Form Meets Function
/A modern take on the Southern home
Story by Cara Sievers | Built by Uhlhorn Brothers | Architecture by Shapiro and Company | Interior Design by Murphy Maude Interiors | Photography by Annabella Charles
It’s grand. It’s luxurious. There’s a wow factor, for sure. But it’s also warm, eclectic, inviting. And above all, this modern Southern home is functional and comfortable.
Situated on a wooded one-acre lot that was recently subdivided for two gorgeous new builds is this unique Grandview Avenue residence, designed by Shapiro & Company Architects and built by Uhlhorn Brothers, LLC, with design by Murphy Maude Interiors. Uhlhorn Brothers bought the property in 2021, then developed it into two lots. Walker named the development Wynne Oaks (after his daughter, Wynne). The existing, mature landscaping was beautiful, and Uhlhorn worked throughout the entire process to preserve as much as possible. Two, over 100-year-old water oaks—which required delicate care and deep-root injections throughout the construction process—frame the face of this distinctive custom build and add to the mystery of whether this home has been here for a second or a century.
“Trends come and go, but as classically trained architects, we understand what makes something retain its timeless beauty, both in design and materials,” says Brad Shapiro of Shapiro & Company Architects. “This home, despite being custom-built and brand new, fits right in with Memphis’ rich history of distinct, high-quality residential architecture.”
“Mixed material usage adds to the character and warmth of the house, starting with the exterior. The home is covered with a tumbled limestone veneer, juxtaposed by a more traditional Hardie plank siding and regal stacked stone. The shingled roof ebbs and flows over the elevation of the home and features occasional pops of metal to add interest”, as noted by Mary Davis, the architectural designer with Shapiro.
“The substantial limestone-framed entry makes a statement, but in a muted luxe fashion that continues throughout the interior of the home. Once inside a herringbone-inlay Spanish cedar front door, guests are greeted with 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, granting a view of the bluestone pool and manicured landscape”, continued Davis.
The architectural goal of the home’s layout was a “slow reveal, with a different, inviting space around every corner,” says Shapiro. This flow is apparent as one moves into the family room, which is flooded by even more natural light. Ten-foot custom French doors topped with 3.5-foot transoms lead out onto the pool deck, creating a picturesque view from the large, yet informal, dining table for eight.
The home continues to unfold as it meanders along; not all at once, but with another appealing vignette around every turn. In the family room, a vast two-way gas fireplace flanked in black leathered granite serves as a centerpiece for the room and for conversation. Around the corner from the fireplace is a temperature-controlled, 850-bottle wine grotto, a collector’s dream conveniently located next to a wet bar for easy entertaining.
“The architects and designers worked together to give us a plan that worked for the homeowner, enabling him to have an ideal space for entertaining while keeping this a comfortable family home,” says Walker Uhlhorn, partner of Uhlhorn Brothers Construction, LLC. “The layout and design of this build keeps the 7,000 square feet of living space cozy and welcoming. It’s what the homeowner really wanted.”
The kitchen is a collection of standout elements, starting with the plum-colored, French-style Lacanche range as the centerpiece. An aubergine thread in the granite behind the stove highlights the hue perfectly, and is topped by a Venetian plaster hood finished with metallic gold paint by Bridgette Speak. Quartzite waterfall countertops cover two massive islands, one for prep and one with seating for casual meals. But there’s also the option of dining in a charming little breakfast nook surrounded by a comfy banquette. The beautifully articulated kitchen is crowned by six striking antique light globes that perfectly embody the quiet boldness of this home.
Just off the kitchen is a nice-sized scullery and butler’s pantry. Cabinets in a moody gray-green and black soapstone countertops create a covert little “backstage” feel to this walk-through caterer’s kitchen. Convenient pocket doors on either side allow for closing off the space while entertaining, if needed.
Speaking of entertaining, this home was built to fit the land, so it wouldn’t be complete without an outdoor entertaining space. The ceilings compress slightly moving through a nestled breezeway onto the screened-in porch. Here, the space opens up again dramatically to a 20-foot, A-line, cedar tongue-and-groove ceiling. Bahama shutters sustain the airflow in the space: built-in heaters and a wood-burning fireplace extend the use of the porch year-round. For open-air living, a remote-controlled retractable screen raises to eliminate almost the entire western wall of the porch that faces the stunning pool area built by Eric Goode, enabling unobstructed flow between the home’s interior and exterior.
After a day of entertaining, this house offers plenty of spaces for rest and respite. The primary bedroom is housed in its own wing off the entryway, and also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows on one full wall. A commissioned blonde oak bed, flanked by simply elegant floating side tables, grounds the room. The headboard wall is softened with Venetian plaster, and accented by a custom, built-in bookcase with undulating lines and unique niches built by Rob Thompson.
In the primary bath, natural hues, exceptional lighting and muted finishes create a zen feel. A soaker tub sits in front of the real star of the show, a walk-through, dual-head steam shower. Dark expanses of tile are accentuated with exquisite polished brass fixtures that give this retreat a classic, spa-like feel. The adjacent laundry room, built specifically for the primary suite, is a shining example of how this home was truly built for the way its owner wanted to live.
The central stairs lead to three more bedrooms and a bunk room that sleeps four off the second-floor landing, but the staircase in itself is remarkable. More than a utilitarian necessity, this staircase is a work of art that draws attention upon entering the home. Specially constructed with bendable sheetrock and Venetian plaster, the home’s plaster artist, Bridgette Speak, worked diligently to bring to life the homeowner’s desired design. The traditional shape of the staircase is complemented by smooth, organic curves, adding to the home’s emphasis on natural flow.
The stairs lead the eye up to an impactful art installation designed by Murphy Maude Interiors. Over a dozen sculpted rattan pendant lights hang in various lengths, playing again with form and function, and melding contemporary design with warm, natural materials.
“The homeowners wanted a space that was relaxed, organic and natural, but elevated,” describes Lesley Bell of Murphy Maude Interiors. “We hand-selected all of the interiors to fit their eclectic taste, choosing unique but casual pieces that never felt too heavy or boxy or refined.”
With these goals in mind, the design team has created a space that feels fresh and different, but also classic and comfortable. It’s as if the home has evolved into a collection of personalized spaces and moments, not newly built, but created over a long period of time. Even though the home has only existed for a second, its expert design will certainly last a century.
