Project: Cliffside House
Architecture: Altura Architects (Samsel Architects)
Builder: Glennwood Custom Builders NC
Interior Designer: Alchemy Design Studio
Landscape Architect: Sitework Studios
Landslide Consultant: Appalachian Landslide Consultants
Geotechnical Engineer: Gentry Geotechnical Engineering
Location: Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: David Dietrich
Building in the mountains requires a careful design response to our dynamic land. The Cliffside House has amazing mountain views, however, a rock slide occurred after our clients purchased the property. Rather than sell the lot at a potential loss and start their dreams over, our clients asked us to create a design that was safe and beautiful.
Our design solution was influenced by the wedge shaped property, the newly formed cliff edge and the steep topography. These factors led us to a V-shaped concept with a compact footprint that packed in as much main level living space as possible.
Interior spaces are organized around a central stair and two-story stone fireplace. The primary indoor and outdoor spaces, and owner’s bedroom are all oriented towards the big mountain views to the east. The space planning creates open rooms that all connect to the landscape.
The technical elements of the design were crucial. Our multidisciplinary team, including a landslide consultant, geologist, and engineers, developed a solution that was safe and durable. The design securely anchors the home to the mountain and protects the soil and vegetation from erosion concerns.
Our clients made a significant investment in the land, the design, and the construction. The resulting home provides peace of mind along with function and inspiring beauty.
