Taking advantage of views out the front and back of this home was a unique challenge presented to architect Jay Caughman of Caughman + Caughman Architects. This sweet spot has sightlines of five different ridges, and nearly every one of the home’s 6,000 square feet keeps those vistas in mind.
By Candice Graham | Photography By Med Dement
Architect: Jay Caughman, Caughman + Caughman Architects
Builder: Darnell Bice
Separated Spaces
Connected to the kitchen, the great room is distinctly set apart by a taller ceiling height. “We changed the ceiling height in here to give the great room a grander presence,” explains Jay Caughman of Caughman + Caughman Architects, saying that taller transoms in this room allow for around two added feet of height. “We didn’t want the kitchen to feel like it’s a part of the great room. Making the ceiling taller separates the spaces.” Keeping the area open (the breakfast nook, screened-in porch, great room, and outdoor pool all flow together), but maintaining distinction was key. See more from Caughman + Caughman Architects at caughmanarchitects.com.
An arched ceiling in the dining room mimics the arch of the window and doorway, giving the room a private feel. Dramatic lighting comes in the form of two dimmable chandeliers and recessed perimeter fixtures that wash the walls in light. “We wanted the dining room to be formal. The rest of the house is fairly open, so we didn’t want to separate it completely. Finding that balance between separated and open was tricky,” says Caughman.
Typical hallways are dark and static, but not so with this bright, dynamic corridor created by Caughman. Passing points of interest along the way – a wet bar, a bench, and pods of floor-to-ceiling windows with backyard views – the walk never gets boring. “Typically I try not to design a lot of hallways, but this house was long to accommodate both views, so a hallway became necessary. We tried to make it as dynamic as we could,” Caughman explains.
Central to many places in the house, the kitchen was created with flow in mind. Clearances were kept open so that multiple people could cook at the same time. Dark soapstone makes up the countertop as well as the sink, and handmade backsplash tile brings in blue and green tones. Antique heart pine was culled through by the homeowner to ensure only the best pieces made it into the flooring.
Cabinetry and design: Ana Woodworks | Countertops and tile: Stone Source
On the opposite end of the house from the master bedroom, this sunroom is a private retreat. “You’re surrounded on three sides by glass and transoms, which allow this room to have both views – one to the back and one to the front,” Caughman explains.
Taking cues from the arched dining room ceiling, the bathroom brings the ceiling down on either side of the arch for intimacy. Tumbled travertine on the floor and walls creates an earthy aesthetic, and chocolate brown walls bring a moody warmth to the space. A window above the whirlpool tub lets in natural light and offers verdant views.
Other Suppliers:
Appliances: Siano Appliance Distributors
Concrete countertops: Set in Stone
Custom woodwork: Push Hard Lumber
Faux painting: Ambience Creations by Michelle Simpson
Flooring: Stein Construction, Woods Products Division
Lighting: Southern Lighting
Metal work: Breezin Metal Works
Pool: Chattanooga Pool & Patio, Inc
Tub and plumbing fixtures: Wholesale Plumbing, Inc.
Theater room & smart house components: Smarthomes Chattanooga
Windows: Pella
It’s not common that a backyard pool can be seen from the moment you step through the front door. But that vision was made a reality by Caughman in this home. “You can see all the way through the house when you enter, and you see the pool that disappears off the edge,” he says. Stamped concrete and stacked stone combine for a natural look. “The client kept a lot of trees so when you’re there you get the sense that you’re a part of nature,” says Caughman. “You’re up on a cliff, but there’s a coziness created by the tree canopy.” An outdoor kitchen and fireplace complete the outdoor area and make it a total recreational oasis.
