Dairy Gap was commissioned by a young couple with a newborn. They are both natives of Asheville who purchased a lot off Town Mountain - an iconic road that connects downtown Asheville to the Blue Ridge parkway - offering sweeping long distance mountain views, cool air and privacy yet close proximity to the heart of our small but bustling city.
The curve of Town mountain road hugs the parcel on one side and Dairy Gap marks the southern edge with a sharp curve. This narrow pie shaped corner of the lot is its sweet spot pointing at dramatic long distance views. Our client, who was also the builder, wanted to orient the main deck and the living space towards the view framing it with the deck roof. The glass walls of the public volume bring in the views but also capture the sun for passive solar in the winter months. Solid walls protect the privacy from the road and feature an unassuming guest entry.
We angled the private wing of the home along the natural contours of the land to accommodate for the curved driveway and allow for a comfortable car parking underneath the cantilevered main bedroom but also so that each bedroom has a view. We shifted the two volumes to allow for natural light and views in the stairway and the guest entry.
The lot is at 3.200 ft above sea level. Because of its elevation the site is exposed to high winds and horizontal rain. We responded by a simple shed roof that follows the slope in order to minimize the house volume towards the wind path but also in response to the building height restrictions imposed by the local steep slope ordinance. The triangular overhangs shelter the living room windows from rain and sun and give the house a sculptural appearance as one drives along the curve of Town Mountain Rd.
On the exterior the standing seam metal roofing becomes wall cladding when its wraps the exterior walls providing a durable shell against mountain weather. Walls protected by roof overhangs are clad in shou-sugi-ban pine siding that is locally milled and burned on site.
A pared-down interior material palette minimizes the noise and reinforces the connection to the mountain views. Pale wood floors are offset with black cabinetry, black marble counter tops and black and white tiles in the bathrooms and service areas. Though luxurious with its ample natural light and spaciousness this home emphasizes the idea of “living simply” by being designed for the essentials rather than excess.
The building is Green Built Gold Certified and Net Zero Ready.
