Located in a historic neighborhood within Houston Heights, the Allston Residence seeks a balance between a contemporary character and the traditional architecture of the neighboring bungalows. A classic gabled roof, horizontal siding, and deep front porch create connections to the surrounding context while subtle anomalies begin to establish the house’s modern identity. At the second floor, the facade tapers back at an angle to create a sense of depth on the façade. Recessed outdoor spaces provide depth at the north and south facades, pulling natural light and green spaces into the interior. 

At the ground floor, two parallel bars define the interior: one containing enclosed private programs and the other a continuous sequence of open spaces for gathering. The porch creates an entry threshold that carries the open space through the house to the rear porch overlooking the backyard. The seamless connection between kitchen, bar, living, and dining space fosters togetherness, fitting for a young family with a penchant for entertaining.

Subtle hints of color at the house’s exterior give way to vibrant saturated rooms as one moves to more private areas. Green highlights line the window trim and the soffits outside, becoming more apparent where the façade folds playfully. At the ground floor, brightly colored boxes are integrated into the millwork pieces. As one moves to the second floor, vertical surfaces for the stairway and skylights take on bolder colors. Natural light strikes these surfaces, projecting those colors onto adjacent walls and ceilings that reflect these hues with a sense of lightness.

Texas Society of Architects 2022 Design Award winner

AIA Houston 2021 Design Award recipient

Builder: DDL Enterprises  |  Engineering: INSIGHT  |  Photo: CONTENT