The Sylvan Park residence is a new house in a well-established, traditional neighborhood in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical of a tight urban lot in a sought-after area of the city, the footprint is maximized to make use of the valuable real estate. Rather than resort to the default modern box solution of lifeless flat geometries, a sculpted and traditional palette of brick and siding becomes the backdrop for more ornamental features like arched windows and custom railings. The main living room and front porch are purposefully positioned toward the front of the house to connect with neighbors and help establish important and integral community relationships. From the alley, the owner’s entrance includes a detached garage with a second-story apartment accompanied by a pool and inviting back porch.

The interior is characterized by light-filled, flowing spaces accentuated and softened with arched forms throughout. These are contrasted with meticulously crafted floating stairs, a steel pantry door, and slatted partitions. The mineral-washed fireplace receives the shadows of the adjacent ten-foot tall arched windows, illustrating the interplay of light and material throughout the day.