Hemlock House

Hemlock House

Alexander Jermyn Architecture

Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman

AREA
3200 M²

YEAR
2021

PHOTOGRAPHS
Jeremy Bitterman

PROJECT ARCHITECT
Johnathan Puff

DESIGNER
Rui Xu

CATEGORY
Houses, Residential

PRINCIPAL IN CHARGE
Alexander Jermyn

BUILDER
Jaborski Construction

LOCATION
Soda Springs, United States

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
MWA

LIGHTING DESIGN
Banks Landl Lighting Design

MANUFACTURERS
Aep Span, Blomberg, Resawn

Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman

Situated on a gently sloping site on the edge of a lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, this residence re-interprets the alpine house type through a distinct material strategy.

The winters in this region are severe and receive some of the highest snowfalls in the continental United States, often burying homes up to the roofline.

Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman

In summer, wildfires are a constant threat.

In response to these constraints, the design team installed mockups over a winter season to test material resiliency.

The result is a composition of charred wood walls over a concrete base.

Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman

The charred (shou sugi ban) upper volume floats above and contrasts with the snow below.

The concrete walls bolster the house against snow loads while providing a protective shell against the elements, analogous to the hull of a ship.

Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman

The porous lakeside façade is composed of sliding glass doors providing views and a direct connection to the lake.

The interior prioritizes light and connection to the landscape. The palette of bleached hemlock and white walls reflect sunlight throughout the interior and down to the lower level via the stair.

Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman

The primary living and dining functions reside on the second floor to capture views of the lake.

A daylit mezzanine floats above the kitchen and serves as an artist's studio.

The ground floor houses the garage, ski-tuning station, laundry, media room, and guest rooms.

Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman

The internal spaces were designed to accommodate both community and privacy.

Built-in benches define intimate spaces within the larger footprint of the family and dining room.

Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman

The bunk room sleeps 4-8 with full-size bunks and is equipped with powered cubbies to facilitate remote work and play.

The media room adjacent to the bunk room serves as an overflow space for additional guests.

Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman

The bulk of construction took place during the pandemic. The owner and architect were in a “pod, driving long hours together for site visits.

This togetherness presented a unique opportunity for conversation, collaboration, and ultimately a common vision for their family.


Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman
Hemlock House
© Jeremy Bitterman


Hemlock House
1st Floor Plan
Hemlock House
2nd Floor Plan
Hemlock House
3rd Floor Plan
Hemlock House
Site Plan
Hemlock House
Section