After exploring and researching the possibilities on several potential parcels with SPA, our client, a family of five, landed on an intriguing 8-acre ridge-top property overlooking the Smoky Mountains, with one catch- an existing 1950’s suburban ranch house occupied the prime location of the overall site. Rather than demolishing the existing house, we agreed to explore renovation strategies. Initial programming studies confirmed that the existing 3,076 square foot brick ranch house extensive interior and exterior upgrades, and that an addition would be required to provide the necessary spaces for the entire family. Early design studies focused on preserving the shell of the existing building and new spaces were added above and outside of the existing footprint. The additional spaces included a double height living room overlooking a new pool and courtyard framed by single story pavilions – one for the new master suite with the other to accommodate the pool house and garage functions.
The original structure of the house serves as the public wing, with the base clad in the same cementitious stucco with ipe wood insets that match the insets of the pavilions. The upper level addition is clad in a reverse board and batten siding adding texture and pattern while providing contrast with the stucco cladding below.
The restrained interior materials palette includes white oak flooring matching the original flooring. Walnut mill-work and built-in casework accent white walls and trim. Glazed connectors frame both sides of the covered outdoor space and provide connections to the new courtyard pavilions from the public wing of the house.
