Twelve years ago, when this property was purchased, the backyard was dominated by a crumbling concrete block building that had once housed a ceramics studio but had since deteriorated into a rarely used storage unit. The remaining yard boasted a trampoline, a playhouse, and a zip line—a veritable playground for younger children, but not much to hold the attention of older kids, much less their parents. That's where this transformation began: a bold redesign to turn an underutilized space into a versatile amenity for the entire family and their guests.
Inspiration for the new structure stemmed from the elemental shape of a garden shed, reimagined as a modern container emerging from a lush landscape. Dark metal cladding helps the building recess into view, and it will continue to merge with the site as the landscape grows. The natural patina of the cedar wood siding on either side reduces the appearance of width and highlights the simple form of the main structure. The star attraction is a sleek pool situated at the forefront, unfolding from steel entry doors sheltered by a cedar pergola entwined with fragrant Star Jasmine and Lady Banks’ Rose—a perfect sun-dappled retreat.
The black exterior cladding wraps around an interior that surprises with its play of pattern, color, and light. Designed to feel expansive despite its compact size, the interior space is adaptable as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)—ideal as a pool house, in-law suite, or rental property, changing with the family's needs over time. Vaulted ceilings soar throughout the central structure, which includes a sleeping loft above the open kitchen.
The interior palette draws from richly patterned Italian marble terrazzo, featuring jewel-toned greens and terracotta against a backdrop of creamy white. The kitchen serves as a visual anchor with its striking pattern and color scheme. Cleverly integrated storage solutions - like hidden drawers under stairs and low cabinets - tuck out of the way to maintain an airy atmosphere throughout. The bathroom, finished in hand-troweled micro-cement for a spa-like feel, serves as a waterproofed wet room, blending function with serene aesthetics. Ascending a compact flight of stairs to the sleeping loft, a green welded wire mesh enclosure supports pots of trailing pothos, creating a garden-inspired division from the living area below.
The ADU construction was meticulously considered with top-notch materials such as standing seam metal roofing and siding, ensuring a waterproof seal for the entire structure. Utilizing cedar siding in a rain-screen configuration not only promotes thorough drying of the wood post-rain but also bolsters the weather barrier with an extra air layer for added protection. With six-inch stud wall construction, the thermal insulation surpasses standard code requirements, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and comfort levels.
This redesign from Studio Wythe revitalizes the backyard while enriching family life with a space that harmonizes beauty, function, and adaptability.
The ADU and associated main house renovation will be featured during the Atlanta Design Festival and will be open for tours on October 5th and 6th. Details at atlantadesigngfestival.net.