Allison&Graham: Vernacular Memphis Homes Meet Dark, Dashing Upgrades

In the heart of Memphis, Allison&Graham Houses make a big visual impact thanks to their unique design that combines the vernacular with the modern in a seamless fashion. Designed by Archimania, the lower half of these beautiful modern residences was crafted using concrete and dark wooden panels while the top half shouts out ‘Memphis-style’ with a gabled roof and an exterior in white. This smart design gives the impression of a home that seems to float in mid air when viewed from a distance and after sunset. The most impressive aspect of the house is definitely its interior that feels polished and spacious.

Allison&Graham house in Memphis

Despite its elongated form, the homes feel spacious at every turn with a color scheme in white and wood taking over for the most part. Black makes its presence felt on the lower level that contains the kitchen, dining area and living room while the upper floor holds the bedrooms and the bathrooms. A wooden deck extends the house into the yard outside and the transition between the interior and outdoors is flawless.

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Vernacular home on dark lower level in Memphis stands out visually from the street
View of the Allison&Graham House from the street after sunset
White minimal interior of the Allison&Graham Houses in Memphis
Wood and white along with dark base of the house interact beautifully
Wooden shelves along with a touch of gray for the fireplace
Allison&Graham interior with modern minimal look
All-white workspace on the upper level of the house

A minimal landscaping strategy employs three simple elements: a series of green walls which visually tie the three houses together, side yard lawns, and a linear rain garden that limits the amount of stormwater runoff from the site and provides a buffer between each house and the sidewalk.

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Black wood clad base of the house allows it to blend in with the backdrop
Site plan of Allison&Graham House in Memphis
Three bedroom house plan with compact design
Floor plan of the two bedroom house in Memphis

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