Fern Grove
Location: The Ramble at Biltmore Forest, NC
Type: New Construction
Located at The Ramble in Biltmore Forest, Fern Grove is an unassuming and modern house carved out of concrete surrounded by ferns and a dense forest. The house is designed with two cantilevered wood and glass boxes resting atop a concrete plinth, their thin monoplane roofs extending like wings. The primary facade is wrapped in beautifully crafted board-formed concrete walls, grounding the house and connecting all its elements.
Sustainable Highlights
- USGBC LEED Gold Certified
- 49 HERS rating (51% more efficient than code)
- High-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling
- Low overall window-to-wall ratio
- EnergyStar rated
Project Team
Builder: Jade Mountain Builders
Interior Designer: Alchemy Design Studio
Landscape: Osgood Landscape Architecture
Concrete: Thorsland Concrete + Construction
Photographer: Tzu Chen
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 blend seamlessly with the land. Surrounded by mature trees and set amidst a bed of ferns, the house embraces its natural environment.
Every room and space in the home serves a purpose, eliminating any wasted areas. The house boasts geothermal heating and cooling, a low overall window-to-wall ratio, and high-efficiency appliances. Because of this focus, the Fern Grove achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The exterior siding seamlessly blends into the entryway and wraps around the screen porch, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Approaching Fern Grove, guests wind their way through the trees to reach the drive court and cross a “rain garden bridge” that adds a touch of enchantment. The exterior siding seamlessly blends into the entryway and wraps around the screen porch, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Inside, the entry and kitchen feature cozily designed wood-paneled ceilings, creating warm and inviting spaces. These areas open up into a spacious great room with high clerestory windows, flooding the space with natural light. The living and dining areas offer stunning views of the dense forest and a nearby walking path.
In the heart of the house, the white kitchen stands in contrast to the dark painted fireplace surround, creating a captivating focal point upon entering the living space. The minimalist design of the chef’s kitchen employs a combination of whites and creams, with storage for countertop appliances cleverly hidden in a generous walk-in pantry. Two windows flanking the induction cooktop offer sunset views of the drive court and entry bridge.
Fern Grove exemplifies the perfect integration of modern architecture and natural beauty, all while prioritizing sustainability and efficient living. With its seamless connection to the surrounding landscape, the house invites its residents to indulge in a serene and eco-friendly lifestyle.
