home is more than a structure—it’s part of the landscape, shaped by it and deeply connected to it.
Vellum Architecture & Design has spent over a decade perfecting what they call “Native Modern™” architecture—a blend of clean, contemporary design with the warmth and authenticity of the mountains. Their custom residential architecture in Asheville proves that modern can be both timeless and place-specific, rooted in the landscape yet open to the future.
Modernism, Reimagined for the Mountains
In cities, modern architecture can be sleek and urban; in Asheville, it must also be responsive. Mountain slopes, seasonal light, and the desire for a strong indoor-outdoor connection guide every design decision.
Glass isn’t just for style—it’s carefully placed to frame ridge views and capture morning light. Local stone, steel, and wood are chosen not only for their look, but for how they age gracefully in mountain weather. Outdoor living spaces—screened porches, decks, terraces—are part of the architecture, blurring the boundary between inside and out.
A Design Philosophy Born from Place
Vellum begins each project with the land. Before a single concept is sketched, the team studies the slope, existing trees, views, and microclimate. They listen to the client’s vision, then to the site’s quiet cues.
The resulting designs feel inevitable—as if the home belongs exactly where it stands. This site-specific modern homeapproach ensures no two projects are alike, even though they share Vellum’s hallmarks: clarity, restraint, and craftsmanship.
Three Homes, Three Stories
Elk Mountain Ridge Residence
Perched high above Asheville, this mountain modern home follows the ridge line to preserve the natural topography. Gabled volumes shelter the bedrooms, while expansive glass walls in the living areas open to sweeping views. Thermally modified wood, stone, and steel blend seamlessly with the surroundings, while a screened porch offers a year-round connection to nature.
Barlas Residence
Tucked within a dense forest, the Barlas Residence feels like a retreat. Daylight filters through the tree canopy, shifting in pattern and tone throughout the day. Sliding glass doors open the interiors to terraces and garden spaces, while warm wood ceilings and polished concrete floors create a grounded, calming interior palette.
Webb Cove Residence
On a site with remnants of a previous home and pool, Vellum designed a modern home in Western North Carolina that honors its history while looking forward. The pool became a central gathering point, and the main level was designed for aging in place. Floor-to-ceiling windows capture filtered mountain views, while charred wood siding and stone add depth and permanence.
Why Homeowners Seek Out Vellum
Clients come to Vellum because they want a home that could exist nowhere else. The process is collaborative, weaving together the client’s lifestyle, the site’s qualities, and the craft of the builders. From early design studies to the final details, the firm’s focus is on delivering a modern mountain home that feels personal and enduring.
Why Homeowners Seek Out Vellum
Clients come to Vellum because they want a home that could exist nowhere else. The process is collaborative, weaving together the client’s lifestyle, the site’s qualities, and the craft of the builders. From early design studies to the final details, the firm’s focus is on delivering a modern mountain home that feels personal and enduring.
Building in the Mountains: What to Expect
Designing in the mountains requires an understanding of steep slopes, weather patterns, and regional building codes. Vellum guides homeowners through each step—from concept design and permitting to construction oversight—ensuring the final home reflects both the vision and the realities of the site.
Your Asheville Home, Thoughtfully Realized
Whether it’s the dramatic ridge-top Elk Mountain Residence, the woodland serenity of Barlas, or the layered story of Webb Cove, each Vellum project is rooted in its landscape and crafted for the people who live there.
If you’re imagining a custom modern home in Asheville, Vellum Architecture & Design has the expertise to bring it to life—balancing contemporary design with a deep respect for the mountains.
