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 were anchored to the bedrock with caissons that extend down into fissures in the rock. The two concrete masses support a steel and glass framework above that allow the living and studio space to utilize floor to ceiling windows that blur the line between inside and outside. 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 exterior.
The wooded, rock strewn landscape was disturbed as little as possible. Boulders remaining from the original quarry were left in place and the native vegetation was allowed to grow and return the landscape to its natural setting. Ground floor Ipe “bridges” provide sure footing above the rocky terrain.
The design utilizes a material palette that reflects the client’s casting and metal work while providing a framework to be inspired by nature.
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Cliffside view of home.
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Approach
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View upon entering upper level.
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View from kitchen.
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View from Master Bedroom
