Altura Architects designed this sophisticated lake house that overlooks Lake James, a large reservoir in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The architects decided to work with the difficult terrain by constructing a house that bridged over three rocky ravines, calling the project “Three Bridge House”. They drew inspiration from old wooden bridges to create a home rooted in the landscape.

While walking the property at the beginning of the project, the architects were captivated by the incredible long-range views of Mount Mitchell to the west and the serene lake views to the south. Despite the complexities posed by the land’s topography, these mesmerizing panoramas initially drew the owners to this exceptional property.

Three ravines divide the peninsula-shaped property that is densely wooded with steep slopes. While this idyllic house site offered breathtaking views, it also meant that the majority of the dwelling would bisect the largest of the three ravines. Collaborating closely with the owners, the architects embraced this challenge and constructed the home across it.

This house complements the land while remaining hidden from view from anyone out enjoying the lake. The architect modeled the home’s look and feel after old wooden bridges you’d find in the countryside, using native materials and a narrow footprint. The mass of the home follows along the natural contours of the land until the house itself becomes a bridge over the ravine. 

There are two smaller bridges within the home – one that carries you to the front entrance and one that connects the garage to the main body of the home.

What We Love: This beautifully designed lake house in the North Carolina mountains provides its inhabitants with light and airy living spaces. The design team did a wonderful job of creating a warm and inviting great room thanks to expansive walls of glazing that frame captivating views of nature. Overall, we love the design concept of this fantastic home and how well it integrates with its site.

Tell Us: What do think of the design of this North Carolina home? Let us know in the Comments, we enjoy reading your feedback!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of North Carolina: Rustic lake house offers a magical getaway in the North Carolina Mountains and See this heavenly eco-friendly home nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The primary living space hovers over the land as the home’s main bridge. The so-called “Bridge Room” holds the kitchen, dining, and living and is capped at the end with a screened porch. This room is spacious, with heavy timbers and natural stone that perfectly frame the view of Lake James. This space is anchored into the land by a fireplace and mirroring built-in bookshelf.

The Loggia is the main walkthrough that connects the garage to the interior spaces. One side is a wall of windows while the opposite wall, floor, and ceiling are wrapped in stained natural wood.  The horizontal plank of the wall conceals two doors connecting the space to a guest suite and laundry room.

The staircase sits at the center of the home. The volume is open to all three floors and feels like the timber-wrapped stairs are floating. At the bottom of the stairs sits a recreation room, a study, and two guest bedrooms.

At the top of the stairs is a bedroom dubbed “The Treehouse.”  The Treehouse sits at the top of the tree canopy and is the best spot to watch the sunset through the U-shaped set of ribbon windows.