Fern Grove VOTE

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TypeNew
LocationBiltmore Forest
Year Completed2025
Square Footage4268
Description
Fern Grove is a LEED Gold certified modern home in Western North Carolina. The unassuming residence is carved out of concrete surrounded by ferns and a dense forest. The house is comprised of two cantilevered wood and glass boxes resting atop a concrete plinth, their thin monoplane roofs extending like wings. The primary facade is wrapped in finely crafted board-formed concrete walls, grounding the house and connecting all its elements. Designed with a focus on efficient living and sustainability, Fern Grove embodies a minimal and comfortable aesthetic. The board-formed concrete walls give the impression of modern ruins, while the dark natural siding and low-sloped roof help the house harmonize with the landscape. Surrounded by mature trees, the house embraces its natural environment. Every room and space in the home serves a purpose, eliminating any wasted areas. The warm interior features wood-paneled ceilings, a minimalist chef’s kitchen and a great room with clerestory windows that flood the space with natural light. Fern Grove incorporates a comprehensive set of sustainability measures that go well beyond basic code compliance, resulting in a high-performance residence that balances environmental responsibility with architectural clarity. The residence features a geothermal heating and cooling system, a HERS Index of 49 (51% more energy efficient than a comparable code-compliant residence), and a carefully optimized building envelope to reduce energy consumption. Achieving a LEED Gold Certification through the U.S. Green Building Council, the design reflects a holistic approach to sustainability across energy performance, site design, materials, and indoor environmental quality.
Firm Information
Firm NameAltura Architects
Project LeaderNathan Bryant, AIA, LEED AP
AddressAsheville, NC 28801
Phone8282531124
Emailmargaret@alturaarchitects.com
Websitehttps://alturaarchitects.com
Project Team
Structural Engineer, Plan North Engineers; MEP Engineer, Vandemusser Design; Landscape Architect, Osgood Landscape Architecture; Interior Designer, Alchemy Design Studio; General Contractor, Jade Mountain Builders; Photographer, Tzu Chen; Thorsland Concrete + Construction
Video URLhttps://vimeo.com/1187699251