PROJECT: Mountaintop Residence
FIRM: Fennell Purifoy Architects
CONTRACTOR: Fred Lord Builder
LOCATION: Pulaski County
The Mountaintop Residence is nested atop the Ouachita Mountains in a remote forest. Its seclusion among the treetops offers dramatic and expansive views after rising above the canopy. Capturing these views by organizing the program vertically and utilizing large windows was a primary objective for design. The owner, an avid climber, requested that the house feel like it was nestled among tree branches.
The lowest level, which features a safe room, mud room and two-car garage, is constructed from board formed concrete that acts as a base on which the rest of the house sits. Exposed glu-laminated structure and light-filled space in the next levels mimic moving up through the branches of the tree. Here, the living room, dining room and bedrooms each have generous windows and cantilevered balconies to extend into the natural surroundings.
The tree-climbing concept playfully appears throughout the residence; with actual climbing ropes installed for the owners’ use at vertical spaces connecting the loft, main level and ground level. This idea is continued further into the master bedroom where the bed is suspended from climbing ropes.
The open plan allows the house’s spaces and structure to weave into one another. As one moves throughout the house, they are continually given different glimpses into the tree canopy while surrounded by glu-laminated braces and beams. The outside of the house is clad in a zinc rain-screen which subtlety changes color with the sunlight as it is filtered through the surrounding forest. The highest point of the house is the “Crow’s Nest,” where the building finally breaks free of the treetops and offers panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains. In addition to being a climbing enthusiast, the owner also enjoys star gazing and this spot above the trees is perfect for using the telescope.
PROJECT TEAM
Phil Purifoy, AIA
Tom Fennell, AIA
Ben Hartter, AIA
CONSULTANT
Grant Jordan
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jacob Slaton
See more profiles from the 2018 AIA Arkansas Design Awards.
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