1980s Atlanta contemporary (accurately) called ‘unlike anything else on market’

Like most places, Atlanta has its share of 1980s houses that are awkward portals to an era when postmodernism and Miami Vice were the epitome of cool.

That doesn’t apply to this unique, updated contemporary from 1988, snuggled in a half-acre of woods off Lavista Road, just north of Emory University. Listed last week at $739,900, the four-bedroom is described as “unlike anything else on market,” which is probably true.

Spanning almost 3,800 square feet, it borrows elements from smart midcentury modern design—restrained wood accents, window walls, and intriguing window configurations (more than 90 total) in general—while also appearing like a commercial building, which makes sense because commercial-grade materials were used in construction three decades ago.

Necessary updates that include the modernized and opened-up kitchen and rejuvenated bathrooms haven’t muddled the original vision across three levels connected by staircases that don’t spoil the views.

It’s all punctuated by what may or may not be Chihuly glass. And so many plants.

The back deck, spanning a creek, must be a front-row seat to a soothing insect symphony in summer. Which would help explain the phrase “tranquility and privacy abound” in the listing.

• 1141 Biltmore Drive NE [Coldwell Banker]