Seen from above, this home looks like the ruins of an old bridge, or perhaps part of a forgotten fortress. Trees emerge from the spaces between the oddly shaped volumes, while the muted reds and browns of the bricks mimic the colors of the adjacent sandstone cliffs. But “House of the Big Arch” isn’t ancient by any means. It’s a new residence that melds into its environment with a sense of mystery and drama.

“The shapes of the additions to the central building are dictated by the position and size of the surrounding trees,” they say. “The building makes use of a very simple set of materials which all play their part in making the building part of its landscape. The most abundant material is a rough stock brick which was selected to match the site’s weathered sandstone. The ‘bridge’ portions of the building are constructed from sustainably-grown timbers, whilst glass and aluminum fill in the non-structural wall.” “The first floor offers to its inhabitants a planted courtyard, a reclusive lounge, a sunlit dining room, a farmhouse kitchen and scullery, a tree-shaded deck, a small pool, and a fireplace — around which most of the cooking and living occurs. The ground floor provide yet more courtyards, a study, library, and a small swing bench under the arch. The cellar creates a climate conducive to curing meats, storing food supplies, and aging wines.”

Refreshingly unique in a time when a lot...