LOCATION
Woodville, VA Blue Ridge Mountains

SITE
A meandering drive in the mountains of Woodville, Virginia, brings you to this hidden paradise of secluded valleys and stream crossings. The driveway leads to the crest of a ridge on Red Oak Mountain with a dramatic view to the valley. The knob of Bessie Bell Mountain rises up to the southeast framing the view. Large rock out-croppings to the south help inspire the use of stone, both inside the home and outside.

PROGRAM
The clients chose to relocate to Woodville in order to get away from the city and adopt a slower-paced lifestyle. The couple, who enjoy gardening, hiking, biking, and cooking, desired a holistic and sustainable approach to the architecture of their new home in order to reflect their new lives. The husband, an economist for twenty-five years, plans to start a garden design business and use this new home and site as a laboratory and showcase for his work. The program includes 4 Bedrooms, one to double as a Meditation Room, 3 Bathrooms, an Office, Sunroom, Dining Area, Great Room, Mud Room/Laundry, Basement, Screened Porch and Detached Garage.

DESIGN
The approach was to design a house that takes full advantage of expansive mountain views and passive solar energy. A covered Entry Porch establishes a human scale. From the entrance, a central spine or corridor creates a direct axis to northeast views of the valley and links the various public spaces to the south with the private to the north. The staircase, formed of oak and a steel cable handrail system, frames this hallway on the left. From the main axis, the plan flares outward towards the south for passive solar gains, while creating a widecone of vision towards the eastern view. Masonry piers and large custom windows with deep horizontal mullions for structure and shading considerations form the southern and eastern walls. As the roofline rises, rooms step down from the front of the house to the back achieving a theater effect oriented towards the valley and the mountains in the distance. Much of the program, including the Great Room, the Kitchen, and the Sunroom, is massed in this rear southern section.

Linked to the axis is the Kitchen, which serves as the central core of the residence. Four columns, structural beams, and suspended cabinet walls delineate the space and accentuate its role as the heart of the house.

On the north side and upper level, a simpler construction scheme is illustrated. Smaller windows are used to provide insulation and privacy without hindering sweeping views in both the Meditation Room and Master Bedroom on the upper floor.

Horizontal elements such as window mullions, exterior wood siding, and horizontally struck concrete block contribute to this home's modern Zen sensibility. A human scale is achieved by creating warm and intimate spaces in contrast to the expansive surroundings.

MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY
The clients insisted upon the use of natural materials-- stone, wood and glass -- throughout the entire home. With the help of sculptor Richard Lew, the owner will craft all tile and stone flooring, granite countertops, and exterior stonewalls and terraces. Stone will also be used in the home's fireplace and chimney.

A passive solar approach defines the design and materials. Slate covering the Sunroom floor captures the sun's heat during the day in cooler months. Roof overhangs, strategically placed deciduous trees, and recessed shades shield the spaces from the summer sun. A closed loop geothermal heat pump creates an energy efficient home heating and cooling system. The roof system of glue lam beams and stress skin panels with cedar ceiling add warmth and strengthen the relationship of interior to exterior spaces.

The final design is a fairly compact plan with little perimeter surface for cost and energy savings, while using materials, light and views to connect with the natural surroundings.