The client was drawn to the site, the top of a bluff of an abandoned limestone quarry in West Virginia with sweeping views of the Potomac River. The house and artist studio, known as “Hawk’s Nest”, is perched at the edge of the 100 foot cliff to take full advantage of the magnificent view. In response to the client’s request that the house be “of the place”, cast concrete walls merge with the limestone bedrock and support a cantilevered glass and steel structure above. The design utilizes a material palette that reflects the clients casting and metal work while providing a framework to be inspired by nature. In regard to the site, the goal was to leave the landscape undisturbed and allow it to return to its natural state. Boulders that were scattered about the site were left in place and the native vegetation was allowed to grow and return the landscape to its natural setting. Anchored to the bedrock with caissons that extend down into fissures in the rock, the concrete supports Vierendeel steel trusses that allow the living and studio space to utilize floor to ceiling windows that the blur the line between inside and outside. Polished concrete floors with exposed aggregate not only bring the site aesthetic into the interior, but also contain radiant heating which acts as the main heat source for the home. A high velocity mechanical system above keeps the roof/ceiling plane to a minimum depth. The narrow plan affords natural cross ventilation and the elevated structure takes advantages of the breezes. Ipe wood used on rain screen walls and balconies provides a counterpoint to the steel and glass and echoes the tones of the woodland exterior. Steel and Ipe balconies extend out to the cliff edge suspended above the river below. Careful placement of the screen walls achieve privacy and frame views to the interior. The intent was to create a home that was simultaneously separate from and intertwined with the natural beauty of the site.
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Hawk's Nest at Dusk. Photo credit: Anice Hoachlander
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Upon arrival, two concrete volumes support a steel and glass structure and frames a view toward the river. Photo credit: Anice Hoachlander
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The view as you arrive at the second floor. Photo credit: Anice Hoachlander
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A suspended bookcase helps screen the living room from south light, while surrounding windows still allow a glimpse of the wooded site beyond. Photo credit: Anice Hoachlander
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The house is perched atop the limestone cliff, 100' above the Potomac River. Photo credit: Anice Hoachlander
