Blues Giant Memphis Slim’s Historic Home Transformed into Modern Music Collaboratory

<a href="http://brg3s.com" target="_blank">Brg3s Architects</a> have transformed the dilapidated <a href="http://inhabitat.com/prismatic-klm-house-literally-stands-out-in-this-eclectic-dutch-neighborhood/" target="_blank">historic home</a> of blues musician Memphis Slim into a modern music collaboratory that honors Slim’s legacy. Using reclaimed wood, brg3s enlarged the musician’s childhood home to accommodate a rehearsal space, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/treehouse-masters-tv-show-builds-bear-creeks-treehouse-recording-studio/" target="_blank">recording studio</a>, computer lab and classroom areas. The renovation not only created a place to honor Memphis Slim, but has also activated the surrounding area, inciting change in one of Memphis’ poorer neighborhoods.

Peter Chapman, aka Memphis Slim, lived in a low-income neighborhood of Memphis as a child.

The collaboratory project fuses a desire to preserve an important <a href="http://inhabitat.com/buffalos-hotel-lafayette-restoration-preserves-a-historic-landmark-and-re-enlivens-a-neighborhood/" target="_blank">historical landmark</a>, while also giving back to the community by creating a center for creativity.

Using the original wooden frame of the house, brg3s expanded the center to include a glass front façade that filters natural daylight into the center. The original porch, which was famed for impromptu jam sessions with Slim, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes and the like, was enlarged to create a stage-like setting, encouraging collaboratory students to continue this music playing tradition outdoors.

The exterior was also covered with a cedar rain screen, which relates to the clapboards of the homes in the neighborhood, while also providing a function. Much of the original <a href="http://inhabitat.com/scrap-metal-and-old-timber-team-up-for-a-stylish-modern-coffee-table/" target="_blank">reclaimed wood</a> remains inside, including exposed beams on the ceilings.

The first floor was carved out to create a glassy lobby, as well as a meeting area that can double as a classroom. An open staircase leads upstairs to the recording studio and computer lab.

The Memphis SLIM Collaboratory has incited social change through architecture, giving the lower income community not only a legacy, but a place to follow in Slim’s creative footsteps.