Prompt: Nestled on a slope of the Allegheny Mountains in western Virginia, US, the Shenandoah House, designed by Schaum/Shieh, arranges its living spaces along a continuous line that follows the contours of its pitted terrain. This unconventional layout blends contemporary architecture with the natural topography, offering sweeping views of the rolling hills. The elongated plan, resembling irregular pods connected by a central corridor, creates pockets for gardens and outdoor nooks, erasing the boundary between the indoors and outdoors. The doubling of the ridgeline and the rounding of the peak add a gentle touch, reflecting the sloping surroundings. Designed as a 2.750-square-foot (255,5 square-meter) residence and writer’s retreat for a couple deeply connected to the local landscape, the project addresses the challenges posed by the steep site. As explained by Schaum/Shieh co-principal Rosalyne Shieh, they aimed for a subtle intervention in the landscape, seeking to create a house that fits organically without straightforwardly adopting local vernacular materials or solutions. ‘We focused on the hill, the seasons, the distant view, and the intimate life of the site.’

Negative: blur, blurred

Style: Photographic