Asheville Couple Builds Net-Zero Mountain Home

Sustainable design and energy-efficient features allow empty nesters to live in harmony with nature.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An Asheville, North Carolina couple has built a stunning net-zero mountain home that seamlessly blends modern design with sustainable features. Designed by Wilson Two Architecture and built by Jade Mountain Builders, the 2,500-square-foot Southcliff Residence was conceived to connect the owners and their family with the breathtaking views while embracing the surrounding forest. The home's three-sided courtyard design, cantilevered great room, and stacked layout overcome the challenges of the steep, rocky site.

Why it matters

As more people seek to downsize and live more sustainably, the Southcliff Residence demonstrates how a thoughtful, net-zero design can provide an energy-efficient, low-maintenance home that allows empty nesters to enjoy a strong connection to nature. The project also highlights how innovative architecture and construction techniques can overcome significant site challenges to create a modern, comfortable living space.

The details

The Southcliff Residence features a three-sided courtyard layout, with the fourth "wall" being the existing forest edge. Concrete wings anchor the home into the land while supporting a cantilevered great room that extends toward the sweeping views. To minimize construction costs on the steep, rocky site, the home was stacked on three levels, with the main living areas on the middle floor. Throughout the home, sustainable features like a geothermal HVAC system, solar panels, and Tesla Powerwalls allow the home to produce more energy than it consumes.

  • The Southcliff Residence was completed in 2026.

The players

Wilson Two Architecture

The architecture firm that designed the Southcliff Residence.

Jade Mountain Builders

The construction company that built the Southcliff Residence.

Liz Hackett Interiors

The interior design firm that worked on the Southcliff Residence.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Southcliff Residence showcases how thoughtful, sustainable design can create a modern, energy-efficient home that allows empty nesters to live in harmony with nature, even on a challenging mountain site. Its innovative architecture and construction techniques provide a model for others seeking to downsize and live more sustainably.