COURTYARD HOUSE

location: Houston, TX
area: 6,000 SF
status: Completed 2008

Situated in one of Houston’s older residential neighborhoods, this house is surrounded by mature live oak trees. White stucco exterior elevations provide a blank canvas that showcases a dramatic play of dappled sunlight and deep shadows on sunny days. The house’s austere outer shell and perimeter walls enclose a luxuriously outfitted interior organized around a central courtyard with pools and waterfalls.

The house is designed for living and entertaining. At its center, a double height living area is flanked on the north and south sides by the kitchen and a wet bar. The living room opens up to the courtyard on the east through a retractable glass partition. From above, diffused light enters though a series of clerestories.