The client for this project is Carol Isaak Barden, a former travel and design writer turned developer. Not your average developer, Barden saw a niche in Houston for Modern dwellings associated with the prestige of a certain level of architectural firm. De Menil is one, Houston firm Strasser Ragni is another, and Seattle’s Olsen Sundberg Kundig Allen is yet another. The houses Barden develops are usually sold before construction is completed.
For the de Menil project—called the OneTwo Townhouse—Barden presented the architect with a tricky site. Houston is mostly flat, but this area has a bit of topography. “The site slopes down and was literally in a flood zone,” says de Menil. “Without harming existing trees we actually raised the site to be sure that the garage would be out of the flood plain.” With the site shored up the challenge became fitting two 2,500-square-foot residences, one on the east/west axis and one on the north/south, that were independent yet connected to the land. De Menil admits it was a somewhat frivolous notion that inspired the design. “We designed the homes to be like two dancers in step,” he says. “Each dancer is holding onto each other yet looking beyond one another.” The metaphor works. The pale gray buildings are each three stories, and with their outward stretching openings they seem to be turning to look toward the downtown skyline. “The architectural expression of the forms comes directly from the size of the lot and the setbacks,” says de Menil. “And we chose stucco because it gives those forms a sculptural feel. It’s used often in Houston and seems to work well there.”
You have 0 complimentary articles remaining.
Unlimited access + premium benefits for as low as $1.99/month.