A Sun-Catching Atrium With Delightful Archways Anchors This North Carolina Home
Clad in rot-resistant cypress, the eco-friendly Westwood House in Asheville ushers in light and fresh air.
Both energy-efficient and architecturally compelling, the Westwood House in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, takes a wedge-shaped form that optimizes views, sunlight, cross ventilation, and privacy.
The 3,000-square-foot residence boasts a shed roof populated by solar paneling. Directly below, Assembly Architecture & Build positioned a central atrium that allows natural light to fill the core of the home while reducing the need for street-facing windows. Operable skylights above bring up cool air from the basement through the chimney effect.
A covered front porch spills out to the yard and anchors the house to the site.
Photo: Thom Gaines
The overall design feels both open and private. This dualism carries over to the home’s intimate eating nook and entryway, which are made breathable by sweeping arches and a keyhole opening. Locally milled pine and cypress woods throughout the home and Spanish terra-cotta floors in the foyer accentuate Westwood House’s inviting, bohemian feel.
Solar panels populate the upper roof, and a double-height atrium in the middle helps to break up the home's massing.
Photo: Thom Gaines
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Looking from the foyer toward the central, light-filled atrium.
Photo: Thom Gaines
A vintage ladder in the foyer leads to a hidden loft above the kitchen.
Photo: Thom Gaines
An energy-efficient, Danish wood-burning stove by Rais anchors one corner of the living room.
Photo: Thom Gaines
Sadie Culberson
A keyhole doorway marks the boundary between public and private sides of the house.
Photo: Thom Gaines
When not in use, a TV is covered by a sliding barn door.
Photo: Thom Gaines
The entryway features handmade Spanish tile floors and pine walls.
Sadie Culberson
Sadie Culberson
The master bedroom centers a bed frame by Floyd and a vintage rug.
Photo: Thom Gaines
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A ladder leads to the sleeping nook.
Sadie Culberson
Vintage furniture used as a bath vanities saved on the budget.
Photo: Thom Gaines
Photo: Thom Gaines
Photo: Thom Gaines
A compact washer and dryer slide under a white oak counter for folding clothes.
Photo: Thom Gaines
Locally milled cypress siding, a naturally rot-resistant wood, will darken over time.
Photo: Thom Gaines
Related Reading: Minimal North Carolina Home Built for a Tech-Forward West Coast Couple
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Assembly Architecture & Build, PLLC / @assemblylab
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