Resplendence Above the River

 

 

Vying for the View

After moving from the flattest state in the country, the homeowners’ top priority was finding the perfect mountaintop site for their custom home, ideally a bluff-edge home with panoramic views.

From the beginning, Hefferlin and her team organized the home’s layout to help that dream come to life. The lot’s stunning views of the Tennessee Valley drove many of the project’s defining moves, beginning from the moment the front door opens.

“Upon entry, there is a moment of compression before the space rapidly expands to a wall of windows, framing the panoramic view and furthering the feeling of living above the clouds,” shares Hefferlin.

Multiple skylights throughout the home only continue this effect, illuminating the house with shafts of golden sunlight throughout the day. Custom millwork, concrete and walnut accents, and the owners’ expansive fine and folk art collection also abound throughout the home, creating a contemporary, yet simplistic, design.

 

To see more from HK Architects, visit hkarchitects.net.

 

 

 

Further into the home, a double-sided fireplace anchors the living room and dining area, allowing each space to feel distinct without being disconnected.

“The floor plan is organized to promote clear flow, supporting both entertaining and daily living while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape,” says Nick Messerlian, principal architect who leads the interior design studio at HK Architects.

Soaring ceilings and expansive windows contribute to the room’s open, airy feel, while a warm wood dining table and natural wood detailing maintain an atmosphere that’s warm, welcoming, and lived-in. Statement pendant fixtures add a unique touch of character to the space, while stark white walls beautifully highlight the homeowners’ art collection adorning the walls.

“The consistent use of neutral finishes, paired with carefully placed moments of material expression, results in a cohesive environment that feels both calm and intentional while still allowing for visual interest and variation,” says Messerlian.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This same concept continues into the living area, where a low-profile gray sectional, sleek black lounge chairs, and layered natural textures create a space that feels both refined and inviting.

Just steps away in the kitchen, ebony-stained, quarter-sawn white oak cabinetry with a soft, satin finish takes center stage, and transom windows and under-cabinet lighting illuminate the prep space while maintaining the room’s clean, streamlined look. Locally sourced concrete countertops provide a unique and highly durable touch, and a row of minimalistic barstools nest under the bar, saving space while also offering plenty of room for hosting loved ones.

 

“Features that support modern life are integrated throughout the home, but the driving force behind the design is specificity. The house is tailored to its owners, reflecting how they live and what they value. Rather than adhering to a particular style or trend, the design prioritizes a custom response to the client’s needs, resulting in a home that is both personal and enduring.” – Heidi Hefferlin, HK Architects

 

 

 

 

Stepping into the primary suite, light wood flooring and neutral-toned bedding allow views of the valley to once again take center stage. Expansive windows and soaring ceilings fill the space with natural light while reinforcing the home’s connection to the surrounding landscape.

“With floor-to-ceiling glazing, this room is oriented to take full advantage of the view, allowing the owners to experience the valley and its changing light each morning,” says Messerlian. “A floating partition defines the bedroom while concealing a custom closet behind it, maintaining openness while supporting daily use.”

A rich-toned, walnut-paneled wall and matching black sconce lighting anchor the room, while a red accent rug introduces a bold pop of color against the home’s otherwise restrained palette.

 

 

 

The en suite is defined by clean lines, warm wood cabinetry, and age-in-place features. Locally crafted concrete countertops introduce subtle texture and craftsmanship to the space, while the curbless, roll-in shower adds seamless accessibility without compromising the room’s elevated style.

With its thoughtful blend of modern architecture, warm natural materials, and panoramic views of the Tennessee Valley, the house strikes the perfect balance between bold design and everyday livability, ensuring its owners will enjoy their resplendence above the river for years to come.

 

Tile: Stone Source Inc.

 

Other suppliers:

Appliances and plumbing fixtures: Ferguson
Builder: John Gildernew Construction
Cabinetry and closets: Cornerstone Cabinetry, Inc.
Countertops, custom installs, and ironwork: Set in Stone 
Exterior doors: Andersen; Set in Stone
Hardscaping and landscaping: Jimmy Stewart, Garden Designs; Wade Anderson
Interior doors: R.G. & Associates, Inc.
Lighting: SESCO Lighting
Tile: Louisville Tile
Windows: Andersen
Window treatments: Chattanooga Blinds