Text by Margaret Zainey Roux
Photography by Emily Followill
An empty nest can also be a full house—just ask Ken Pursley and Craig Dixon. When the architects embarked on plans for a 7,500-square-foot new build, their clients were transitioning from the home where they raised their children for more than 25 years to one designed for hosting friends, future generations of family, and their ever-growing collection of art glass.
A Contemporary Masterpiece Embraces Nature and Modern Living
A Contemporary Masterpiece Embraces Nature and Modern Living
A Contemporary Masterpiece Embraces Nature and Modern Living
A Contemporary Masterpiece Embraces Nature and Modern Living
A Contemporary Masterpiece Embraces Nature and Modern Living
“The goal wasn’t to downsize, but rather reallocate space to the areas of the house that were important to our clients and relevant to the way they would live in the house for years to come,” Pursley says.
Located in a quiet gated community in Charlotte, the contemporary structure is heavily influenced by the sloped land upon which it stands. With a stream on one side, a waterfall to another, and dense woodlands to the back, the unique topography presented challenges that the architects ultimately channeled into brilliant design opportunities.
“In many ways, the design is a response to the site,” Pursley says. “We wanted the home to unfold in an unexpected way, revealing a series of architectural moments that are linked together to achieve an overarching experience of discovery. Moving onto the property, into the motor court and then through the dramatically scaled pivoting entry door, leaves a mental impression on visitors even before they have experienced the interior spaces.”
Once inside, planes of custom-stained rift oak paneling and hardwood floors echo the natural splendor that is visible through the grand expanses of steel-clad windows and doors. Soft white walls and poplar plank ceilings wrap voluminous, sun-drenched spaces in warmth while forming a crisp backdrop for the furniture and accessories thoughtfully curated by interior designer Ray Booth of McAlpine.
“Because it was a total departure from their previous home, my clients decided to start fresh when it came to the furniture and finishes,” Booth says. “They wanted a clean, contemporary aesthetic, but comfort was crucial. We prioritized scale and proportion and opted for pieces that allow you to curl up, sit crisscross, and even throw your legs over the arm of the sofa or chair because good furniture is the foundation for good conversation. It engages you and therefore encourages you to take time out to engage with others.”
For the textiles, Booth assembled a mix of hardworking wool, chenille, and woven cotton fabrics and rugs with tone-on-tone patterns and rich textures that cannot only be felt but also seen. The neutral palette—comprised primarily of whites, blacks, and grays ranging in saturation and sheen from ash to charcoal and silver to steel—pops with hints of blue in such hues as slate and sapphire. According to the interior designer, keeping the color scheme quiet was the key to allowing his clients’ world-class art glass collection to sing.
“We began collecting art glass early on in our marriage,” says the homeowner, who is particularly drawn to the works of Dale Chihuly, Kate Vogel, Lino Tagliapietra, and John Kuhn. “We have met several artists whose work we have acquired and, in some cases, even watched them work to see how our pieces came together. We are fascinated by the ‘liquid’ nature of art glass as well as its intricate shape, design, and coloring and love how our home honors each piece.”
