Touring Our Award Winning Mountain Modern design, Rivertop in Talking Rock, GA By Design S4E2

In this episode of By Design, the team from Reynard Custom Homes—Jack Baldwin, James Knight, and Kalyn Kight—takes you behind the scenes of their recent Bronze Award win from Design Skills magazine. We provide a real-time reaction to the drone footage and interior walkthrough of one of our most challenging and meaningful projects to date: a stunning retreat in Talking Rock, Georgia.In this episode, we discuss: Engineering the Impossible: How we anchored a four-level home onto a near-vertical 45-degree slope. Why this home looks like a modest one-story cabin from the driveway but opens into a massive, luxurious forest retreat on the creek side. Moody Mountain Interiors: A look at the "treehouse vibe," featuring dark forest greens, gold hardware, and creative "getaway" nooks. The Last-Minute Loft: The architectural "gymnastics" required to add an entire loft level while the home was already being framed. Outdoor Living Reimagined: From live-edge viewing counters to high-altitude deck hammocks and "storm-chasing" photography. A Personal Tribute: The emotional backstory of how this home became a place of healing and togetherness for the family.Whether you are an aspiring architect, a fan of Mountain Modern design, or curious about the logistics of building on steep terrain in North Georgia, this episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of art, engineering, and emotion. 0:00 — Introduction & Greetings The team catches up and introduces the project location: Talking Rock, Georgia. 0:45 — The Bronze Award Winner Discussing the Design Skills magazine award and the international competition they faced. 1:35 — Site Overview: The Creek & The Drone Shot A look at the property’s natural boundary and the initial aerial perspective. 2:20 — Photography Strategy & Interior Vibe Kalyn explains the "moody treehouse" aesthetic and how the interior design complements the architecture. 3:45 — Small Moments: Nooks & Getaway Spaces A look at the reading benches and quiet corners designed for reflection. 4:38 — Engineering a 45-Degree Slope James dives into the structural challenges of building on a steep mountainside and the massive foundation required. 6:42 — The Lower Levels & Elegant Bunk Rooms Touring the basement guest suites and ensuring natural light reaches the bottom floors. 7:17 — The Last-Minute Loft The story of how the loft was added during the framing stage and the engineering gymnastics required to make it fit. 8:17 — Outdoor Living & The Storm Squall Capturing the outdoor fireplace, live-edge counters, and a lucky weather event that added to the ambiance. 9:04 — The Black Exterior Debate Why they chose a dark palette to blend into the landscape. 10:04 — "The Mullet House" Reveal The origin of the nickname: Business in the front (one story), party in the back (four levels). 10:45 — Defining "Mountain Modern" Style Breaking down the architectural style—balancing elegance with rustic mountain elements. 13:11 — A Personal Tribute The emotional backstory of the build and how it became a place of togetherness for the family. 13:50 — Unique Features: Hammocks & Corrugated Wood A look at the high-altitude deck netting and the specific paneling used in the hallways. 15:55 — Challenges of Shooting in the Trees Kaylin discusses the difficulty of drone flight in a dense forest and lighting a black house. 17:31 — The Stair Myth Explaining the entry-level layout and why the house is more accessible than it looks from the back. 18:41 — Final Thoughts & Future Projects Closing remarks on the award and a teaser for upcoming shoots in Savannah.⁠💻 Website: Reynard Custom Homes⁠ https://reynard.design 🦊🏡 ⁠📸 Instagram ⁠https://instagram.com/reynardcustomhomes ⁠ 📘 Facebook⁠ https://facebook.com/reynardcustomhomes ⁠ 📌 Pinterest https://pinterest.com/reynardarchitect/ ⁠ ▶️ YouTube⁠ https://youtube.com/@reynarddesign