Woodstack Haus

The Woodstack Haus is a testament to thoughtful design and personal storytelling. It was designed by Fancy Parsley Architecture + Design and completed in 2024. Nestled in the serene lakeside community of Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania, this Scandinavian-inspired modern home reinterprets the vernacular aesthetic of the Pocono Mountains, a region known for its second homes and summer cabins. The design balances the rustic warmth of traditional mountain retreats with the clean lines and refined simplicity of modern architecture.

The project began with an A-frame aesthetic in mind but evolved into a contemporary interpretation of Scandinavian design, featuring steep roof pitches, minimal overhangs, and a cohesive material palette. The black standing seam metal roofing seamlessly transitions into wall treatments, creating a striking monolithic exterior. Accents of composite vertical wood-look rainscreen provide warmth and texture, balancing the sleekness of the metal cladding while adhering to the HOA’s strict material guidelines. The composite siding is composed of 95% recycled materials, including plastic bottles and reclaimed wood fibers, offering both sustainability and durability.

The home’s material palette enhances its connection to its natural surroundings. It features oak flooring, custom-built cabinetry, and a floating staircase with oak treads. Stone surfaces for countertops, natural wood and stone flooring, and a dramatic four-sided stone fireplace further ground the design in natural elements. Expansive glazing maximizes views of the lake and forested landscape, reinforcing the home’s dialogue with its environment.

Despite the small lot size and height restrictions, the design achieves a spacious and functional layout. Thoughtful details include a floating staircase illuminated by oversized windows, custom-built dining and reading nooks, and an open-plan living and dining area anchored by the central fireplace. A screened porch finished in pine and featuring a wood-burning fireplace extends the home’s living space into the outdoors.

Sustainability plays a key role in The Woodstack Haus’s design. The home features all-native plantings that support local biodiversity and reduce water consumption. Smart home technology optimizes HVAC and lighting controls, reducing energy use while enhancing comfort. The standing seam metal roof offers multiple environmental benefits: it is made from recycled materials, can be fully recycled at the end of its life, and reduces waste by allowing installation over existing roofs. Its durability ensures decades of low-maintenance performance, and its energy efficiency can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 40%. Unlike petroleum-based materials, it does not deplete finite oil resources, making it an environmentally responsible choice.

The Woodstack Haus’s design is deeply personal, reflecting the homeowners’ heritage and lifestyle. The name itself honors their shared love for fireside gatherings and pays tribute to their German and Austrian ancestry, subtly referencing “Stack Haus” in memory of a beloved family member. This thoughtful integration of history, functionality, and modern design principles makes The Woodstack Haus a distinctive and enduring addition to the Pocono Mountains’ architectural landscape.