ASCENSION COURT
Knoxville, TN
Mixed-Use Residential
2024
Partners: Emma Tillis (etillis@vols.utk.edu)
Ryan Downard (rdownard@vols.utk.edu)
Softare Used: Rhino 7, Revit, COVE Tool, Adobe Creative Cloud, Enscape, V-Ray
The Homberg Drive area in Knoxville, Tennessee, lacks essential infrastructure and housing, despite its proximity to Kingston Pike, one of the city’s busiest streets. This project addresses these deficiencies by creating an accessible residential block at Homberg Drive and South Mohican Avenue.
A key feature is a central courtyard, introduced in response to the fragmented street grid and the need for a defined public-private realm. This space enhances connectivity while fostering community within the development.
The lower levels house Artisan’s Cove, a vibrant space with direct access to the main street, complemented by a restaurant. This ensures public engagement while maintaining a private alleyway for residents, offering both convenience and seclusion.
As a callback to the rustic style of Appalachian architecture, telephone poles were chosen to incorporate the aesthetic of pole-barn column structures. This decision also helps keep costs down for the families who would live here, as telephone poles are more affordable than standard wooden columns. As seen in the two sections here, the use of telephone poles allows for seamless integration with plumbing while maintaining open spaces underneath for parking and Artisan’s Cove, enhancing both functionality and design.
The site’s somewhat irregular shape allows for an extended west-to-east facade, maximizing sunlight on the southern exposure, as seen in the two floor plans to the left. A sawtooth form was chosen to optimize sun and wind conditions while maintaining a consistent column grid within the triangular layout. The central courtyard serves as a raised platform, providing circulation for residents and creating an interactive corridor that seamlessly connects both the street and the overall architecture.
The section below presents a north-to-south cut through the residential units, the discreetly positioned parking at the rear, the central courtyard and restaurant, and Artisan’s Cove fronting the street. As seen, while there is a distinct difference between the lower and upper floors, the courtyard connection allows for anyone to interact with the raised platform at the center, fostering movement and engagement. Residents have the opportunity to rent out space within the commercial area beneath their homes, further encouraging community interaction and providing a platform for showcasing or selling their artwork.