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Project posted by Jay Sifford

Appalachian Black Dogtrot

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Location
West Jefferson, North Carolina
Year
2019
Structure
House (Single Residence)
The dogtrot leads to spectacular views of the forest and stream.
The dogtrot leads to spectacular views of the forest and stream.
The great room opens completely to the back deck with a Panoramic door system. It blends rustic and contemporary into something comfortable and functional.
The great room opens completely to the back deck with a Panoramic door system. It blends rustic and contemporary into something comfortable and functional.
Another view of the great room.
Another view of the great room.
The primary suite seems to float over hundreds of mature rhododendron maximums.
The primary suite seems to float over hundreds of mature rhododendron maximums.
The downstairs guest suite features spectacular ground level views of the rhododendron forest. It also features black stained concrete floors.
The downstairs guest suite features spectacular ground level views of the rhododendron forest. It also features black stained concrete floors.
The lower shade garden features switchback steps down the slope, as well as a boardwalk over one of two natural bogs.
The lower shade garden features switchback steps down the slope, as well as a boardwalk over one of two natural bogs.
An aluminum sculpture at the entrance to the lower garden celebrates the immersive nature of the space.
An aluminum sculpture at the entrance to the lower garden celebrates the immersive nature of the space.
Back up front, a serpentine pathway leads to the dogtrot. Embedded stone plinths repeat the building's vertical siding.
Back up front, a serpentine pathway leads to the dogtrot. Embedded stone plinths repeat the building's vertical siding.
Plant material was carefully chosen, with root systems that played well with the septic drain lines. This stylized meadow began with roughly 150 pennisetum grasses laid out in two large interlocking semi-circles.
Plant material was carefully chosen, with root systems that played well with the septic drain lines. This stylized meadow began with roughly 150 pennisetum grasses laid out in two large interlocking semi-circles.
A mixture of native and pollinator-friendly non-native plants were chosen for color and texture. Together, they create a living tapestry.
A mixture of native and pollinator-friendly non-native plants were chosen for color and texture. Together, they create a living tapestry.
A gravel seating circle provides visitors with an immersive garden experience.
A gravel seating circle provides visitors with an immersive garden experience.
In autumn, the garden shifts to bow spectacular morning light and mountain views.
In autumn, the garden shifts to bow spectacular morning light and mountain views.
Large numbers of pollinating insects animate the garden during the warmer months.
Large numbers of pollinating insects animate the garden during the warmer months.

Details

Square Feet
1750
Lot Size
1.3 acres
Bedrooms
2
Full Baths
2
Partial Baths
1

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Landscape Design

From Jay Sifford

The house and adjoining garden realized a decades long dream of the homeowner, a garden designer who primarily uses the house as a weekend retreat. The house is a cedar-clad dogtrot. With its large windows and open floor plan, the garden and surrounding mountains are politely invited inside. The centrally-located dogtrot features an outdoor fireplace and barn doors so that the dogtrot can be closed off from the front. It leads to a large tiger wood deck across the back of the house that seems to float over 25 foot tall native rhododendrons, with views to the lower shade garden and brisk stream. The black stained siding makes the house the perfect backdrop for the front garden, which is built atop the septic field.
Inside, the great room, with kitchen, butler's pantry and powder room are located in the right portion. The primary suite is located on the left side. A separates door with stairs leads down to the guest suite, located under the primary suite.