Schulz
Nestled within the verdant landscape of Asheville, North Carolina.
Size
-
Location
Asheville, North Carolina
Project Team
Diego Galvis
Design Team
Herrington Homes
Completed
Spring 2025
Category
On The Boards
Project Brief
This residence was designed for a local couple and their teenage son, whose active lifestyle and deep appreciation for nature played a defining role in shaping the architectural response.
The site, marked by its gently sloping terrain and two mature Silver Maple trees with expansive canopies, offered both a challenge and an opportunity to craft a home that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while maximizing the impressive mountain views.
Design Approach
The project began with a feasibility study exploring the possibility of renovating and expanding the existing 1960s structure.
However, a comprehensive evaluation revealed that a new-build solution would better fulfill the clients’ vision, allowing for an optimized orientation and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The resulting design positions the home between the two Silver Maples, preserving their ecological and aesthetic value while leveraging their shade to enhance comfort during warmer months. The house is oriented to capture sweeping views of the mountains, creating a constant dialogue between the built environment and the natural landscape.
Architectural Expression
The architectural language draws inspiration from the midcentury modern character of the previous dwelling
Reinterpreting its vaulted interior spaces, expansive glazing, and material simplicity in a contemporary context. The massing is composed of interlocking volumes that delineate public and private zones while fostering a sense of openness and connection.
A restrained material palette of composite slat siding, stucco, and shou sugi ban cladding reinforces the home’s modern aesthetic while providing durability and low-maintenance performance. The use of shou sugi ban, a traditional Japanese technique of charring wood, lends a tactile richness and a connection to the wooded setting.
Indoor-Outdoor Connectivity
Outdoor living was a primary design driver, with a series of terraces, decks, and porches extending the interior spaces into the landscape.
The central screened porch, anchored by a floating modern fireplace, acts as the social heart of the property, while the elevated deck with a koi pond offers a more contemplative retreat. The sunny pool terrace provides ample space for sun bathing while also taking in the mountain backdrop.
Large expanses of glass blur the threshold between the interior and exterior, framing views of the Silver Maples and mountains beyond. Operable glazing elements facilitate natural ventilation, reinforcing the home’s environmental responsiveness.