This treehouse-inspired home was designed as a peaceful family refuge by Robert Young Architects, nestled on a forested 2-acre property in Great Falls, northern Virginia. The  5,200-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath home was designed with an abundance of glass to make one feel like they are living amongst the trees. 

The dwelling is perched at the edge of a steep slope, rising above the forest floor to provide this home’s inhabitants with experiences of the woods from different elevations. At the bottom of the slope is a low-lying floodplain which includes a stream that flows into the Potomac River. The architects positioned the house in a way that preserves these sensitive ecologies.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Robert Young Architects INTERIOR DESIGN Patera Home STRUCTURAL ENGINEER 1200 Architectural Engineers CIVIL ENGINEER Urban LTD ENERGY CONSULTANT ZeroEnergy Designs GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER Pons & Associates LLC LIGHTING CONSULTANT Tillotson Design Associates GENERAL CONTRACTOR Added Dimensions Construction Inc. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Oat-Judge Landscape Architects

The dwelling is designed with a flat roof and windows that have been strategically placed to capture views of the tree canopy. The exterior facade of this home is black, helping it to meld into the landscape as much as possible

What We Love: This peaceful refuge in a northern Virginia forest offers its inhabitants a fabulous connection with nature. Expansive walls of glazing throughout this home capture the experience of living amongst the trees, helping to create a feeling of relaxation and calm. We love the overall concept of this home, a simple modern design that doesn’t detract from the breathtaking beauty of this home’s surroundings.

Tell Us: What details in the design of this abode do you find most inspiring? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other amazing home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Virginia: Gorgeous Virginia lake house gets reimagined with industrial-modern vibe and Mountain modern farm home provides a serene retreat in Southwest Virginia.

For the interiors, which are clad in natural, warm materials, the architects configured spaces in a way that choreographs movement through the house in relationship to the views outside. In carefully tailored ways, the architecture captures specific views: solid walls obscure neighbors while windows create various vantage points of the forest—foreground, middle-ground, and distant.

Above: In the kitchen, the windows stretch from the countertop to the ceiling, providing idyllic views of the tree branches.

Above: The custom cabinets are a rift-cut white oak that is finished with a white stain, while the countertops are white quartz.

Large walls of glazing help to connect the interior spaces with the landscape, resulting in an architectural environment that is fully immersed in its natural surroundings.

In the main living area, expansive glass walls help to maximize light and views. A screened-in porch is idyllic for enjoying the changing of the seasons.

The light and airy interiors of this peaceful refuge feature oak finished with white oil for the floors. A neutral color palette helps to contrast with the ever-changing hues of the foliage outside.

Above: The homeowner requested a reading nook or what she likes to call a “poet’s corner”, in the great room. It is warm and inviting yet separate and features an elevated, floating bench that is situated next to the fireplace. It has a corner window that allows her to feel like she is immersed in the woods.

Above: The main bedroom is positioned at the top of the four-level structure. Floor-to-ceiling glazing brings in natural light that streams in through the treetops.

PHOTOGRAPHER Jenn Verrir Photography