![Hammock House by Samsel Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/hammock-house-samsel-architects_dezeen_2364_hero-1-852x479.jpg)
Samsel Architects builds house around ancient oak tree in North Carolina
American firm Samsel Architects has built an L-shaped home for couple and their in-laws on a farm in North Carolina, using the area's rural vernacular architecture to inform the design.
![Hammock House by Samsel Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/hammock-house-samsel-architects_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x577.jpg)
Located in the rural town of Columbus, near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hammock House is surrounded by dense woods and sits on 40 acres (16 hectares) of farmland.
Asheville-based Samsel Architects took cues from local mono-pitched agricultural structures when designing the building.
![Hammock House by Samsel Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/hammock-house-samsel-architects_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x569.jpg)
"The single pitch shed roof concept originated as a modern interpretation of the utilitarian farm structures in the area," the studio said.
The home was also built around an ancient oak tree, which informed its L-shaped layout. "To take advantage of the dramatic oak trees, we carefully located the house on the land and oriented the living spaces around the tree locations," said Samsel Architects.
![Hammock House by Samsel Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/hammock-house-samsel-architects_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x1277.jpg)
The entrance to the house can be found close to the 90-degree joint between the two wings, where a foyer and mud room connect the sides. The roof angles upward from the entry side so ceiling heights increase as the sequence of spaces unfolds inside.
![Hammock House by Samsel Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/hammock-house-samsel-architects_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x541.jpg)
One wing of the exterior is covered in wood, while the other is clad in a tan-coloured panel system. Rocks surround the base of the walls to keep moisture away from the foundation.
![Hammock House by Samsel Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/hammock-house-samsel-architects_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x1273.jpg)
Inside, the two branches create separate zones for sleeping and living. "The programming and space planning required unique design solutions based around our client's close-knit extended family," the studio said.
![Hammock House by Samsel Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/hammock-house-samsel-architects_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x578.jpg)
"The wife's parents are also full-time residences in the home, so designing the right balance of shared and private spaces for four adults was key to a high functioning design."
One wing houses an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, with a terrace extending along the entire side. The kitchen features a marble backsplash and a central island covered in a thick chunk of wood.
![Hammock House by Samsel Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/hammock-house-samsel-architects_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x565.jpg)
The living room gets a large amount of sunlight thanks to the fully glazed wall behind the couch. A screened-in sunroom and hammock area are located on the other side.
In the perpendicular wing are the master bedroom and en-suite, a second bedroom, a den and a studio. Hardwood floors line the home, with white walls and plenty of natural light throughout.
![Hammock House by Samsel Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/hammock-house-samsel-architects_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x569.jpg)
Recent builds in North Carolina predominantly seek to integrate with their natural surroundings, such as Retro+Fit Design's cyprus-clad home in Asheville overlooking a valley and In Situ Studio's black house that hides in the forest.