Naturally Inspired

"The home expresses the energy of the site itself," says Schwartz, who is also a Georgia Tech-trained architect. "I call it artchitecture because it blurs the lines between the two."

While he's experienced in all areas of residential construction, from new homes to renovations and additions, Schwartz calls this project life-affirming in terms of what he wants to achieve as a builder. "I am really seeking to transition into a niche that will allow me to practice with the latitude to exercise my artistic discretion and interpretive skills," he says.

Schwartz eschews categorizing the 7,600-square-foot dwelling, instead calling it avant-garde. "The luxury market in this area is a very conservative one, and to call this house 'contemporary' connotes a style to buyers that really does not describe this house," he says. "It goes way beyond the bounds of the image that comes to mind with that description."

Schwartz acknowledges that the home's appeal will be limited to a select few in his high-end Atlanta market - which is exactly what he intended. "I really got tired of seeing the same things in new homes over and over again and recognized that there are buyers who feel the same way I do," he says. "I believe there is a suppressed demographic for this type of house." He predicts that the eventual owner will choose it precisely because it offers an alternative to the more traditional luxury homes available in metropolitan Atlanta. "Perhaps a professional athlete, an executive couple with older children, or even a local artist."

Although the $3.2 million home might break with stylistic convention, its functionality remains exceptionally broad. It features the trappings of a typical luxury residence, including a gourmet kitchen and spacious great room; a private master retreat with an office, a steam room and a sauna; comfortable secondary bedrooms; and space above the detached garage for an in-law or teen suite or an additional office. This space can be accessed directly from the motor court to maintain privacy for the main residence.

The home features a passive solar-assisted design. Insulation, orientation, ventilation and the preservation of existing vegetation contribute significantly to its heating and cooling. "Nearly all of the window openings are on the south and southeastern sides of the home," Schwartz says. "Not only did this work out well in terms of solar gain, but it also provided the most dramatic views."

Outside, more than 3,000 square feet of multilevel deck and terrace space facilitates circulation between indoor living areas and provides plenty of room for enjoying the sights and sounds of the 30-foot waterfall and retention pond that Schwartz incorporated into the 5-acre site.

The home's exterior and interior walls feature 4,200 square feet of stonework. Interspersed with a combination of porcelain tile and stucco, these rock walls not only serve a structural function but also allowed Schwartz to focus on the interplay of textures, color and light.

"I did a lot of this work myself," he says. "This was a very hands-on project for me. I experimented with 25 or more colors before making my selections." He chose a wide range of complementary shades, including yellow, taupe, terra cotta, gray and turquoise.

The effect, he says, is spectacular. "The walls function as foreground or background depending on where you are in the home, and the colors and textures look different as the sunlight varies throughout the day or as the seasons change."

The home was completed in June 2003.

Major Products Used | Appliances: KitchenAid | Countertops: granite | Cabinetry: custom | Doors: custom | HVAC: Ruud | Lighting: Juno | Windows: MW, Andersen | Cultured stone: Eldorado | Plumbing fixtures: Grohe, Moen | Roofing: Elk | Rugs: RugSmart Interiors (great room), Sharian (master suite) | Furniture: Leather World (leather), Diamond Teak (master suite) | Sculpture: Janice Metzel