Smyrna, GA

This house built on a .67 acre site in Smyrna, GA blends the grandeur of the old neighborhood with the contemporary style of the client. The exterior of the house mainly employs the use of stone and brick, with pilasters accentuated with precast concrete to simulate the look of an old Italian villa. The site rises 28 feet in elevation from the front of the site to the rear. Access and entry into the site are from the street level along the northern perimeter. The house is integrated into the natural slope of the site, allowing for the upper floors to function as the main activity areas. A basement level has been created, opening onto a submerged courtyard with entry from the garden above. The elements of the house are positioned to permit a natural flow through the site, enhancing the relationship with the contours while emphasizing the essence of light and views in all the main living areas.

The client, a young professional, wanted a place that served his needs for a retreat as well as entertainment for guests, while providing abundant space for art and sculptures. The design of the house envisioned the creation of three zones; public, private, and semi-private, with an open plan unified by the use of transitional elements to define spaces shaped by light, views, and function. The public zone begins at the entry into the house, formed by a tall 2 story precast archway raised upon a stone pedestal. The wrought iron entry doors open onto a 2 story foyer with a curved grand staircase that leads to a bridge, linking the private areas above. The bridge overlooks the 2 story living room below and commands a dramatic view of the pool, waterfall, and Zen garden beyond. A cased opening on the right leads to the wood panelled study with vaulted ceiling while the dining room on the left is interconnected with the kitchen and the 2 story family room.

The master suite located on the main floor, extends from the front to the rear of the site. This elegant master bedroom is grand in scale with its simulated wall panels and 12 ft high ceiling with cove lighting. A double sided fireplace separates the bedroom from the sitting area, which opens onto a covered porch or lanai that steps into the garden.

The second floor of the residence comprises of a loft, secondary bedrooms, and a guest bedroom suite with dramatic views of the city. The spaces are connected by a gallery that leads to the bridge and the living areas below. A mix of vaulted, panelled, and coffered ceilings permeate through the house. Atop the curved staircase is a dome with a decorative lighting serving as the oculus that brings light into the spaces below.

The basement consists of a large activity room with a full bar, a theatre with a 12 ft high ceiling, a large master suite, a wine gallery, and an exercise room. The basement opens up to an enclosed Japanese style courtyard with concrete steps that lead up to the Zen garden behind the house.