Cora - East Nashville, TN (2023)
Designed for an artist and her family, this home balances strength and lightness, grounding and openness. The first floor, constructed of thick masonry brick walls, establishes a solid, protective foundation. At its core, a spacious entry courtyard acts as the heart of the home, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. From this courtyard, the front door leads into a breathtaking double-height living room, where light pours in and space expands upward, creating a sense of openness and inspiration.
In contrast, the second floor feels like a floating retreat, designed with warm wood and an abundance of windows that frame the surrounding landscape. The lighter structure and large openings make the upper level feel airy, almost as if suspended in the trees. Skylights punctuate the roof, drawing natural light deep into the space and enhancing the ethereal quality of the home.
This interplay between the heavy, grounding materials of the lower level and the delicate, light-filled upper level creates a dynamic living environment—one that nurtures creativity while offering a peaceful sanctuary for family life. The result is a home that is both a place of artistic inspiration and a warm, welcoming refuge.