When architecture harmonizes with its natural setting it’s a beautiful thing. And when Dungan Neguette Architects of Birmingham first walked the land that is now Silverock Cove, that was their vision. To have the homes there commune with their surrounding and as a result create and natural balance for the people who dwell there. Everywhere you turn at Silverock, you see tributes to nature and all the wonderful things inspired by it.

The Silverock Cove pool clubhouse is no exception. There will be several posts about this amazing place, because the details that come together to make it so unique are plenty. But today lets talk about how it reacts to the night. The rectangular design positions itself so that the glass core looks through to the pool and over the lake. The ends of the building are constructed by old wood harvested from a barn demolition somewhere in Wisconsin. The planks are extra wide set, and the gaps are sealed with corrugated opaque plastic boards that let the light in during the day and out at night, all while maintaining privacy. During the day the design makes an interesting intersection between rustic and modern. At night the building takes on new shape, or new life so to speak. When the sun goes down and the stars come out, the pool house takes the form of a paper lantern hanging in the trees just above the lake.

Everything about Silverock Cove is cool. Down to the last detail. The entire concept was designed around shedding daily stresses and embracing all things lake life, if only for a couple of days a week. The Silverock pool is a favorite spot for relaxing. The infinity edge looking out over the lake, along with the splashing water spilling over the edge, it can be a tranquil little slice of heaven on the lake. Even in the rain, the pool area has its inviting qualities.

Next time there’s a light rain while you’re there, don’t hold yourself up  indoors watching the Kardashians, have a seat under the roof overhang, take in the view, and listen to the rainwater trickle down the rain chains. You see, exactly where you’d expect to find a downspout, on the corners of the roof there are Japanese Rain chains. The Japanese have used these polished copper chains for hundreds of years for several purposes. Traditionally used to catch rain water and redistribute for plant watering, they are also much loved for their sparkling beauty and the calming effects of running water. The chains at Silverock are positioned so that the rain water drains into the gravel where the water is distributed naturally running through the rocks to the nearby landscape plants. This of course cuts down on water usage and artificial irrigation costs. Rain chains also prevent harmful erosion, mud splashing and water stains on walkways. And when it’s not raining, they make a soothing soft tinkling sound in the wind.

The rain chains at Silverock are one of the finer details. You may have even walked past them several times before they caught your eye, but they are another example of the attention to detail and collective aesthetic design that draws people to Silverock. And when it comes right down to it, they are simply one more reason to love this place even more.

As the weather starts to slowly cool off, the birds around Silverock are going to be looking for a cool new place to perch. Here are a couple favorites to think about adding to your porch at Silverock.

This Amy Adams design is made by Handmade by Perch!, Brooklyn, NY. It is low-fire ceramic, non-toxic glaze with a natural leather cord tanned with vegetable-based dyes. It is 7″ diameter x 5″ tall. Hangs from a 36″ leather cord and holds about 2 cups of bird seed.

Sells for $70 to $80 Buy Now

Modern Case Study Bird Houses

Modern Birdhouses’ Case Study Masters Series honors the architectural pioneers who participated in the Case Study Houses Program. These birdhouses — named after Case Study participants J.R. Davidson, Richard Neutra, and Ralph Rapson. They are hand-made from sustainably harvested teak that has been certified with the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood program (www.smartwood.org). The wood is finished with an oil that protects against water, mildew, and UV rays. The roofs are constructed of sandblasted 1/4″ thick aluminum plate and aluminum dowels. Stainless steel fasteners prevent rust and corrosion.
$195 Buy Now

Ceramic Bird Houses

Rae Dunn’s artistic pottery style extends to the common birdhouse. Select from styles imprinted with one of three images: Home, Chirp, or Nest.

Dimensions:

Home: 4.5″D x 7″H
Nest: 4.5″W x 4.5″L x 7″H
Chirp: 4.75″W x 4.75″L x 8″H

$29.95 Buy Now

I know this sounds like an ad, but it’s not. This is just really great news for all of us at Silverock! Conveniently located just a few miles down the road in Crane Hill, is a brand new Dollar General store. For those of you who’ve never heard of it, Dollar General is the largest discount retailer in the United States by number of stores with more than 8,200 neighborhood stores located in 35 states. And in case you didn’t know, lots of your favorite national brands including food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items are there waiting on you at really low prices. Dollar General is among the largest retailers of top-quality products made manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark, Unilever, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Nabisco, and Fruit of the Loom. Interestingly, while other retailers struggle in the grips of the recession, Dollar General’s earnings rose 48 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the same period a year ago.

To get there, drive out of Silverock Cove up to County Road 222. Turn left on 222 and its probably 2 or 3 miles down on the right side of the road. Just a little past the Crane Hill Post Office.

See you there!