Abundant square footage is by no means a pre-req to spatial revery. Vaulted ceilings and expansive halls have, historically, been defining features of architectural achievement--Versailles and our own capital building will tell you as much. However, when it comes to “home”, expertly worked, smaller spaces are equally valuable. Scaling up is one way to impress, albeit a predictable method. Creating a meaningful edifice out of a few thousand square feet is a substantially harder task--one that's been flawlessly executed in this modern home.

The exterior expertly blends muted materials with clean, distinct lines.

Set back away from the street and partially obscured by foliage, the sloping roof strikingly silhouettes the structure, but any degree of austerity is mitigated by its warm wood siding and oversized, frosted-glass front windows. The result is a design-forward facade that adeptly reflects its organic surroundings.

Inside the home, the same appeals to modernity without severity continue.

Per the general contractor for the project, Domain Design/Build, the overarching goal of the build was to create a home “that not only captured the simple nuances associated with modern design but one that also internally reflected the beauty of the natural world surrounding it.” Thoroughly informed by this sentiment, the boundary between interior and exterior here is delightfully fuzzy thanks to multiple walls of windows and the open-air atrium around which the house revolves. According to Imbue Design, the architecture firm tasked with whipping up plans for the enterprise, by placing the atrium in the center of the home, they intended to invite “light, fresh air, and plant life into every space,” thereby creating a spot that--according to the current owners--draws you outside come warmer weather, but remains remarkably cozy on moodier days.

Beyond the well-intentioned bones, the furnishings add a welcome degree of warmth to the interior. Every piece here pairs perfectly with its surroundings: a well placed, bookcase-adjacent Eames chair and an impressive dining room table (custom made to match the walnut built-ins found throughout) expertly anchor the front living space. Beyond that, the dark cabinetry in the kitchen punctuates the open floor plan with an appealing degree of contrast and an extensive collection of local art wards off any would-be starkness.

Aesthetics aside, however, arguably the most impressive aspect of the house is the ease and functionality afforded to its inhabitants. Every cosmetic detail and sliding glass door has been conceptualized and placed with care and, consequently, there’s a serenity to this spot. According to the owners, the peace and quiet afforded by the home--both inside and out--is unparalleled considering the central location of the build. The space caters to respite, creativity, and reflection thanks to features like its detached, above-garage studio, and serene outdoor shower off the main suite (but make no mistake, the space seems crafted to create an ease in entertaining, as well). No matter the mood, this is a home in which all within are comfortable. A home that inconspicuously meets its owner’s every need.

and therein its true achievement lies.