This 900 square foot retreat, situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, blends both old and new technologies to create a self-sustaining home. South facing glazing in the living room provides views across a seven acre lake, bringing the outdoors into the space. It is also integral to the passive solar design which provides heat from the concrete finish floors. Additional sustainable features include a fresh water cistern supplied by a natural spring located to the north, and electricity generated by a solar cell array. On the exterior, a Corten metal roof and burnt cedar siding give the retreat a rugged cladding that helps the home blend into it’s surroundings.