International Wood Magazine

A Very Cool Place to Call Home

Magazine spread showing a covered porch with dining table, a white ranch-style home exterior with shiplap siding, and a close-up of a stained red grandis door with brass hardware.
A feature on the Mitchell family's Lake Lanier home in Cummings, Georgia, showcasing sapele and red grandis used throughout the interior doors, shutters and porch details alongside painted shiplap cypress siding.

Ground was broken for the Mitchell family's 3,700 square foot ranch-style residence in Cummings, Georgia in June of 2013. Despite pesky zoning and rain delays hampering the construction process, the Mitchells are not out of the woods yet. Indeed, they may never be out of the woods. Their brand new home literally abounds with wood of all kinds, including both exotic and domestic species.

Hal Mitchell, a self-described "wood fanatic," selected much of the wood for the Lake Lanier home, including the sapele and red grandis which is used extensively in the home. Jillian Mitchell, a commercial interior designer, was largely responsible for the home's interior and exterior design and many of the innovative wood applications.

Domestic and international woods compliment each other in unique applications throughout this home. Red grandis was stained to highlight the beautiful grain for the doors and casings, as well as the exterior shutters, while the porch swing is painted red grandis. Painted shiplap cypress was used for the exterior siding.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Mitchell family's ranch-style home located?+

The 3,700 square foot ranch-style residence is located on Lake Lanier in Cummings, Georgia. Ground was broken for the home in June of 2013.

What wood species were used in the Mitchell Lake Lanier home?+

The home features both exotic and domestic species, with sapele and red grandis used extensively throughout. Shiplap cypress was also used for the exterior siding.

Who selected the wood and designed the Mitchell home?+

Hal Mitchell, a self-described "wood fanatic," selected much of the wood including the sapele and red grandis. His wife Jillian Mitchell, a commercial interior designer, was largely responsible for the interior and exterior design and many of the innovative wood applications.

How was red grandis used in the Lake Lanier home?+

Red grandis was stained to highlight the grain for the doors, casings, and exterior shutters. It was also used, in painted form, for the porch swing.

What wood was used for the exterior siding of the Mitchell home?+

Painted shiplap cypress was used for the exterior siding of the home.

What challenges delayed construction of the Mitchell home?+

Construction was hampered by zoning issues and rain delays during the building process.