Did you catch the buzz surrounding one of our Urban Commons homes in Lake Highlands? Candy’s Dirt recently published a deep-dive written by Karen Eubank explaining why this unique property has become a TikTok sensation. This article breaks down the architectural choices that set this home apart and includes interviews with the builder and community developer Diane Cheatham.
Read an excerpt below or the entire story here.
Urban Commons is the newest development from the brilliant Diane Cheatham, CEO of Urban Edge Developers Ltd. Her Urban Reserve project set a new standard for building in Dallas. Many people did not get it, but those who did, embraced it, and clamored for more. And Cheatham delivered.
Urban Commons, like Urban Reserve, is entirely about progressive design. Cheatham invited award-winning architects and builders who think outside the box to create this sustainable community.
One of the homes is getting a lot of attention — not for what it has, but for what it does not have. Who would have thought a lack of sheetrock would create a social media frenzy?
That’s right, no sheetrock. Some might think there’s no insulation, so it’s got to be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. What about soundproofing? Does it smell like Home Depot’s lumber department? That is what has been trending on Reddit’s TikTok Cringe, a place to discuss some cringy takes on TikTok. As we have all experienced, social media is not a place for intellectual discourse.
I decided to investigate this conundrum because Compass Realtor Thomas Rhodes clearly states in his listing information for 901 Blackland Court in Urban Commons that the no-sheetrock approach is intentional.
“Notably, the home is purposefully built without sheetrock, emphasizing its avant-garde approach to design,” wrote Thomas Rhodes.
The 2,200-square-foot avant-garde home was designed by architect Scott Marek and built by Garrett Ratner of Ripple D + B. So, for our TikTok buffs, these two gentlemen are beyond smart and talented. They don’t slap stuff up just to generate buzz on social media platforms. Remember, Urban Commons is purposely designed to be different.
“When Garrett came to us with the idea of exposing the framing from a construction standpoint, well, architects look at framing as the authentic self of the build, so we’ve always been interested in that,” Scott Marek said.
“You need to understand what is going on in this home,” the builder Ratner said. “The house is essentially wrapped in a thermal jacket. In fact, this is a superior and more costly way to insulate, which is why you seldom see it. Architects and builders understand what is happening here, but consumers are not used to seeing it.
“Go to a cabin in Colorado or Martha’s Vineyard, and you’ll see wood walls and ceilings. Remember sheetrock is just the cheapest way to put interior walls up. We did this to present a different look. It’s interesting. Think about it. If you want a shelf somewhere, you can add it!”
Read the full article at Candy’s Dirt.
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