5 minute read
River of Dreams
A restaurant icon assembles an accomplished design team to bring his vision of a modernist dwelling to the shores of the Chattahoochee River
Natural Note A custom rock crystal chandelier by Christopher Boots from R Hughes illuminates an expandable wooden table by HellmanChang in the formal dining room.
AA LONGTIME FLY FISHERMAN and sailor, George McKerrow has enjoyed a lifelong love affair with the water. In fact, his aptly named restaurant, Canoe, one of many in his portfolio, is located along the banks of Atlanta’s Chattahoochee River. So, when a nearby 1-acre property hit the market, George and his wife, Ginair, planted a proverbial fl ag and hired architect Jordan Williams of Plexus R+D, builder Michael McLaughlin of Craft and interior designer Melanie Millner of The Design Atelier to design the modernist home they had long envisioned. “Our backyard is a canvas that moves with the weather and the time of the year.” says McKerrow. “It’s an ideal spot.” To capture those views while protecting against fl oods, the house is built atop concrete piers, its boomerang-like shape ensuring that the river can be seen from every room. On the street side, a sinuous stone wall conceals the piers, perfectly complementing the home’s white stucco and stained cypress exterior.
Outside the Box above Enclosed in glass, a fountain wall punctuates the cultured stone wall, off ering just a peek at the fl owing river on the other side. opposite The built-in walnut cabinetry, a stylish way to showcase pieces from the owners’ collection, adds a warm contrast to the cultured stone walls. “We thought it was important to bring the wood into the mix to get that warmth,” says designer Melanie Millner. “That was a key factor in making the space work.”
Interrupting the stone, a transparent wall of water offers visitors just a hint of the water on the other side of the residence. “The design allows the natural beauty of the site to unfold as one moves through the home,” says Williams.
Indeed, the anticipation builds as the compressed interior entry stairway leads to the second-fl oor great room, which features soaring ceilings and tall doors and windows overlooking the water. Holding its own against the view, a fl oor-to-ceiling walnut Mondrian-like confi guration of differently shaped cubbies contains treasured objects George and Ginair have collected through the years.
“Rather than creating something that’s very regular and predictable, we wanted to create a more dynamic pattern,” says Williams. “What defi nes the river is that it’s constantly moving, so we didn’t want the architecture to be static.”
The handsome installation is a unique focal point for contemporary but comfortable seating Millner selected to complement its warmth. Overhead, a trio of metal chandeliers pays homage to the disco ball hanging over the built-in bar in between the two exterior doorways. “Ginair has such a fun spirit and loves to entertain,” says Millner.
Airy Allure A pair of paintings by Todd Murphy and a vertical triptych by Joseph Guay add another layer to the open living room, where a sectional sofa by Minotti anchors a cozy seating area in front of the fi replace.
Daytime Drama The refl ective, fl at-front cabinetry by Poggenpohl grounds the kitchen, which features a cypress ceiling and porcelain tile fl ooring. Suspended from the ceiling, a large cabinet with frosted glass on both sides creates storage without interfering with the natural light from the bay window. The stools are from Design Within Reach.
The space is open to the kitchen, which was outfi tted with sleek white Poggenpohl cabinetry and white marble countertops. Suspended from six steel stems, a heavy hanging cabinet with frosted glass doors and backing creates additional storage without obstructing the natural daylight. “We had to consider that when we framed the house, which was months before we hung the cabinets,” says McLaughlin. “It took a tremendous amount of brainpower and forethought.”
That attention to every last detail is one of the many reasons George and Ginair are so happy in their new house. In fact, several months after the couple moved in, they hosted the entire design-build crew for a catered dinner, expressing their gratitude with a beautiful speech.
“There were a whole lot of people who put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this place, and we wanted to thank them,” says McKerrow. “This has been a wonderful adventure, and we look forward to being here a long time.” See Resources, Back of Book.
“WHAT DEFINES THE RIVER IS THAT IT’S CONSTANTLY MOVING, SO WE DIDN’T WANT THE ARCHITECTURE TO BE STATIC.” —JORDAN WILLIAMS
River Dance above Enclosed in glass, a fountain wall punctuates the cultured stone wall, off ering a peek at the river. left Designed by Jordan Williams of Plexus R+D and built by Michael McLaughlin of Craft, the home’s boomeranglike shape aff ords water views from every room. The entire home, including the swimming pool, is elevated on concrete piers inspired by the ones supporting the bridge at West Paces Ferry. opposite A Poggenpohl bar with a marble countertop complements the porcelain tile fl ooring.
Quiet Comfort A splash of green velvet brings a touch of the lush exterior into the zen-like master bedroom. “Ginair wanted a zen room where she could escape to and unwind from the day,” says Millner. “A cocoon to retreat to.” Upholstered in white leather, a modern chaise lounge off ers a spot to relax and read in the ethereal, lightfi lled master bedroom.
“THEY WANTED A CLASSIC, TIMELESS HOUSE, AND I THINK IT WILL BE ICONIC IN ITS DAY.” —MELANIE MILLNER
Natural Selection Inspired by the wood often used in boats, a teak ceiling adds a warm quality to the white marble and porcelain tile in the master bathroom.
