Rustic Modern is a home built on the site of an old quarry, in a mature oak forest in the Berkshires. Our goal was to disrupt as little of the forest as possible, while providing area for the home, approach, and pool patio. The house itself follows a simple plan, with the main suite to the east, living spaces to the south, garage to the west, and additional bedrooms upstairs. The exterior material palette includes Japanese burnt siding, travertine, metal siding & roofing, mahogany soffits, Kebony decking, glulam beams and steel posts. The interior palette includes exposed steel columns, glulam beams, spruce ceilings, oak flooring and doors, and walnut cabinets. Large expanses of glass connect inside to out, with Euro-style triple glazed windows and doors. The home is highly energy efficient, achieving an Energy Star Tier 2 rating, with heat pumps for heating and cooling, and a home-run type energy recovery ventilator. The landscaping is kept rustic as well, with native species and no lawn. A screen porch is strategically located adjacent to the kitchen and patio without disrupting the views. There is a very serene quality to the house inside and out, with long views to the east, and a nicely shaded quality to the patio area.