5 Min Read
We are proud to share one of our most meaningful projects to date, the Stults Family Retreat. This home represents everything that defines Kaizen Homes: collaboration, creativity, and fine home craftsmanship.
When we learned that this project received the Gold Craftsmanship Award at the 2025 Parade of Homes in Asheville, we were honored and humbled. For us, this award is more than a recognition of quality. It reflects our deep commitment to building homes that express our clients’ stories through exceptional design and execution.
A sneak peek:
- The Vision
- Design Driven Construction
- Special Features
- In-House Craftsmanship
- Design-Build
- Mountain Building
- Award-Winning Design
- Looking Ahead
- Start Your Project
Turning a Vision Into Reality
From the very beginning, our clients knew they wanted a home that reflected both the serenity of the mountains and their family’s love for gathering. They dreamed of a custom mountain retreat that was timeless, warm, and filled with natural light. Our job as a trusted Asheville custom home builder was to bring that dream to life with precision and heart.
We approached this project as a true partnership. Through detailed planning, creative problem-solving, and an unwavering focus on craftsmanship, we transformed that vision into a home that feels both grounded in its surroundings and elevated in design.
The end result is a modern craftsman home that balances organic materials with contemporary lines, creating a sense of harmony between architecture and nature.
Design-Driven Construction at Its Best
As a Western North Carolina luxury home builder, we take pride in our ability to merge design excellence with construction expertise.
Every decision in the Stults Family Retreat, from the roofline to the interior finishes, was made through our design-build construction process. This allows us to manage the entire experience, ensuring that design intent is honored through every phase of building.
The home’s layout emphasizes connection and comfort. Expansive windows frame panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, while warm wood tones and natural stone elements reflect the character of mountain home architecture.
Open living spaces encourage gathering, yet every room feels intentional and private. It is a home created for both quiet mornings and vibrant family weekends.
Special Features of the Stults Family Retreat
Located in Black Mountain, NC, the Stults Family Retreat is a cozy and light-filled luxury mountain home designed for simplicity, comfort, and connection. At 1,176 square feet, the home includes two bedrooms, two baths, and an open loft that brings versatility and warmth to the design.
Some of the home’s defining features include:
- Vaulted ceilings with clerestory windows that fill the living area with natural light
- Custom green shaker cabinets accented by a handmade tile backsplash
- Locally sourced oak hardwood floors throughout the main and loft levels
- Energy Star Certification for comfort, efficiency, and long-term value
- An open loft design that fosters connection and visual flow
- Inviting board-and-batten exterior that blends craftsman character with modern mountain charm
These thoughtful details demonstrate how great design can live beautifully in a smaller footprint. The Stults Family Retreat proves that with care, creativity, and in-house craftsmanship, even a modest home can feel grand in spirit.
The Power of In-House Craftsmanship
Our commitment to in-house craftsmanship is one of the reasons this project stood out to the Parade of Homes judges.
Every detail, including cabinetry, trim work, built-ins, and custom finishes, was shaped by our own team of skilled artisans. This hands-on approach allows us to maintain the highest standards of fine home craftsmanship while delivering a truly personalized experience to our clients.
We believe that a home’s character comes from the care invested in its smallest details. The Stults Family Retreat reflects that philosophy in every corner.
From the custom woodwork to the seamless transitions between materials, the craftsmanship carries a sense of artistry that can only come from builders who love what they do.
Our Design-Build Philosophy
At Kaizen Homes, we approach every project with a custom home design and build mindset. As an Asheville design-build firm, we bring architects, designers, and builders together from the very start. This integrated process allows us to deliver consistency, control, and creativity, ensuring that every decision aligns with our clients’ goals and budget.
A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH
We believe that a successful home begins with collaboration. Our design-build method simplifies communication by uniting every professional involved in your project under one roof.
Our design-build process typically includes:
- Discovery – We learn about your lifestyle, site, and vision for your home.
- Design and Preconstruction – We refine your plans, develop budgets, and guide selections to fit your goals.
- Construction – Our in-house team and trusted trades bring the design to life with precision and craftsmanship.
- Completion and Care – We hand over the keys with confidence, ensuring your home is ready to live beautifully from day one.
BUILT FOR THE ASHEVILLE LANDSCAPE
We understand that Asheville new home construction presents unique challenges. The region’s sloping terrain, variable climate, and high design expectations demand thoughtful planning and engineering.
By managing both design and construction, we help clients navigate these complexities with confidence and peace of mind.
Our process ensures that:
- Site orientation maximizes natural light and mountain views.
- Structural engineering addresses steep slopes and soil conditions.
- Material choices reflect the environment and local craftsmanship.
- Energy-efficient systems create comfort and long-term value.
This attention to detail ensures that our luxury mountain homes not only look beautiful but also perform beautifully over time.
Building in the Mountains
Creating a custom home design in Asheville like the Stults Family Retreat requires balancing architectural vision with environmental respect. Every lot in this region tells a story, and our goal is to design homes that fit naturally within their surroundings.
Adapting to the land
The Stults family’s property offered incredible mountain views and wooded privacy, but it also presented challenges with slope and access.
Our team developed a foundation system that anchored the home securely while maintaining minimal disturbance to the land. The result is a structure that feels naturally integrated into the landscape.
LIVING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
Outdoor living spaces extend the home’s footprint and invite year-round enjoyment. Covered porches, a stone fireplace, and wide decks allow the family to enjoy the beauty of Western North Carolina through every season.
This blend of interior and exterior living is one of the hallmarks of modern mountain home builder design, and it has become a signature of our work.
Pride in Award-Winning Home Design
Winning the Gold Craftsmanship Award at the Parade of Homes in Asheville represents the culmination of years of dedication and growth. It is a recognition of our commitment to quality, our talented team, and the clients who trust us with their dreams.
As a full-service home builder, we see every project as an opportunity to create something lasting and meaningful. The Stults Family Retreat reflects that spirit in every beam, finish, and view. It embodies what we strive for in all our Asheville, NC, custom homes: thoughtful design, enduring craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the land we build upon.
Looking Ahead
Our passion for building extends far beyond a single project. This award inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of custom home design in Asheville, exploring new materials, and refining our process to deliver even greater value and beauty to our clients.
As a modern mountain home builder, we remain focused on creating homes that reflect both our clients’ personalities and the spirit of the mountains themselves. Every build is a chance to improve, to learn, and to celebrate the craft of homebuilding in Western North Carolina.
Let's Build Something Extraordinary together
If you are considering building in the Asheville area, we would love to help you bring your vision to life. Our team at Kaizen Homes combines design expertise with construction excellence to create homes that are personal, enduring, and distinctly yours.
Connect with us today to start planning your dream home. Explore what makes Kaizen an award-winning home design firm and discover how our approach to design-build homes Asheville can turn your vision into a reality.
