West Residence

Located in Houston’s central River Oaks neighborhood—known for mansard roofs more than modernism—the design of the West Residence filters traditional architectural motifs through a contemporary lens. The clients—a young couple with two children—wanted a bold, sophisticated home that would still respect the character of the existing neighborhood. In response, the design utilizes a set of unifying architectural elements that bridge the divide between spaces that open up to the backyard and a more reserved façade along the street.

The approach to the house blends in with its context: the restrained façade is composed of a limestone base complemented by bands of white stucco and dark mahogany. Inside, walls of varying heights illuminated by abundant natural light provide a setting for the owners’ collection of contemporary art, with a particular focus on female artists.

The centerpiece of the house is the double-height living room, which connects the front and back of the site via walls of glass that face north and south. On the south wall, the glass extends to the ceiling and a wall of sliding doors may be used to open the living room up to the outdoors. Upstairs, the master suite and children’s bedrooms feature high, sloped ceilings and large picture windows with views of the backyard.

The home’s architecture encourages a style of indoor-outdoor living that is uncommon in Houston, which is known for its hot, humid climate. The roof, which appears as a series of floating planes facing the street, slopes gradually up toward the backyard, where the planes come together to form a deep, continuous canopy. The result is a playfully daring architectural feature that reflects the owner’s affinity for outdoor living.

PROJECT
West Residence

LOCATION
Houston, Texas

SCOPE
New Construction

PHOTOGRAPHY
Paul Finkel