Architect: Samsel Architects
Project Location: Bryson City, NC
Project Completion Date: 2013
Short Description: This LEED Gold certified house is located at Fontana Lake in Western North Carolina, quite near the water. Our clients sought this lake front location to enjoy lake activities, so being close to the water was a must. The house was carefully sited to minimize the visibility of the house from the lake. Very few trees were removed, making it nearly invisible from the lake, despite being the closest to the water. The understated exterior massing and palette of colors and materials were selected to blend the house into the wooded hillside.
Architect’s Statement: The Fontana Lake House located on Fontana Lake in Western North Carolina, quite near the water. Being close to the water is an amenity but also a challenge to carefully site the house and reforest the surroundings to minimize the visibility of the house from the Lake. Our clients sought this lake front location to enjoy lake activities: boating, kayaking and swimming but they wanted to “nestle” the house into nature as much as possible. Very few trees were removed between the Lake and the house. The understated exterior massing and palette of colors and materials were selected to blend the house into the wooded hillside. The house is distinctly and simply divided into two zones: two levels of bedrooms at the north end and the kitchen/gathering spaces on the south end. Separating those zones are the transparent main level entry and the stairs to lower lakeside level. The entry is a contemporary glassed-enclosed interpretation of a “dogtrot” – a traditional breezeway connecting two enclosed spaces. The LEED Gold certified project is sited with a tree-filtered westerly view of the Fontana train trestle and the mountains beyond. The train trestle influenced the design of a walnut trellis, suspended above the kitchen and dining table, offers a rhythmic architectural cadence while allowing dappled overhead daylight – supplied by high clerestory windows. When seated in the living room the view offers the feeling that you are sitting directly above the water. Expansive windows on the west, south and north walls provide inspiring daytime views as well as ample ventilation. The primary view to the west, showcases the spectacular mountain sunsets. A six-foot roof overhang and concealed, electric roll down shades provide full sunlight control. Newly installed but mature landscaping further integrates the house into its setting. The house is nearly invisible from the lake, despite being the closest house to the water. The house only truly exposes its form at twilight – the expansive glass facades glow lantern-like, providing a homeward beacon upon return from a sunset boat ride.
Type of Construction: •Geothermal •Low/No V.O.C. finishes •Recycled content material •High Performance windows & doors •90% LED lighting usage •High performance building/insulation envelope •Energy recovery ventilators •Recycled concrete retaining walls (from old road bed on site)