SGA Architecture, LLC

A young family purchased a 3.4 acre developed residential property within the city limits of Greenville, SC. The sloped property consisted of the original abandoned house, a dilapidated greenhouse, a pool, and a large pond, created by a dam in a creek that ran through the lower part of the property.

The main idea for a new house was simple: make a family-friendly house that feels like a museum. Other requirements were the use of natural materials; design the new house to sit on the existing building footprint; program the primary living spaces and bedrooms on the main level with additional living and recreational spaces on the ground floor; bring the outdoors in; replace the greenhouse with a guesthouse; and regrade the swimming pool for a new pool and pool house.

The grade of the site rises up from the street. The driveway was rerouted, meandering past evergreen trees and the guesthouse, arriving at a guest parking area below the front entry. The driveway continues up behind the house to a covered motor court, a natural extension of the house. Stepped massing and low-sloped hipped roofs blend the large house into the surrounding landscape.
The limited exterior palette consists of custom-milled cedar shiplap siding, board-formed concrete, glass and a standing-seam metal roof. Exposed, wide-flange steel columns support the motor court and front ipe deck. Guardrails are simple steel frames with cable rail. The exterior entry stairs are formed concrete treads and open risers.

The quality of light inside the house is diffused and controlled with large exterior windows protected by 4-foot roof overhangs, skylight wells, interior glass walls, and an open, but meandering, floor plan. Drywall planes are white, and the floor plane is blonde maple. Disciplined vetting of all materials and details eliminated unnecessary decoration.

The front entrance runs alongside a board-formed concrete wall with an integrated ipe bench. The door is an over-sized steel-framed glass pivot door. Inside is a bent plate steel stair that connects the main level to the lower level. The stairwell is defined with a barn wood wall, frameless glass walls, and the board-formed concrete chimney. Clustered residential skylights flood the area with soft, natural light.

A larger skylight cluster centers the adjacent living room. The board-formed concrete fireplace has a cantilevered hearth and is lined with volcanic fire brick. A custom millwork wall houses the television and related storage.

The dining room opens to the ipe deck with two folding door systems that meet at the outside corner, and the kitchen opens to the dining room but remains separated from the living room. The kitchen layout encourages children to do homework while food is being prepared. The design is minimalistic, playing up the functionality. A third skylight cluster highlights the kitchen island. A folding window system opens the kitchen to the grill area of the deck and creates an informal indoor/outdoor bar. Kitchen support space is located close to the kitchen and the entrance from the motor court.

A family office is a transition space from the public space of the house to the master suite, complete with custom millwork storage, bench, and desk.
The master bedroom is scaled for comfort and intimacy. Large windows allow short views of the pool and distant views of the front yard. High windows and light tubes in the bathroom and closets bring in natural light while providing privacy.

The motor court entrance is also alongside a board-formed concrete wall with an integrated ipe bench that leads to a glass door and window assembly. The ceiling is an expanse of linear cedar decking. The natural slate floor provides durability and warmth. Adjacent spaces are a spacious mudroom with individual cubbies and an energetic laundry room with yellow casework, an anomaly in the predominantly white house.

The kids’ studio and bedroom suites are to the east of the entrance, providing privacy and space for creativity. Each bedroom is complete with an attached bathroom, built-in desk, and storage.
The lower level is directly connected to the yard and pool, enhancing the family’s love of the outdoors, sports and adventure. Large windows and doors bring in natural light and the polished concrete floor has dual function as foundation and light reflector.

The pool house is designed as a slight structural variation of the main house with a cantilevered roof and board-formed concrete walls that shelter pool storage, kitchenette, toilet, and outdoor shower.

The guest house is a retreat for visitors, complimentary and subordinate to the main house with an open living/dining area, kitchenette, and guest suite.

The pond was un-dammed and drained, providing the sloped landscape to be restored. When the summertime bats, fireflies, and frogs sweep, dance, and hum in the landscape, it is hard to imagine the residence is in close proximity of a city center.