There are many unifying elements in Japanese and Scandinavian design, such as minimalism, nature-forward features, and an appreciation for fine craftsmanship. Unsurprisingly, these elements work well in a mountainous setting, especially when taking into consideration the beautiful natural materials on offer in the Southeast. Here, the home’s entryway sets the stage for the elevated simplicity within. The exteriors sport contemporary black siding and pale stone, giving way to welcoming interiors in rich wood tones, uninterrupted lines, and ample natural light.
In this build, architectural features are prized in their own right, with a showcase of paneled ceilings, exposed steel beams, and a nearly seamless foundation of polished concrete flooring throughout.
To see more from Surface Architecture & Design, visit surfacearch.com.
The interiors were imagined in concert with the architectural design, allowing the homeowners to customize the space to their needs and aesthetic preferences. While the home is based on an open plan, the entertaining spaces maintain an effortless distinction. This is thanks in part to thoughtful accents, such as decorative ceilings and stone partitions. The pared-back furnishings in this living room are in line with the Danish “hygge” concept of comfort and coziness, with a glowing linear fireplace to elevate the welcoming mood.
As part of their efforts to integrate the house with the surrounding scenery, the Surface Architecture & Design team worked to preserve as many trees on the property as possible. “Inevitably, we had to cut some in order to build the home,” Bridges says. “Though it was a long process, we milled the lumber from the cut tress and partnered with a local craftsman to build several elements and furniture pieces for the home. So, while we had to sacrifice some trees for the home, they didn’t have to move very far.”
As with the rest of the interiors, the kitchen presents uncluttered beauty. This space is punctuated by a sleek black island with delicate white veining and waterfall edges. Overhead, three pendant lights consisting of frosted glass offer a cozy glow. The fashion of unbroken surfaces and crisp lines is continued in slab-style cabinetry, adding expansive drawer storage to the meal prep area alongside an elegantly hidden pantry. Rounding out the kitchen is a narrow tile backsplash, layering dimension into this sophisticated entertaining area.
Countertops: Granite Warehouse
Nowhere is comfort more sought after than in the primary suite. Here, a modern platform bed is dressed with lush textiles, while gray walls add depth and calmness. The pendant lamps echo the silhouette of a Japanese pagoda, infusing the room with warm light. As seen throughout this home, subdued yet intentional lighting brings out the rich tones in wooden furnishings, setting the home aglow in the darker hours of the day
Closets: Chattanooga Closet Company
With a home grounded in design principles that highlight simplicity and relaxation, it’s no surprise that the primary bathroom exudes sauna-like luxury. A spacious walk-in shower includes a soaking tub sitting atop a wooden platform. The tiling here perfectly reflects the earth tones outside, dressing the shower area in jade green and pebble flooring for a natural feel.
Tile: Louisville Tile
While most living spaces in this modern home prioritize calming neutrals, the choice to include color becomes all the more impactful. Here, a guest bath is saturated in a rich blue with gold accents, while the mudroom boasts a cheery and vibrant orange. These rooms maintain the harmony of subdued, modern design while also incorporating mindful and energetic hues.
“Asian, Scandinavian, and (their cousin) mid-century modern styles have been a popular trend in our office, due to both our clientele’s desires and also a collective appreciation from our team. I think the aesthetic and visual comfort afforded by these styles is a good antithesis to a seemingly more and more stressful world.” –Michael Bridges, Surface Architecture & Design
Ultimately, guests are directed outdoors to soak in the surrounding beauty and enjoy the exterior entertaining spaces. While designing the exteriors, the Surface Architecture & Design team explored ways to craft the unique house silhouette. “Sometimes the simplest-looking details are the most challenging to design and build,” Bridges says. “We wanted to emphasize a pagoda-like feel to the roof edges. In order to achieve that, we felt it important to extend the overhangs to much deeper than typical, and also to create the sharpest edge that we could, virtually eliminating the fascia, or outer vertical edge of the roof. Fortunately, collaboration between the design team and build team allowed us to provide the owner with this unique but unassuming detail.”
These unassuming details make a big difference, resulting in a home that is uniquely elegant. Drawing on rich cultural design traditions from across the world, this Japandi home is an understated twist on modern design.
Other suppliers:
Appliances and plumbing fixtures: Ferguson
Cabinetry: Francisco Mendoza
Custom installs: Carter Ellis, Ellis Table Co.
Exterior doors, trim, and windows: Builders FirstSource
Fireplace: Hearthside Hearth & Home
Flooring: Castillo Brothers Painting
Hardscaping: Riley Construction & Hardscapes, LLC
Spa: ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company of Chattanooga
Stone: Acme Brick, Tile & Stone
