The project addresses the client’s desire for a communal architectural feature that encourages residents of a 1,300-acre gated lakefront luxury enclave to engage with their neighbors. Located in a forested area away from the waterfront, the challenge was to draw guests away from their lakeside homes to a site without expansive views.
Nestled within a landscape of dense forest and extraordinarily large boulders, the building’s design minimizes disruption while maximizing transparency between the trees and adjacent meadow. Physical and visual linkages to the surrounding natural landscape help to reinforce a strong sense of place and connection to the exterior environment. The building’s footprint is smaller than surrounding residences, strategically placing various programmatic elements to create diverse experiences. The facility includes a communal living room, a kitchen where guests could have a chef prepared breakfast or reserve the dining area for a family dinner, a bar, dining area, game room with card tables, and a screened porch with a stone fireplace that opens to a surrounding meadow.
This building serves as a walkable destination in a neighborhood designed primarily for vehicles. Pathways through the meadow and forest enhance access, transforming the community’s approach to social interaction. It acts as a crucial link within a previously disconnected community, both physically and programmatically, while maintaining strong connections to the surrounding landscape.
The architectural vision merges luxury with a sense of belonging in the dense forest, positioning the building as a jewel that harmonizes with nature. Heavy timber structures anchor the glassy form, allowing the landscape to flow through the design. The layout thoughtfully incorporates and highlights the dramatic boulders onsite. The form was delicately placed as close to them as possible, so they become part of the interior and exterior experience.
Materials were chosen for both sustainability and aesthetic compatibility with the natural environment. Exterior stone cladding sourced from a nearby quarry and heavy timber construction contribute to low embodied energy. Furnishings and finishes were inspired by, and serve as a reflection of, the natural setting, creating varied experiences within each space.
Ultimately, this small yet impactful building fosters opportunities for residents to connect with each other and the surrounding landscape, epitomizing a commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Category:Green EnvironmentsYear:2025Location: Greensboro, Georgia, USAArchitects:BLUR WorkshopGeneral Contractor:DreamBuilt Construction, Inc.Design Team:Scott Sickeler, Liz Neiswander, Jared Davis, and Max Neiswander, Samantha YarmowichClient: Reynolds Lake OconeePhotographers:Garey Gomez Photography
