Organic Modern | Sophistication in Nature

Rooted in the timeless principles of organic architecture, Pillar & Perch Architects + Builders bring a modern sensibility to nature-inspired living with their Organic Modern homes. These residences blend clean lines and simple forms with natural materials and thoughtful orientation to the landscape, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and deeply connected to their surroundings. Below, Pillar & Perch Architects + Builders share their approach to designing Organic Modern homes that balance openness, privacy, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Organic Modern homes can look very different, though they all encompass the same, very simple, characteristics. Organic Modern design (also called Modern Organic design), in its simplest form, expresses a connection to the natural world.

• 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5,530 square feet 
• Floor-to-Ceiling Glass
• Outdoor Living Spaces and Pool
• Long and Low Roof Line
• Open Concept Plan
• Clean Structural Lines
• Natural Materials
• Cantilever Roof

There have been many examples of this since the 1930s, originating from the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s concept of organic architecture. Organic design can be communicated by the physical form and shape of the home, materiality, or orientation within a landscape. What makes this design modern, is the simplicity in this ideal; nothing about the design is overcomplicated.

We started the design of this house with deep intentions about creating great views from both inside and outside the house. After speaking with the client, and determining that their priority spaces were the kitchen and pool area, we wanted to give the greatest views to those areas. We were then able to work on the orientation of the structure. This took a few iterations, as we wanted simple yet strong looking structures. This resulted in essentially three boxes, connected yet rotated at different angles to create varying views. We were able to give the kitchen and living area the best view, without compromise, by using floor-to-ceiling glass. We connected the pool deck to the living space and oriented the pool so that it also faces the greatest view of the lot.

Rotating areas of the house allows for different views to be created while adding privacy.

“In this case, by rotating the box with the kitchen and primary bedroom away from the living room and children’s suite box, we gave a unique view and privacy to the primary bedroom, away from the eyes of those using the pool area.”

 

– Dani Harttraft, Architecture & Interior Design Manager

Functionality and connection between indoors and outdoors was an important goal of this project. As the clients indicated that bedrooms are used only for sleeping and the common areas of the house are usually the most widely used spaces for the family, we decided an open concept plan would suit them best. A central living room, dining room and kitchen, gave equal access to all family members and any guests entering the space. We wanted to create an experience of indoor-outdoor living as you enter the house. From the glass front door, you can see the living space, straight through the floor-to-ceiling windows to the outdoor lounge area, pool, and a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Even as you enter the house, the view continues through the open concept plan to the kitchen with large glass windows giving you a 180 degree view.

“Not only is there a visual connection, but the large glass walls include sliding glass doors, allowing for the visual connection to turn literal on nice weather days.” 

 

– Nick Corcoran, Architecture & Project Manager

When determining the clients’ priority spaces, we also discussed styles. The clients’ preferences fit the books of modern, minimalistic and rustic. This information, combined with the desire to orient the home toward the best views, gave us the Organic Modern design scheme. We chose materials like a variety of woods and natural stone, to oppose concrete-look large-format tiles. We selected lime wash paint in neutral shades of browns, grays and greens to add a natural texture to the walls. We also chose glass doors and simple metal light fixtures to capture the modern, rustic and organic themes.

“​​This house is an ode to Organic Modern architecture by way of its materiality and its connection and inclusion of nature. It is meant to be enjoyed both inside looking out and outside looking in.” 

 

– Ben Robbins, Architecture & Build Manager