BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

“Architecture, of all the arts, is the one which acts the most slowly, but the most surely, on the soul.” -Ernest Demnet

PROJECT LOCATION

6519 BUFFALO SPEEDWAY HOUSTON, TX 77005

BUILDING FOOTPRINT

GROSS: 4,200 SF

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ET: 3,750 SF

PROJECT BRIEFSited along the major thoroughfare of buffalo speedway, in the city of west university place, this private residence creates a modern, reflective series of interior spaces and exterior yard within the confines of a tight urban site. Utilizing a 50ft. X 200 ft. plat of land, the 3,750 sf house uses a “bar” shaped plan to accommodate all of the interior spaces while maximizing potential yard space for feature site elements including a swimming pool, patio and outdoor shower. Inspired by the materials and architecture of the hill country, this house is conceptualized as a series of limestone walls that are strategically placed to form enclosed space and openings. View and natural light infiltration are major proponents of opening locations. Galvalume metal panels infill the remaining wall surfaces which provide a modern contrast to the stone and some luster for the main body of the house. Though not required this house would achieve LEED “silver” for homes if it were pursued.

garage mud/utility entry stair dining1 2 3 4 5

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dining study powder pantry kitchen living master closet master bath master bedroom6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

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100 yr flood plain

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“BAR”compact, mimicssite diagram,public view

“BAR”hard to recognize entry sequence

“DENSE”all program is front loaded, maximize rear yard

“DENSE”compartmentalizedinterior space is unsatisfactory

“SHIFTED”creates public v.private forms.

“SHIFTED”garage is main entry feature andhouse program is too dense

“COURT”public and privatequarters embrace private courtyard.

“COURT”garage is entry feature and rear yard is too private.

“BAR SHIFT”shifted garage formsprivate entry to the bar scheme

“BAR SHIFT”garage becomes main entry feature

“BAR + COURT” combines compact bar scheme and private court scheme

“BAR + COURT” yard space is more compact = less futureexpansion of ammenities PROPOSED SITE

sited along the major thoroughfare of buffalo speedway in the city of west university place, this 3750 sf house is designed to be a relaxing escape from the fast paced living of a major metropolis.

SITE TYPOLOGIES

FENESTRATIONlow-e glazed, doublepaned windows are strategically placed to allow the best natural light infiltration. Operable units promote passive cooling strategies in temperate weather.

ENCLOSUREinterior wall components are built to maximize open space and limit the building footprint on the narrow site.

ILLUMINATIONthis house is about light and art. All artificial lighting is placed to capture art or assist in the expression of the architecture. LEDs provide an even light distribution and require less energy to run.

FRAME2x6 wall studs are stronger and allow for a tighter envelope. Using a 16” module the frame is designed with material efficiency in mind.

RESOURCElocally sourced materials such as texas limestone, and galvalume metal panels offset some CO2 emissions by reducing transport distances.

REDUCEhybrid water heaters are used to help reduce the heating times and to save up to 25% in energy consumption over standard heaters.

EFFICIENCYspray foam insulation is used in all wall and roof cavities to create a tighter, more efficient building envelopeFOUNDATION

set on carton forms to achieve the proper elevation, a structural slab was used to“float” above natural grade. Due to its nature the slab is structurally as sound as high rise building foundations.

visualizations

VIEW FROM BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

A large masonry wall fronts the street edge to provide a private drive and visual backdrop for the entry of the house. A sloping roof extension helps cover the walk and stoop keeping the inhabitants dry during inclimate weather. A palette of stone, glass and metal enhances the hill country aesthetic. Low maintenance landscaping provides an elegant, flowing vocabulary that will remain beautful year round.

B_a stone fireplace anchors the north end of the study, becoming a focal element

A_entry vestibule looking south at the vertical stair

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B_a stone fireplace anchors the north end of the study, becoming a focal element C_the communal open plan has light and view flanking both the north and south facade

D_the north wall of the living room opens up to the courtyard and pool

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D

F_living room looking towards the kitchen shows glow of the southern clerestory light and large openings on the north facade

E_exterior screened porch provides a quiet sanctuary that overlooks the treetops.

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F_living room looking towards the kitchen shows glow of the southern clerestory light and large openings on the north facade

G_ exterior screened porch as seen from the game room

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COURTYARD VIEW

Taking advantage of the building footprint the remaining courtyard space becomes a quiet retreat, nestled away from the busy thouroughfare of buffalo speedway. Natural stone decking and low maintenance plantings compliment the materials and reflectivity of the house. The pool becomes a simple, elegant statement of scale and comfort.

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