Lyon-based architecture studio AUM convinced their clients to build their home on a lake rather than in the middle of the forest as originally planned—and the results are nothing short of stunning. Set on a 40-acre forested property, the White Snake House appears to float on the landscape with its minimalist appearance of wraparound glazing sandwiched between two slabs of white concrete. To minimize the home’s energy footprint, the building is powered by solar and geothermal energy combined with a Canadian well.

Elevated on a series of piles, the White Snake House is only accessible by a retractable bridge. The minimalist home’s sense of lightness is achieved with its wraparound glazing and thin and curvaceous concrete slabs that project outwards to form a terrace and roof overhang. The lower concrete plane’s depth varies to create different levels in the home.
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White concrete dominates the interior floors save for the bedrooms, study rooms, and living room where timber is used. Timber is also used for the door and outdoor deck cladding. The interior layout was informed by views and sun exposure; parts of the custom glazed facade can be opened to further blur the indoor-outdoor boundary. “During the entire year spent on the study, the goal of the AUM studio was to design a building that was as pure and simple as possible,” wrote the architects.
Via ArchDaily
Images via AUM