Wayah Cove
High in the peaceful Blue Ridge Mountains of Franklin, North Carolina, this project began with a uniquely profound purpose. When the clients first approached Reynard Architectural Designs, they weren't simply looking for a vacation cabin; they were seeking a place where a loved one could find peace and comfort after a terminal illness diagnosis. The home was conceived to be a type of hospice retreat for their family member's final days, and the project carried immense emotional significance. Our architect James Knight and our team understood that this 1.08-acre lot required an architectural response as sensitive to the clients' story as to the rugged Appalachian terrain.
The Architectural Approach
Our design process began with deep listening. The goal was to capture a sense of healing, light, and tranquility within an efficient, 1,200-square-foot footprint. Through site analysis and iterative concept planning, we selected a custom A-Frame silhouette, elevating the classic form into a striking example of mountain modern architecture.
To navigate the sloping mountain topography of Lot 16, we engineered a stepped, split-face concrete block foundation. This allowed the home to sit naturally on the hillside without excessive grading that would disrupt the native landscape. Rising to a dramatic peak of 28 feet, 4 inches, the steep roof and dark charcoal horizontal lap siding were purposefully chosen to blend the structure inside the shadows of the surrounding mature pines and hardwoods.
Blurring the Lines Between Indoors and Out
A core tenet of the Wayah Cove design was connection—specifically, creating a biophilic environment that brings the healing power of nature inside. We integrated expansive, floor-to-ceiling multi-pane gable windows on the main elevation. These architectural focal points flood the interiors with warm natural light and perfectly frame breathtaking Western North Carolina sunsets.
To expand the usable footprint and encourage outdoor living, we designed extensive open-air wraparound wood decks, a welcoming front porch, and a covered side entrance. This seamless indoor-outdoor flow allows visitors to enjoy the fresh mountain air almost anywhere on the property.
Inside, every square inch was carefully designed to maximize comfort and visual space. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout revolves around an open plan great room. A comfortable fireplace anchors the living area, while a custom circular spiral staircase serves as a striking piece of functional art. This staircase leads to a spacious upper loft, leaving the main living area vaulted and "open to below," which ensures the compact cabin feels incredibly airy, grand, and unconfined.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Wayah Cove is a short term vacation rental that is testament to love and purposeful architectural design. While its origins were rooted in providing a peaceful haven for a family's final goodbyes, the home has gracefully evolved. The aim was to continually celebrate her memory by offering peace and rejuvenation to all who visit.
For Reynard Architectural Designs, Wayah Cove encapsulates exactly what we strive to achieve: translating a deeply personal client vision into a beautiful, lasting mountain home.
The Architectural Approach
Our design process began with deep listening. The goal was to capture a sense of healing, light, and tranquility within an efficient, 1,200-square-foot footprint. Through site analysis and iterative concept planning, we selected a custom A-Frame silhouette, elevating the classic form into a striking example of mountain modern architecture.
To navigate the sloping mountain topography of Lot 16, we engineered a stepped, split-face concrete block foundation. This allowed the home to sit naturally on the hillside without excessive grading that would disrupt the native landscape. Rising to a dramatic peak of 28 feet, 4 inches, the steep roof and dark charcoal horizontal lap siding were purposefully chosen to blend the structure inside the shadows of the surrounding mature pines and hardwoods.
Blurring the Lines Between Indoors and Out
A core tenet of the Wayah Cove design was connection—specifically, creating a biophilic environment that brings the healing power of nature inside. We integrated expansive, floor-to-ceiling multi-pane gable windows on the main elevation. These architectural focal points flood the interiors with warm natural light and perfectly frame breathtaking Western North Carolina sunsets.
To expand the usable footprint and encourage outdoor living, we designed extensive open-air wraparound wood decks, a welcoming front porch, and a covered side entrance. This seamless indoor-outdoor flow allows visitors to enjoy the fresh mountain air almost anywhere on the property.
Inside, every square inch was carefully designed to maximize comfort and visual space. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout revolves around an open plan great room. A comfortable fireplace anchors the living area, while a custom circular spiral staircase serves as a striking piece of functional art. This staircase leads to a spacious upper loft, leaving the main living area vaulted and "open to below," which ensures the compact cabin feels incredibly airy, grand, and unconfined.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Wayah Cove is a short term vacation rental that is testament to love and purposeful architectural design. While its origins were rooted in providing a peaceful haven for a family's final goodbyes, the home has gracefully evolved. The aim was to continually celebrate her memory by offering peace and rejuvenation to all who visit.
For Reynard Architectural Designs, Wayah Cove encapsulates exactly what we strive to achieve: translating a deeply personal client vision into a beautiful, lasting mountain home.
Project Year: 2022
Country: United States
Zip Code: 28734
