TA24-J F-Pages - Flipbook - Page 48
Open House
kitchen, primary suite, guest suite, library, and balcony, all 昀椀xed around the central atrium. Logan’s
interior design experience is evident through the
attention to detail found in the homes’ 昀椀nishes.
Any potential eyesores, such as return air vents,
are hidden in the double-height spaces or integrated into the architecture of the house. Curtain
rods embedded into the ceiling create temporary
partitions between the living area, stairs, and
kitchen, simultaneously accentuating the ceiling
height. Cabinet pulls were routed into the cabinet faces to avoid excessive hardware and trim
detailing. Most exciting, the privacy doors for the
two upstairs bedrooms are made with innovative
hidden hinges that allow for a 180-degree swing.
When open, the door seamlessly blends into the
library shelves, appearing as a decorative panel
of millwork. “Trying to make a door not look like
a door and simplifying design is the ethos of the
house,” says Logan.
One of the most important design elements
within the home is its use of natural light and
the careful placement of views. Sunlight illuminates the space, creating a bright and inviting
atmosphere. Angled and recessed walls help direct
views to the neighborhood through the windows
while maintaining the home’s privacy. The southern facade is set back from the rest of the exterior,
exposing the home’s steel structure and creating
the perfect space for a steel grate balcony that also
provides shade from Houston’s unforgiving sun.
The living room’s angled wall carefully hides storage cabinets that typically clutter a home, while
allowing views of Houston’s skyline from the primary suite.
While thoughtful window placements and wall
angles provide compelling views for the residents,
they also preserve existing views for neighbors.
Logan recounts: “There used to be a bungalow
and an older woman named Mrs. Herrera who
lived there. She liked to sit on the front porch….
So, by angling the facade, it sort of lined up with
her front porch, and she was still able to look
down the street.”
Although its style differs significantly from
others in the neighborhood, the XO House 昀椀nds
a connection to the community through its empathetic design. While its contemporary form may
be deemed brash to a traditionalist, the compassion curated within the home is unmistakable.
Even in moments of privacy, the architecture
considers its site from the perspectives of both
the residents and their neighbors, showing how
design that caters to the needs of an individual
can still consider others.
46 Texas Architect
1/2 2024
Top The
central atrium
acts as a shared common
area between the two units
and collects rainwater for
the property’s landscaping.
Bottom The warmth of
the larch wood contrasts
with the grey corrugated
metal cladding, creating
an inviting atmosphere for
the shared outdoor spaces.
