- Wright Studies
Seamour and Gerte Shavin Residence, Chattanooga, Tennessee (1950) (S.339)
On a trip from Atlanta to Seattle with my daughter, we had a few short minutes to stop and see the Seamour and Gerte Shavin Residence. It is just a few minutes off the interstate in Chattanooga, and is the only work in Tennessee. It was designed in 1950 on a four foot grid, and completed in 1952, this Wright residence is truly a work of art. Marvin Bachman, an apprentice of Wright, supervised the construction until his death in an automobile accident. There are many classic Wright details. The stonework, reminiscent of Fallingwater, is native Tennessee Crab Orchard sandstone. Mitered glass corners. A wood framed corner glass doors that opens outward. A stunning example of a 12 x 16 x 16 foot cantilevered roof over the carport that is similar to the Goetsch-Winkler home. There are double clerestory windows with cut-wood light screens. A hidden entrance. The Shavins used native red cypress trim on both the interior and exterior of the house. I did not have the opportunity to view the interior of the home, but like many of Wright’s homes, he designed the furniture and many of the built-ins. There is a beautiful example of a music stand, dining room table and chairs, and winged back chairs, and of course, a large centrally located stone fireplace. Although Seamour Shavin passed away in March of 2005, his wife Gerte still resides in the home. June 2008.
Original drawing of the Shavin Residence. Detail from original drawing.
Exterior Photographs By Douglas Steiner, June 2008
There are many classic Wright details. The stonework, reminiscent of Fallingwater, is native Tennessee Crab Orchard sandstone. Mitered glass corners. A wood framed corner glass doors that opens outward. A stunning example of a 12 x 16 x 16 foot cantilevered roof over the carport that is similar to the Goetsch-Winkler home. There are double clerestory windows with cut-wood light screens. A hidden entrance. The Shavins used native red cypress trim on both the interior and exterior of the house.
Text and Photographs by Douglas M. Steiner, Copyright 2008
Interior Photographs By James on the Elk River, March 2004
I did not have the opportunity to view the interior of the residence. There are many classic Wright details. The stonework, reminiscent of Fallingwater, is native Tennessee Crab Orchard sandstone. Mitered glass corners. A wood framed corner glass doors that opens outward. There are double clerestory windows with cut-wood light screens. The Shavins used native red cypress trim on both the interior and exterior of the house. Like many of Wright’s homes, he designed the furniture and many of the built-ins. There is a beautiful example of a music stand, dining room table and chairs, winged back chairs, and of course, a large centrally located stone fireplace. The interior photographs are courtesy James on the Elk River, www.waymarking.com 2004. Images taken March 29, 2004.
Text by Douglas M. Steiner, Copyright 2008
Floor Plan Floor plan copyright 1993, “The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion” Storrer, William Allin, page 360.
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