Wrapped in the tranquility of the woods, this 2,200-square-foot home is a contemporary take on a Dogtrot-style home, with a breezeway separating the main residence to the guest quarters. Anchoring the home to the sloped landscape, the foundation terraces down the hill, going with the land. Inspired by traditional Kentucky barn materials with a modern upgrade, the home’s two towers feature an exterior vertical black shou-sugi-ban-rainscreen cladding paired with a galvanized metal roof. The breezeway—a fantastic covered entertaining space—has a massive skylight designed to cast light on the terrace, acts as a passive cooling element, and takes the bearing of the wood’s harsh climate.

Inside the main residence, a shou-sugi-ban sculptural staircase is the focal point of the first level, bringing the exterior materials in and separating the living room and dining area from the kitchen. Textured plaster walls and wide plank wood flooring run throughout the cabin. Large windows frame the east Kentucky woods. Stone floors and a concrete soaking tub and shower complement the cabin’s alluring earth tones. The breezeway separates the main residence to the 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom guest quarters that can be turned on and off when needed via an efficient ductless mini-split HVAC. Outdoor living includes two private roof decks on each tower, one of which offers a well-appointed outdoor shower.

Located near Red River Gorge in Rogers, Kentucky, the area is known to have the best rock climbing east of the Mississippi, which was our clients’ draw to the region. This home represents that same respect and admiration for nature. Situated on a steep hill in a heavily wooded area, we limited the number of trees that had to be removed to maintain the environment, making the woods a central figure of the home’s design.