Wood Screen House
Nashville, TN
Architect: Michael Goorevich
General Contractor: Bryan Contractors
Millwork: Roger Gramm of Just Plane Wood
Landscape Design: Sari Barton
Furnishings: Katy Chudacoff
Structural Engineer: Ruth Alwes
Civil Engineer: Phillip Pierce
Photography: Kristian Alveo
Video: Pearl MF
Original Series
People
History & Vision
Mary DiVittorio and Dan Grecco married in 2017 and started searching for a home together. Mary had a 1975 Tudor-style house, and Dan lived closer to the city, but they wanted a place that belonged to both of them. After a year of searching without success, they chose to build their dream home on the lot of Mary's house. Mary had gathered ideas from magazines over the years and hired Nashville architect Michael Goorevich for the project. Originally from upstate New York, Goorevich aimed to explore authentic Tennessee architecture. He drew inspiration from Tennessee's log cabins and created a modern style that reflects Nashville's heritage. This style attracted Mary and Dan as they wanted a home that connected to its landscape.
Mary and Dan had a clear idea for their home, and Goorevich helped make it happen. They wanted a house that showcased the seasons, influencing many design choices. Their dream was a glass house, resulting in an open layout with floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed natural light all day. While the final design was stunning in every detail, it came with its challenges.
Design & Construction Photos
Obstacles
Goorevich’s first design of the Wood Screen House didn’t go as planned. When he showed Dan and Mary the model, they didn't even recognize it as their future home. It was clear that the design didn’t meet their expectations. After discussing their concerns, he realized Mary wanted a home similar to her old Tudor house. This understanding led him to create a new design that resembled her previous home, which was well-received. Dan and Mary actively participated in the design process, meeting frequently with Goorevich. Their close collaboration was crucial in addressing the challenges that came up during the project.
The biggest challenge was designing and building the floating staircase and second floor. The staircase was crucial to the project, and its incorporation required advanced engineering. Because of the front wall of windows, a large supporting column had to be added in the center of the first floor to support the second floor. This column also made the floating staircase possible. Worcester Bryan from Bryan Contractors discussed how precise the staircase design had to be, ensuring the landing aligned perfectly with the front door and the spacing between steps was even. The white oak stairs along the glass wall are mounted with steel plates and fully supported by the column.
Standout Features
Wood Screen House features a stunning floating second floor and staircase, along with other engaging elements. The exterior screens, made from Kebony wood, both hide and reveal, promoting a connection to the landscape while reducing afternoon sun in the kitchen. Wooden slats are also found inside the house, creating a cohesive look and solving practical issues like covering air vents. Roger Gramm from Just Plane Wood contributed custom millwork throughout, including cabinets, a bar, vanities, and a cleverly hidden front door added for easier garden access. The door blends with the exterior, preserving the design's integrity while allowing Mary to reach her garden.
Photography
Living the Dream
Every detail of the Wood Screen House shows how Mary and Dan use their space daily. Mary's passion for gardening and their wish to connect with nature guided their design choices. Gardening is central to Mary's life, making the landscape a crucial part of their home. Although she usually gardens alone, she sought help to realize her vision for the new space. Landscape designer Sari Barton collaborated with her to create a solid foundation that she could continually develop.
