Cowart Garage & Studio

Addition
Chattanooga, TN

Tree Studio is part of a downtown Chattanooga development of seven affordable urban townhouses. The unit was built as both a spec suite as well as the personal apartment for the architects. Units in the development range from 1,400 to 1,800 square feet, and were designed around the principles of elegance, simplicity and openness in both their form and materiality. The units are filled with natural light from the south, north, and even above by a skylight over the open stair that serves as a light-filled atrium at the center of each unit. Along with interior access to views, the architects also prioritized outdoor living space, giving each unit two porches as well as access to a third-story roof deck that offers an outdoor living room with panoramic views. 

The addition of the townhouse and its garages solved a problem for the block as well. Before its construction, crime rate was high in the area because the alley provided a quick-getaway for stolen cars and car break-ins. The complex created a dead-end that cut off this passageway, and crime rates quickly receded.

This studio contains special detailing throughout, including built-in millwork like the book cases in the main living space, as well as a back garage with an artist studio above that acts as a live/work space. The townhouse unit is an excellent example of the myriad of configurations and detailing available for residents of 1800 Cowart.