Embracing the Landscape
Nestled amidst the lush slopes of the Allegheny Mountains in western Virginia, Shenandoah Writer’s Retreat by SCHAUM/SHIEH is a testament to harmonizing architecture with nature. Spread across 2,750 square feet, this home and writer’s retreat were meticulously crafted for a creative couple deeply connected to the region’s landscape. The expansive views and challenging terrain of the steep site played pivotal roles in shaping the design ethos.
Inspired by Conversations
The genesis of Shenandoah Writer’s Retreat stemmed from a fortuitous encounter at a dinner party, where the homeowners shared their vision with SCHAUM/SHIEH. Inspired by sketches drawn by one of the homeowners, an anthropologist influenced by his travels in Athens, the design narrative began to unfold. The resulting home reflects the essence of that initial conversation, featuring an elongated, airy plan seamlessly integrated into the natural topography.
Organic Layout and Material Palette
The home’s layout follows a single linear trajectory, accommodating three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a dining room, a living room, a study, and a garage. Extending from this central spine, rooms blend into the hillside or open up to panoramic vistas. The irregular pod-like arrangement creates intimate outdoor spaces and garden nooks, fostering a profound connection with the surroundings. Adorned with a gray metal roof that mimics the undulating slopes, the home’s material palette balances pliability with durability. Smooth, white stucco walls, reminiscent of Greek coastal architecture, merge with locally sourced materials like the Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) cladding system, adding a touch of regional authenticity.
Framing Nature
The design accentuates the breathtaking views through strategically positioned windows that create a telescopic effect, framing the dense forest and meadows beyond. These windows serve as portals to nature, seamlessly integrating the interior with the exterior landscape. Clerestory windows on the uphill side invite the essence of the treetops and the sunset into the living spaces, enhancing the connection to the natural environment.
Interior Harmony
Inside, the architectural language extends with intricate details inspired by the folds of the roof. Lighting fixtures seamlessly blend into the ceiling edges, casting a soft glow that accentuates the custom furniture pieces. Each room celebrates the tactile qualities of wood, stone, and concrete, with locally sourced soapstone and bamboo infusing the interiors with a sense of place.
Shenandoah Writer’s Retreat epitomizes a symbiotic relationship between architecture and its surroundings, offering a sanctuary where creativity flourishes amidst the beauty of nature.
