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Photos courtesy MZA architects
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Ashland City, Tenn.
Manual Zeitlin Architects
Some architects may not relish the idea of building one house for two artists, but the challenge was gladly accepted by Patrick Avice du Buisson of MZA Architects in Nashville, TN. “The couple, Anna Jaap and Jeff Hand, wanted a residence that could serve as both a home and two separate work studios. It was important to them that the end result be something different and special within a very limited budget, ” says du Buisson. The architect was involved in all aspects of the house planning including advising the artists on which lot of land to purchase. “The wooded lot we chose is located on top of a ridge that overlooks the Cumberland River,” explains du Buisson, “And luckily, we only had to remove one tree from the site for the construction of the house.”
Picking the lot was simple in comparison to designing the residence. The two artists had very different visions of what the end result should be. Jaap envisioned something airy and very light while Hand had in mind something darker and more enclosed. Du Buisson says that after two years of plans, designs, and models, the couple finally agreed on one design. The final design of the house consists of two box-like forms. The first box, a three-story rectangular structure constructed of galvanized metal, contains the living room, kitchen, and dining room on the first floor. The lower level accommodates the guest bedroom and bath as well as Hand’s studio. “Having his studio downstairs, Hand was happy with the resulting dark, contained space,” says the architect. The third floor houses the master bedroom, bathroom and Jaap’s studio.
The second box, which is Japp’s studio, is a cube made of rough sawn plywood that seems to float over the residence’s entry way and is placed at an angle to the rectangular structure of the house. The cube’s angle as well as the slant of the roof allows an abundance of light into the glazed northern façade of the studio. Du Buisson knows first hand that Japp is pleased with the placement of her studio: “She called me from her studio six months after construction of the house was complete raving about the amount of light that was pouring in.”
The living areas feature unique wall designs where internal walls do not touch perimeter walls. This gives the feeling of open space that flows from one end of the home to another. “Someone sitting in the living room can talk freely and easily with someone in the kitchen,” the architect explains. The idea of open space is repeated on the second floor with a large pivoting door that opens into the master bedroom. The long corridor that leads to the bedroom is used to exhibit art and when the massive door remains open, the walls appear continuous.
Modest cost considerations defined many aspects of the design. For instance, the house was designed to be 20 feet wide. Since this is a standard length of wood, the additional cost of customized lumber and joists was avoided. Plywood veneer is used for much of the flooring throughout the home. This material allows the owners to inexpensively stain the floor different colors in the house. Du Buisson also points out that this type of flooring can be removed and easily replaced later on if the couple should desire a new look or want to spend more money.
While the challenges facing the architect at first glance might appear enormous, Du Buisson rose to the occasion with considerable finesse. Providing a pleasing live/work environment (with great views) for individuals with two very distinct points of view, and doing it within a defined budget, proves that with the right point of view obstacles can become stepping stones to success.
By Randi Greenberg
Gross square
footage
3,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost:
$225,000
View
complete specs
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