Architect: Samsel Architects
Project Location: Columbus, NC
Project Completion Date: February, 2016
Short Description: The Hammock House brings a distinctly modern element to a rural farm in the foothills of the Tryon mountain range. The 40-acre farm is dotted with several old growth trees and distant mountain views. The L-shaped concept arranged the house so the owners could enjoy the dramatic views and was located thoughtfully to preserve the root system and health of all the existing trees. Extended visits by family from South America presented a unique design challenge that was resolved by accommodating spaces and structure for a series of hammocks that can be hung from the roof structure at night.
Architect’s Statement: The existing landscape and our clients’ unique program and new lifestyle of working the land in early retirement directed our design process. The L- shaped house organizes a private bedroom wing and public living wing around the largest old growth oak tree. This allows all primary spaces to have views framed by the large oak and creates a shaded and protected intimate outdoor terrace expanding out from the living, dining and kitchen spaces to the meadow. Our clients’ vision was a modern pavilion house that opens up to the land, so the design incorporates a wall of operable doors and a mosaic of windows to connect the living spaces to the surrounding landscape and brings daylight in on three sides. The programming and space planning required unique design solutions based around our clients’ close-knit extended family. The wife’s parents are also full-time residents in the home so designing the right balance of shared and private spaces for four adults was key to a high functioning design. The husband’s extended family comes to visit from South America for extended stays bi-annually. The house was designed to structurally and spatially accommodate hanging hammocks, so the whole family can stay together on the land when visiting. The single pitch shed roof concept originated as a modern interpretation of the utilitarian farm structures in the area. The main entry for the house is at the low point of the roof and the ceiling height and roof slowly rise as you move through the public spaces of the house. A glass window wall and screen porch create a dramatic termination of the roof line as the living spaces open up to a view of the adjacent forest.
Type of Construction: Wood framed walls, floors and roof with cable tie cross bracing for wind bracing.