Why we love designing custom homes in Western North Carolina
Western North Carolina is not an easy place to build—and that is part of what makes it such an extraordinary place to practice architecture.
Steep slopes, dense forests, dramatic views, changing weather, rocky sites, and complicated access conditions can make a conventional approach to building difficult. They can also become the starting point for a better kind of architecture.
Other Works Architecture designs custom homes, renovations, and additions throughout Western North Carolina for clients who want architecture that responds to the particular character of their site and to the way they want to live.
Homes shaped by the landscape…
The mountains present unique opportunities to take advantage of sloping sites, lush forests, and long and short-ranged views. Each site has its own specific character that needs to be studied and analyzed to bring out the most suitable architectural solutions.
A mountain home might step into a slope rather than sit on top of it. A carefully positioned opening might frame a distant ridge while protecting privacy from the road. A courtyard might bring daylight deep into a house surrounded by trees. Materials might be selected not only for their appearance, but for how they weather, age, and interact with the landscape.
Modern and contemporary mountain architecture is not about imposing a particular style onto a mountain site. It is about understanding the site, and using the home to expose its best and most unique properties.
Homes that live modern in the mountains
Equally important to the home’s response to the land is its response to the ways that you live. Modern spatial ideas benefit from mountain sites. Modern tenants critical to our work include :
strong relationships between interior and exterior spaces
carefully framed views and natural light
courtyards and outdoor rooms
simple, durable material palettes that age gracefully
passive and active strategies for comfort and sustainability
spaces designed around the routines and rituals of the homeowners
Every project is an opportunity to create architecture that is specific to its landscape and personal to its inhabitants.
Why build in the mountains with an Architect?
While “Custom Home Builders” advertise new construction that fits your lifestyle, they are little more than cookie-cutter homes with a few minor variations on the base model.
When the land carries value - and it always does! - it is important to work with design professionals that will get to know you and your property intimately. Otherwise the best and most beautiful moments in your project may never make it to construction.
Other Works Design Principal Jake Heffington is an Appalachian native born in Brevard and raised in the Highlands Cashiers area. Our passion for creating beautiful architecture in this region stems from his love for mountain landscapes, flora, and fauna.
Whether in the mountains, the hills, the plateau, or the coast, Other Works Architecture would love to work with you to bring the best version of your project to life. Start a conversation with us using the form below.
Other Works Architecture is an Architecture and Design practice located in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in modern residential architecture for clients in Western North Carolina, the Triangle, and throughout North Carolina.
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If you are considering hiring an Architect for the design of you home, we would love to connect with you to answer your questions and discuss our process!