I don’t know about you, but when it comes to interior decorating I get stumped on linens. I choose bedding like I do the shirts I wear — some version of plain black, gray, white or perhaps some blue if I’m feeling bold. I admire those who can brave patterns and I do love many prints out there, but somehow I’m too scared to bring them into my home and more so to wear them. This article by Atomic Ranch offers some fun options for those with the same struggle. Finding cool prints and thoughtful bedding is a challenge locally so there are some good resources here. Enjoy and warm thoughts to you this chilly Sunday!
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville NC with distant north views of Mt. Spivey and a narrow sloping lot, this wedge-shaped home is a response to the site. The designer/builder/owner, Ross Smith of Assembly Architecture + Build took into careful consideration a variety of site-specific inputs including views, sun orientation, prevailing winds, privacy, and natural cooling/heating techniques among others. The result is a functional, energy-efficient home with a distinctive exterior shape and warm light-filled interior spaces.
For example, the home’s dominant shed roof maximizes solar orientation for photovoltaic panels while also allowing for a double-height central atrium to flood the core of the house with natural light and exhaust hot air on hot summer days. The introduction of natural light into the core of the house reduces the need for artificial lighting on cloudy days, while the chimney-effect, created by opening large operable skylights at the top of the atrium, reduces HVAC loads by bringing cool air up from the basement.
This central atrium is an example of how a design feature can multitask --it brings natural light deep into the core of the house, it cools the house using the chimney-effect, and it provides a place to grow plants which filter interior air. It also allowed us to minimize the street facing windows for privacy, while still maintaining a light-filled interior.
Anchoring the bottom of the atrium are four large arched openings and a Spanish terracotta tile floor. The tile floor is a durable surface good for watering plants and for heavy foot traffic. A keyhole opening marks the boundary between private and public sides of the house while two of the arched openings frame an intimate eating nook and entry foyer with walls covered in locally milled southern yellow pine. The last arch has steps spilling out into a sunken living room and kitchen area with access to a back deck.
Locally milled cypress, a naturally rot resistant wood, covers the exterior and anchors the strong geometry of the house to the site reminiscent of Sea Ranch in California.
In the end, their desire for functionality created something more than just an energy efficient home. The interior took on an unexpected bohemian feel; one that originated from a desire for light and functionality, but resulted in warm soft interior spaces that were comfortable and welcoming.
Kelly and I have toured this home on a couple of occasions and enjoy the lightness, playfulness and versatility of the design. It is highly livable on multiple fronts. We hope you will come and see this home, along with, several others on our May 30th Modern Home Tour. Stand by for details.
HI Folks! We hope you are having a lovely weekend. We just wanted to take a moment and introduce our new website with blog, events and more. When you have a moment take a look and enjoy your Sunday. Cheers! Kelly and Troy
Annie Albers
Friday, January 24, 5:30-8pm
Question Everything! The Women of Black Mountain College
In the midst of modernism, when the foundations of culture were under question, prompted by war and global crises, women were able to make space for themselves in mediums, movements, and institutions where previously there was little or none. Black Mountain College (1933-1957) was a place where women could explore their identities, where women were expected to question things, to think critically, and to explore their own self-determinacy. This new generation went forward with a strong sense of what it meant to be a woman in the 20th century, forging new paths for themselves and those who followed in their footsteps. See more details HERE.
Given access to all the great environmental elements we have here in Asheville many people and design practitioners utilize passive principles in home design and constructions. Doing this provides a greater connection to the outside while minimizing utilities. Kelly and I both have southern facing hillside homes that benefit from both sun and wind. Check out this nice article from Becky Harris for Houzz for more ideas. Cheers!
Hi Folks! We are looking for a few additional submission for our Modern tour this year. Our regional organizing partner, the Atlanta Design Festival, is hoping to receive submissions of homes and commercial spaces this month. If you are an architect, builder or home owner who wants to be on this curated tour go here to download the application. {See pages 32-35} Selections will be chosen following.
Our Asheville ticketed tour in 2020 will be on Saturday, May 30th from 10am to 4pm to regionally kick off the week long design festival. We are pleased to note that Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center will be part of the tour this year and hosting a pre-tour event on Friday the 29th.
Here were the homes on the Asheville tour last year. We hope you will join in the fun for our 6th year hosting the tour. Cheers!
— Kelly and Troy
What could be better on a chilly Sunday than sitting back perusing through some fun mid mod articles for inspiration. Here are the Top 10 from Atomic Ranch in 2019. You’ll find everything from product picks to floor tips. Enjoy!
.96 Acres | Sunny and Gentle Sloping | Architect Vetted | Gated
Build among the best on this beautiful, spacious and gently sloping lot in the heart of Town Mountain Preserve. Surrounded by quality, upscale homes this sun filled lot and community is close to all downtown and North Asheville amenities. The lot and community offers natural gas, fiber optic technology, underground electric and municipal water and sewer services all with no city taxes. Contemporary architecture plans available for purchase separately.
Enjoy this short story about one of our favorite pastoral modern homes here in the region designed by Samsel Architects. Cheers to everyone involved!
It’s a lovely adventure to get lost down the rabbit hole of these small projects. We found the simplicity and detailing intriguing and refreshing for today. Enjoy!
BIG’s tiny cabin in Upstate New York, a prayer room in Arizona and an outdoor toilet with gabion walls are among the 12 winners of this year’s AIA Small Projects Awards. Announced today, the annual American Institute of Architects Small Projects Awards recognizes small and low-budget projects completed in the USA over the past year. Read on here for an inspiring overview of each Small Project Awards 2019 winner from the AIA courtesy of dezeen online.