Discover the perfect blend of modern and rustic with Woodhouse’s designs. 

 

 

In name alone, a modern-rustic aesthetic sounds like a paradox. On one side, the appeal of modernism comes from its simple, edited presentation where an uncluttered, streamlined appearance feels fresh and forward-thinking. On the other, rustic style embraces the raw and rugged, evoking nostalgia for a hardy existence and rural life.

 

There is no question that, on their own, both genres make a beautiful timber frame home. But when combined, an alchemy occurs that is nothing short of magical. The emergent style pulls features from industrial, rustic, farmhouse, and contemporary aesthetics, uniting them into a cohesive, sophisticated style that particularly shines on the exterior of timber frame homes. We’ll show you how you can make it your own.

 

How Modern Rustic Started

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of this popular style, but the consensus is that it found its footing in the early 2000s, predominantly in California, across commercial establishments such as bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. Balancing the warmth and timelessness of rustic design with the clean lines and minimalism that define modernism proved irresistible. The fusion of edgy, moody, and modern packaged up with a cozy sense of familiarity struck a chord and the modern rustic style took off across the U.S.

 

 

The Rustic, Modern Timber Frame Home

Recognizing that high-end timber frame homes are a natural fit for the modern-rustic genre, Woodhouse has elevated the style to an artform. Built from large, commanding timbers, a rustic touch imparted by the wood is inherent in these homes.

 

The BigSkyEscape (pictured above) is one such home. As a single-level ranch, the home’s elegant elevation is enhanced by a dark exterior with matching dark window casings, creating a continuous, uncluttered visual aesthetic. BigSkyEscape is a floor plan that is especially suitable for empty nesters and retirees.

 

While the BigSkyEscape has a predominantly modern feel with a hint of rusticity, PrairieView V2 (pictured below) is the inverse. Inspired by Midwestern barns, the plan’s elevation and siding evokes a vintage, weathered charm. A black metal roof and unadorned post and beam timbers update the look with distinct modern flair. SageMeadow, another design inspired by barns, takes a more utilitarian approach. Muted gray siding transitions the contrast between the black metal roof and the post and beam frame with simple knee braces. Adding an attached woodshop or garage bay to SageMeadow elevates this design into a highly practical barndominium.

 

Rustic Modern Features

The Woodhouse roster of rustic modern timber frame homes is impressive, but we can impart a hint of this style onto nearly any timber frame home floor plan that you desire. Window walls, assertive rectangular chimneys, and monoplane roofs all add instant contemporary style. Then, when it comes to materials, a mix of natural elements such as timbers, reclaimed wood, and stone with sleeker, more industrial materials like metal and concrete really complete the look.

 

Siding is a key element in achieving the exact balance of rustic and modern that you desire. Timber frame siding options are plentiful, allowing you to select a high-performance material that’s just right for your aesthetic. Cedar plank with a solid color stain, metal siding, and cementitious materials like HardiePlank® impart a definitive modern aesthetic. Shou sugi ban is another alternative. This ancient technique employs wood that’s been charred by a careful burning process, which darkens it to a beautiful deep shade. As a bonus, shou sugi ban boasts qualities that make the wood more resistant to fire and insects.

 

As you gather inspiration, you may notice the genre’s proclivity to neutral colors. Blacks, whites, and grays, often expressed in “greiges” or monochromatic palettes, are common in modern design. Using these colors in stains, siding, and roofing help strengthen a modern presentation on a home’s exterior.

 

 

Modern Timber Frames in the Wild

Woodhouse has built many homes that fit right in within the rustic modern design genre. Take for example this home in Fletcher, North Carolina, (pictured above) which sports a modern appearance with its dark siding and monoplane roofing. The hint of a curve on the entry roof softens the style. It’s an organic detail helping transition the home into its woodland, mountainside setting.

 

 

This RockyView design in Bend, Oregon, is a stellar example of mountain modern design, a riff on rustic modern. The monoplane roofline asserts a modern aesthetic as do the unadorned, floor-to-ceiling windows. If you love the RockyView, be sure to check out other homes in the Woodhouse mountain modern series.

 

Get the Look

Whether you lean more rugged or more contemporary, find your rustic modern timber frame dream home with Woodhouse. Explore our extensive collection of floor plans, check out real-life Woodhouse projects, or contact us to learn more.