Altura Architects has created this fabulous mountain modern house overlooking Fontana Lake, nestled in the mountains of Bryson City, 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 and a carefully selected material palette, this dwelling melds into the wooded hillside. The homeowners selected this location for its idyllic lakeside setting, ideal for activities like boating, kayaking, swimming, and campfires.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Altura Architects BUILDER The William Baxter Company INTERIOR DESIGNER Alchemy Design Studio
The home has been arranged to facilitate these pursuits easily. 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 poses 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 house’s visibility from the lake.
Newly installed yet mature landscaping further integrates 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 offers its inhabitants an idyllic lakeside setting for outdoor activities with family and friends. Expansive walls of glass help to illuminate the home with natural light while also maximizing views of the magnificent surroundings. We especially love how the architects designed this home to offer plenty of privacy from the lake while still allowing it to be positioned near the water’s edge.
Tell Us: What details do you find most appealing in the design of this lakeside shelter? Let us know 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.
PHOTOGRAPHER Todd Crawford / John Warner
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