house E

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The idea of architects designing and building their own home became real and very personal for me. I came away with a renewed appreciation and excitement in architecture. Opening my eyes to understand the surrounding Texas landscape became a source for creativity.

Five types of prairie grasses are found throughout this region. One is called Bluestem. Scattered weathered limestone are in ravines leading down to a spring-fed creek. Along this path are rocks with Lichen living on the surface. Colors from the weathered limestone and Lichen became my color pallet. Grey CMU, cream stucco, and a reddish color for the weathered steel porch structure.

Thoughts of landscape began with the idea, “nesting like a Quail in tall grasses and shrubs”, a sense of protection among the surrounding open ranch lands. Hardscape materials include decomposed granite and basalt gravel. These two materials allow rain water to be absorbed into the ground instead of creating run-off surface water.

Four pavilions are placed under a single roof canopy. Three of the pavilions are separated by two breezeways. Southern winds flow across the hilltop and through the breezeways in the spring and summer. A roof portal with a steel perforated panel is above each breezeway. Filtered sunlight enters through these portals, casting morning light onto east facing wall. The sun’s light moves across the floor in the afternoon and in the evening moves up the west facing wall until the day draws to an end. Breezeways became “Containers of Daylight”.

I found new ways of assigning meaning. For the very first time, I discovered a color pallet for material selections from the site. And in doing so, found a connection with the hilltop. I am amazed by the ever-changing sun’s light and shadows within my house and breezeways. This gave me an awareness of time. These thoughts are carried forward into my selected works.

Going through this process gave me a renewed perspective and empathy of what clients go through. Dealing not only with design but also dealing with budgetary constraints and the logistics of construction began with my house, Bluestem. 

PROJECT SIZE

2,400 SF Conditioned 

COMPLETION DATE

2008

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS

Norman Ward, FAIA

CONTRACTOR

Bogle Constructs

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Charles Davis Smith, FAIA

HOUSE PRODUCTS FROM TOUR SPONSORS

Bogle Constructs - General Contractor

Sub Zero Wolf - Appliances