Samsel Architects is responsible for the design of this magnificent mountain modern lake house nestled in the mountains of Swain County, North Carolina. This LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified home integrates harmoniously with the surrounding Appalachian mountain setting.
Boasting an understated exterior combined with a carefully selected material palette, this dwelling melds into the topography of the wooded hillside. The homeowners selected this location based on its idyllic lakeside setting for enjoying activities such as boating, kayaking, swimming, and campfires.
Project Team: Architect: Samsel Architects | Builder: The William Baxter Company | Interior Designer: Alchemy Design Studio
The home has been arranged to easily facilitate these pursuits. Expansive walls of glazing on the west, south, and north sides offer sweeping views of Lake Fontana, the surrounding woodlands, and the passenger train bridge in the near distance.
Positioning the house next to the water provides the owners with an amenity, but also posed a challenge to the architects to keep this home private. The solution was to thoughtfully position the dwelling to take advantage of the site while reforesting the surroundings to minimize the visibility of the house from the lake.
Newly installed, yet mature landscaping helps to further integrate the house into its tranquil setting. This impressive dwelling is virtually invisible from the lake despite being the closest house to the water.
The house only truly exposes its form at twilight – the large glass facades glow lantern-like, creating a homeward beacon upon return from a sunset boat ride.
What We Love: This LEED Gold home provides its inhabitants with an idyllic lakeside setting for enjoying outdoor activities with family and friends. Expansive walls of glass help to illuminate the home with natural light while also maximizing views of the magnanimous surroundings. We are especially loving how the architects devised this home to offer plenty of privacy from the lake while still being able to position the home near the water’s edge.
Tell Us: What details do you find most appealing in the design of this lakeside shelter and why in the Comments below, we love reading your feedback!
Note: Have a look at a couple of our favorite home tours that we have featured from the state of North Carolina: Inviting modern mountain home surrounded by forest in North Carolina and Step inside a gorgeous North Carolina modern farmhouse of our dreams.
Photos: Todd Crawford / John Warner
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