Design: Mountain Retreat

This design took me to the great city of Knoxville, TN (Go Vols)... although I have a slight attachment to the city (TN Alumni) it is a truly a great urban area with a small town feel. When meeting with my clients they brought to the table many special requests for their future mountain retreat. They had a 'wishlist' that included a playing area, basketball court, hot tub, outdoor eating area and a pool. Normally these requests alone would be a challenge,but to add to the challenges, this property was also under construction with only the bare bones of the house established. My main focus for the space was to layout the plan so that is efficiently uses all the square footage and elevations of the property. I will breakdown each highlighted areas of the design so you can also picture how this space turned out.

A. Turf playing area
This is a very unique space. It is at the base of the property line where the elevation is at it's lowest. What was once an area of overgrown weeds, and seedlings, it now takes on a new purpose for the space. The retaining wall was critical to safe guard the area from the upper elevation of the pool area.
The kids have a play area of their own that feels 'away' from home, but the parents still have the comfort of knowing they are on the property.

B. Pool & Hot Tub
This element was a must for the homeowners. Since the majority of their time spent here will be in the summer, they wanted a pool to give the house a resort feel. I wanted to incorporate the natural stone into the landscape to soften the pool deck and make it more part of the mountain landscape. By adding in a hot tub I was able to incorporate a small water fall that recirculates the pool water, then re-heats the water into the tub.

examples S: 1, 2

C. Fire Pit
Although this is one of the most simplistic design element to the design, it was one of my favorite to incorporate. Nothing screams summer resort than a big bulky fire pit on site, with a large campfire, smores, and story telling around the fire. The family will get a lot of use out of the fire pit, I incorporated it right off of the kitchen so they can prep the food on the workspace or keep the drinks cold before gathering around the fire.

examples S:1,2

C. Outdoor Living Area & Kitchen

With any summer resort it is key to incorporate an outdoor living and kitchen space. I envisioned this place for the family where they can play board games, cards, or just relax and read a book. I wanted everything to be right at there finger tips to there would be no reason to leave the perfect weather outside. They would have an outdoor storage area for the games, books, linens and dinnerware. The space would have a sitting area, and an outdoor daybed. This is the element of the landscape that flashes the family resort style living they want.

 

examples: S 1,2

What is your dream spot for a summer retreat? Would you run off to the mountains or go beach side?

Tell me what one place you went this summer that inspired you in any way. Maybe you finally read that favorite book that you have been putting off, or you took the time to visit a museum in your own city...