Our firm often works as part of a design/build team along with builders and architects. In this case, Glennwood Custom Builders asked us to partner with them and their client on this new construction home. Nestled within the mountains of Balsam Mountain Preserve near Asheville, North Carolina, this contemporary retreat was designed as a restorative escape for a family balancing busy urban lives in Atlanta and Baltimore. Surrounded by sweeping mountain views and outdoor amenities, the home reinterprets the traditional mountain aesthetic through a refined, modern lens.
Rather than relying on rustic detailing that’s prevalent in the mountains, the design is intentionally more modern. Warmth and texture are emphasized through a restrained palette of walnut, leathered stone slabs, terrazzo flooring, cork wallcovering, and steel railings. Expansive glazing and carefully framed sightlines keep the surrounding landscape at the forefront, while layered lighting and custom millwork create depth and intimacy throughout the interiors. Lime washed walls and a custom hood shroud add a subtle texture to this neutral earthy palette.
Following a previous house fire, the clients prioritized fire-retardant and non-combustible exterior materials. The design team carefully selected resilient cladding, decking, and architectural elements that met performance requirements without compromising the home’s sophisticated aesthetic.
Originally constrained by a compact footprint, the home was strategically reconfigured to maximize functionality and flexibility for multi-generational living. What was once intended to be a double-height living room ceiling was closed in to create an upstairs bonus room, for quiet work away from the main living areas. Spaces for gathering, remote work, entertaining, and displaying the homeowner’s large-scale photography collection were seamlessly integrated into the design.
The result is a modern mountain retreat that balances comfort, resilience, and understated luxury—creating a quiet, tactile backdrop for family connection and the surrounding natural beauty.
