This modern steel and glass house was designed for a sculptor from Paris by Wiedemann Architects, perched on a limestone quarry with sweeping views over the Potomac River in West Virginia. The goal of this project was to create a simple structure that was simultaneously separate from and intertwined with nature.
Two simple cast concrete volumes rise seamlessly from the limestone creating a framed view of the landscape beyond and a perch for the steel and glass structure above. The grid of steel columns modulates the space and creates framed views of the ever-changing play of nature, blurring the line between inside and outside.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Wiedemann Architects CONTRACTOR Carl Petty Associates STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Linton Engineering
Ipe, allowed to weather naturally, provides a material counterpoint to the steel and was used to create privacy, balconies that extend the interior space, and bridges that leave the site otherwise untouched. The main entrance is through the blue door. The ground floor is the owner’s metal works studio. Both the upper-level living space and the ground entry space were created to maximize the magnificent views and natural scenery.
The 2,100 square foot dwelling is created to enhance the experience of nature and inspire the owner’s work in her ceramic studio and metal studio. Dark concrete floors with radiant floor heat provide warmth, while the narrow plan affords natural cross ventilation. Primary colors were interlaced within the black and white interior spaces.
The goal was to create an atelier that was of the place and, at the same time, provides an armature for a greater appreciation of the natural beauty of the landscape.
What We Love: This sleek house above the Potomac River offers an artist an inspiring refuge and simplicity of design. It’s simply gorgeous with an abundance of glass, views of nature – it brings the outdoors in. The designer of this home inspires us to think outside the box. We are especially loving how the architects sought to disturb the site as little as possible by raising the home on a pair of concrete supports. We feel inspired, how about you?
Tell Us: What do you think of the overall aesthetics and surroundings of this house design? Please share your thoughts in the Comments, we love reading your feedback!
Note: Check out a couple of other spectacular home tours that have been featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Maryland: A modern renovation in Maryland soaks in surrounding forested views and Light-flooded contemporary retreat nestled hillside in Maryland.
Above: The hallway leads to the primary bedroom.
Above: View from the guest bedroom through the kitchen and out the windows.
Above: At the opposite end from the primary bedroom is an artist studio, boasting sweeping views of the river and park land.
Above: The lower panel windows in the primary bedroom open for ventilation and by being lower, they do not interfere with the view to the outside.
Above: View of primary bedroom wing from the exterior.
This home sits at the edge of a large cliff and has wonderful views of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal park.
PHOTOGRAPHER Hoachlander Davis Photography
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