Known for the design of the Lebron James Innovation Center at Nike Headquarters, the Olson Kundig studio created The Blue Ridge House, a place that pays homage to the breathtaking natural beauty of Delaplane, Virginia.
Perched atop rolling vineyards in Virginia, Blue Ridge House by Olson Kundig reflects a deep connection to its surroundings.
A concrete plinth anchors the structure at the hill’s crest, elevating it into the canopy of trees. The use of Corten steel siding, with its earthy, rust-colored patina, enhances the home’s harmonious integration with the landscape, giving it an organic, grounded appearance.
Olson Kundig designed the Blue Ridge House with two levels that prioritize functionality and family life. The lower level, partially embedded in the hillside, houses the owners’ private wine collection, symbolizing their passion for viticulture.
Above, the home’s cross-shaped layout centers on a spacious kitchen, which serves as the heart of family gatherings.
This central space flows into an open-plan living room, a screened porch, a primary suite, and a children’s wing, creating a balance between communal areas and private retreats.
A custom steel catwalk and an entry door, painted to match Porsche’s iconic Mexico Blue, welcome guests into the expansive main living area. Here, a floor-to-ceiling window wall overlooks a ravine, creating a dramatic connection to the outdoors.
This window wall incorporates a kinetic feature: a hand-operated wheel that lowers the glass to form a guardrail, with exposed counterweights showcasing the home’s engineering brilliance.
Adjacent to this space, the kitchen and dining room are unified by a custom light installation, while wood floors, ceilings, and blackened steel accents create a warm and inviting interior. Outside, a generous deck features a pool and hot tub, with a thick acrylic panel at the pool’s edge offering unique views from the water.
One cantilevering wing of the house contains a powder room, study, and a custom staircase made of bent steel with perforated panels—a design element echoed in the built-in features of the powder room and study, including a vanity, trophy case, and desk.
The master suite and hallway beyond frame sweeping views and connect to a narrow steel catwalk that extends over the ravine, offering an exhilarating experience of the surrounding landscape.
Below the master suite, a guest suite hangs suspended in the empty volume between the house and the hillside, while additional guest quarters on the uppermost level overlook the rooftop and offer views of the city.
Olson Kundig’s approach to this project highlights the careful balance between architecture and the natural environment.
“My favorite part of this project is how the building engages the site. We were able to very surgically insert the home into the ravine, leaving the landscape in its natural state as much as possible,” says Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Design Principal.
“As a result, we delivered a house that serves the lifestyle of our client and creates a super exciting perch to look out over the hills to the city of Austin beyond.”
This philosophy is embodied in every detail of the Blue Ridge House, from its innovative kinetic elements to its thoughtful integration into the landscape, making it a masterpiece of modern design.
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