Project: Pavilion House
Architecture: Rusafova-Markulis Architects
Builder: Green Light Home Builders
Structural Engineering: GILES FLYTHE ENGINEERS
Landscape Architect: Vision Design Collaborative
Location: Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Area: 2000 ft2
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Ryan Theede
Pavilion House was commissioned by a single client seeking an age-in-place home in Asheville, NC. Situated on a triangular parcel—half meadow, half forest—the site was once part of a larger farm characterized by open pastures, scattered mature oaks, and dense woodlands. Bordered by houses to the east and offering distant views across neighbors’ backyards to a common green space in the south, the lot’s unique constraints inspired a home composed of two distinct pavilions.
Site and Context: Borrowed Landscape (“Shakkei”)
Because the triangular site lacked a traditional street frontage, the design embraces the ancient Japanese technique of shakkei, or “borrowed landscape.” Each pavilion turns a modest, austere façade toward the street and adjacent homes, maintaining privacy and cohesion with the suburban context. Conversely, ample glazing on the south elevations captures meadow views through neighboring yards, visually extending the home into its surrounding green space. By strategically positioning the pavilions, the house frames an auto-court and carport to the north while orienting living spaces toward natural vistas.
Dual Pavilions: Social and Private Wings
Rather than a monolithic structure, Pavilion House divides into two single-level pavilions connected by a glazed entry corridor:
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Social Wing: Featuring higher ceilings, this pavilion houses the kitchen, dining area, and living room in one generous, open space. A mudroom entry off the two-car carport provides direct access to the kitchen—an essential convenience for an avid cook. Here, abundant counter surfaces, a gracious island, and a cozy pantry meet both functional and aesthetic needs. A sliding door leads to an outdoor grilling area, further blending indoor and outdoor living.
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Private Wing: Accommodating a guest bedroom, a music room, and the primary bedroom suite, this wing places utilitarian spaces (e.g., laundry, mechanical) toward the street. Bedrooms face south and open onto a covered deck through sliding glass doors. By connecting each room to this deck, the design creates an outdoor corridor, encouraging daily use of the porch and fostering greater interaction with nature.
Between these pavilions, a glass connector defines the main entry and frames views into the backyard meadow. Cross-ventilation and daylight flow smoothly throughout, reinforcing the home’s relationship to its site.
Interior Design: Clean Lines and Natural Materials
Inside, Pavilion House embraces minimalism with generous open spaces. White oak flooring and millwork run throughout, imparting warmth and continuity. In contrast, dark gray accents—the grid of window frames, select cabinetry, and trim—ground the interior palette. Because the client prioritized timeless simplicity, each room remains uncluttered, allowing the surrounding landscape to become the primary visual feature. Moreover, slip-resistant flooring and thoughtfully placed railings ensure the home remains accessible as the owner ages.
Exterior Materials: Corten Steel for Low Maintenance
Externally, both pavilions and the carport are clad in flat sheets of Corten steel—a utilitarian material chosen for its durability and low upkeep. Over time, the steel develops a protective, rust-like patina that harmonizes with the natural surroundings, echoing the warm tones of the forest floor and farm pastures. As a result, Pavilion House ages gracefully, requiring no repainting or refinishing.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection and Age-in-Place Principles
By intentionally linking living areas and bedrooms to the covered deck, Pavilion House fosters an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Occupants can move seamlessly between interior and exterior spaces, whether gathering in the social pavilion or retiring to the private wing. Furthermore, the single-level design eliminates steps between key spaces, ensuring ease of mobility and future adaptability. Throughout, the home’s clear sightlines and generous glazing maintain a constant visual connection to the meadow, reinforcing a sense of well-being and continuity with nature.
