Houston is growing as a city, not only in size but also because of its restaurants, architecture, and corporate business opportunities. If we focus on the architecture, we see a pleasant mixture of modern, art deco, and green practices being used on traditional homes and buildings. As always, it is a good sign when a city’s landscape brings together the best of old with the best of the new. Below is an example of a Houston modern home.

The Salazar House by Stern and Bucek Architects

Located in a modest 1940’s subdivision south of the UNiversity of Houston, the twi bedroom Salazar was built in a neighborhood of single story frame houses. Designed to be compatible with the scale of the surrounding dwellings, the house is organized around a landscapes courtyard with all rooms facing the courtyard. Using green technology of a rain screen, exterior walls facing east and west are clad with stained marine grade plywood, contained with brick walls on the north and south sides. An enclosed passageway clad in standing seam galvalume, matching the roof material connects the two wings of the house.

Houston may reside near the bottom of the country, but in terms of modern architecture and cultural stature, it is quickly moving to the top. Jay Baker Architects is helping to establish that reputation, with elegant design and thoroughly modern features. The architecture put forth from Baker is remarkable in its ability to create a sense of place. The residences are indicative of Houston, as well as the architects’ that designed them understanding of the city.

About Jay Baker Architects:

Founded in 1991, Jay Baker Architects has produced a body of work recognized for design excellence at local, regional and national levels. For contributions as practitioner, teacher and volunteer in service of the built environment, Jay Baker was honored as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2002.

Collaborative Designwork is responsible for some of the more interesting Houston modern real estate. As these pictures prove, their work is visually attractive, but it also possesses a straightforward practicality and urbane attitude. Couple this with a green aesthetic and you’ve got a winner, Houston-style.

The 505 House

From the Collaborative Designwork Web Site:

The 505 honored with Paper City Magazine’s 2007 Design Excellence Award for house less than 3500 SF
Recipient of Grand Award in 2007 Residential Architect Design Awards
2007 winner of AIA Housing Award for 1 & 2 Family Production Housing
Texas Society of Architects 2006 Design Award winner and featured in the AIA Home Tour

The 505 sits near Houston’s rejuvenated downtown on West Alabama Street. The Project is designed within the economic and market constraints of a speculative housing development and achieved financial success while also making responsible use of land, incorporating sustainable design principals, and possessing an Architectural identity.

The property was eligible to hold 5 units, but only 4 were built in order to leave space for yards and to reduce the amount of shared walls, thereby allowing for more windows. The window placement is carefully refined to provide views and an abundance of natural light without sacrificing privacy. Third floor roof decks located between units engender a sense of community while providing an outdoor buffer between living spaces. The unique form is a simple box that has been activated by a single shift made in plan. This shift allows windows to be placed underneath overhangs and oriented North/South rather than across to the adjacent units. The rotation in plan creates opportunities for flexible yet defined internal volumes that play dual roles: Kitchen millwork vs. wet bar | breakfast table vs. entertainment center | food prep area vs. dining service space.