Client Brief:
The client wanted a modern event venue in Cleveland, North Carolina, that could host everything from small gatherings to large celebrations. The goal was to honor the area’s rural heritage while providing spaces designed for contemporary use.
Location:
The venue sits outside Charlotte, in open countryside of rolling fields. The setting called for a design that resonated with agrarian architecture while supporting year-round events.
Design Solution:
The Lumen House is composed of two gabled forms linked by a central veranda. One gable is dark, housing a greenhouse, bar, kitchen, storage, and restrooms, scaled for smaller events. The other is white and serves as the main hall, with preparation suites, a courtyard for private moments, and large glass walls framing the fields.
The veranda between them extends to a lawn with a double-sided fireplace and a simple framed arch that anchors outdoor ceremonies. Materials were chosen for durability and clarity: concrete floors, cement board, stucco, black brick, steel columns, and a standing-seam metal roof. The restrained palette creates a neutral backdrop that adapts to each event’s character.
Result:
The Lumen House combines rural form with modern function. It provides a clear, flexible setting for gatherings, shaped by barns in profile but contemporary in detail and performance.
