This house begins with a large southern side yard dedicated primarily to play, brisket and small dogs. Lifted a few steps above ground the covered procession to the entry along the wood deck provides a satisfying rhythm of footfall coupled with glances to the Kitchen and Living spaces on the interior. The ground floor is clad in metal panel and a wood rainscreen that peels away to become the front yard fence, blending the distinction between the yard's privacy enclosure and the building skin. The second floor volume containing the bedrooms seemingly floats above, while Fiber-cement siding of varied widths nods back to the neighborhood vernacular. Standing in contrast to the large side yard, a quiet courtyard is carved into the first floor, pulling the dining room outside on nice Houston days. Yes, we believe they exist.

Builder: DDL Enterprises  |  Engineering: Fractal  |  Photo: Ben Hill