Located one block from the Atlanta BeltLine, Ashley Avenue II by Atlanta-based TaC studios was inspired by nature. Built for jewelry designers, the home features handcrafted and custom components, and the subdued interior’s rich woods and locally crafted furniture provide warmth and clear functionality. The house is 35 feet wide, creating a challenge to maintain connections between living spaces and the exterior courtyard, garden, and pool, and the spacious kitchen ties the house together at its heart. It showcases a stripped-down aesthetic and embodies an approach that blends the modern with the elemental.
A pocket door divides the kitchen and a pantry, which accommodates extensive shelving, an extra refrigerator, a prep area, and a dishwasher. The kitchen’s central waterfall countertop continues into the pantry, which unifies the two spaces. “The clients are great entertainers who wanted to be able to expand the gathering area on short notice to have everyone in the kitchen,” architect Cara Cummins said.
The kitchen’s details come together in an interplay between interior and exterior spaces. Large 12-foot sliding doors open from the kitchen to the terrace, which can be enclosed by retractable screens. Inside, opposite the kitchen, a white oak stair on a custom steel stringer rises to the roof level with detailing that allows for illuminated art displays. Custom millwork throughout the home was designed by TaC studios and built locally by McMeubel.
The architects selected materials with an eye toward their longevity: Brick, cementitious stucco, cement board, and ceramic roof pavers all emphasize lifecycle durability. The home features LED lighting throughout, lighting system controls, foam insulation, and high-performance windows. Outside, a bronzed screen blocks the setting sun and was made as a nod to the historic city blocks of the Old Fourth Ward.
Architecture & Interior Design: TaC studios Architecture, Cara Cummins, AIA
Location: Atlanta
Cabinetry: Design, TaC studios; fabrication, Gatto Kitchen Systems
Countertops: Neolith, Calcutta
Appliances: Miele
Flooring: Ceramic tile, Imola Concrete Project 48×48
Lighting: Pendant, SONNEMAN
Custom table and buffet: Design, TaC studios; fabrication, McMeubel
