SkyCottage

This three-story residence occupies a tiny, pie-shaped corner lot with a view of the Mississippi River. The parti demonstrates an interest in abiding by the rules set forth in the neighborhood, yet also bending them as a response to the River.

The result is the composition of two architectural volumes. A white-brick cube aligns itself with the established streetscape of rowhouses, and an elevated alloy-coated steel box resists this grid by transversing the cube in both directions, responding directly to the River view.

The house is a series of experiences that are directed by view and movement. The first floor has floor-to-ceiling glass that defines a combination of entry, patio and guestroom spaces. The visitor moves up and into the home’s living level, which reveals an intensely focused view of the River. Lastly, one ascends to the most private zone, the master suite. It includes a dramatic view of the River, a sweeping vista to the north, and a rare city view to the south.

The design provides an extremely high ratio of green-space-to-buildable-area than is found elsewhere in the development. The home’s footprint consumes only 44% of this area. Open view sheds are maintained for neighboring homes and the casual passerby.

SkyCottage is the first Tennessee residence designed and owned by an architect that has been submitted for LEED for Homes Certification.