A bit of the Northwest brought here

Stephen and Vicki Monroe knew they wanted an energy-efficient, maintenance-free home. Collaborating with Trey Wheeler at TWH Architects and builder Ethan Collier of Collier Construction, the Monroes mapped out a vision for their new house on Signal Mountain.

“(Mr. Collier and Mr. Wheeler were) very helpful in getting our vision designed and built,” Dr. Monroe said, noting that he and his wife didn’t want a house that felt too modern. They wanted to combine modernism with traditional design to achieve what they called a “Northwest” feeling.

The look emphasizes glass. The heavily windowed walls allow in lots of natural light and a view of the woods behind the house, a natural wildlife preserve. A glass folding door opens to a screened porch, creating an indoor/outdoor dining space.

“Our heating and electric bills have been very low, despite the size of the house,” said Dr. Monroe, who estimated the electric bill in summer to be $130 for the 5,000-square-foot home. The exterior is stone with cement-board siding and a metal roof. According to Dr. Monroe, the house is fire resistant and rot proof. The public space — living room, kitchen and dining room — is open. The foyer, called transitional space, separates it from the private space, where the family lives and sleeps. The master suite, downstairs, has a peaceful, Zen-like feeling. Featuring hardwood floors and pale, aqua-colored walls, the bedroom consists of a Japanese-style platform bed and two framed posters. A walk-in closet and dressing area connects to the bathroom. Dr. Monroe, a cardiologist, said he can get ready for work without disturbing his wife. The crown jewel of the master bathroom is a soaking tub built for two and an open glass shower with a rainfall shower head.

The upstairs portion of the private wing belongs to the children. A play area features a sleeper sofa, daybed and two built-in desks. The bedrooms are nearly identical in size, “so there can’t be an argument,” Dr. Monroe said.

Six-year-old Holly’s bedroom has yellow walls with pink and green bedding. Hannah, 8, has slightly deeper colors, light blue walls with apple green blanket and a colorful striped comforter.

Both girls’ closets are painted pink. “They wanted something pink so they got pink closets,” said Mrs. Monroe.

To afford peace and privacy, the floor and ceiling have been soundproofed.

“They really have to roughhouse up here to hear them,” said Mrs. Monroe.

A mudroom off the living room acts as another transitional space, leading to guest quarters, which includes an exercise room and storage room.

“By separating the spaces, we thought (guests) would be more comfortable,” Mrs. Monroe said.