- Trappe
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Treetops House The Treetops House is a renovation and major expansion of a 1955 suburban ranch house. The project presented some interesting questions of preservation vs change, as well as a compelling story of dealing with a challenging (and ultimately rewarding) site. The original house was very typical for its time and place—a sprawling single-story, fairly nondescript affair that had small windows, and was clad entirely in Texas limestone. Our challenge was to turn this into a modern house that was open, bright, and inviting, while not completely obliterating all traces of what had existed before. Part of our philosophy is that elements of the history of a place be retained and incorporated into any new design. There are characteristics of almost any design, regardless of how banal, that embody memories and a sense of neighborhood. We feel that preserving these adds depth to any new intervention. With the Treetops House, we largely maintained the entire limestone perimeter wall, and used it as a heavy plinth on which a new second level was added. The new upper level features large frameless glass windows and is filled with light. The interior was opened up to create double-height spaces that bring this light from above and into the center of the house. The new composition is one which is clearly of its time, but also respects and reflects the time and place in which the original house was created. The house is on a site that straddles a fault in the limestone base strata below. Water continuously flows up through this fault and flows out onto the property. The original 1955 house featured a foundation with extremely deep concrete piers that allowed the house to bear on more stable strata far below the surface. Given that building new piers was cost-prohibitive, we did not expand the house’s footprint at all, but cantilevered the new second level out from the existing structure. This strategy not only allowed for the house to be within budget, but also gave it a distinctive dynamic expression. The different materials and profiles of the first and second floors emphasize the house’s horizontality and create another kind stratum that is visual and expressive. Inside the house, a double-height entry hall features stairs that lead up to the second-level main living space. The perimeter of this space is made up of frameless glass is set atop a continuous planter wall that provides a green foreground to the treescape beyond. Large overhangs provide shade at all times of the day, and the surrounding cladding of charred cypress prevents glare and adds a textural counterpoint. Other features include a large kitchen with countertop-height serving windows that open out onto a pool terrace and entertaining area, as well as unique built-in storage and display elements.Landscaping is entirely comprised of native grasses and other low-maintenance plantings. Architect: Specht Architects
Contractor: Spencer Construction
Photography: Casey Dunn
The slab marble risers are so stunning and give the beautiful entry stairway added luxury. Photos by: Rod Foster
The stairs are as much a part of modern architecture as anything. They are thoughtfully designed to create a memorable experience, a contemporary version of something as old as time.
Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com
In the railing industry, there are many kinds of infill systems. Viewrail is thrilled to introduce a few new infill systems to the market. One of those new systems incorporates stainless steel rods. Like cable railing, rods run horizontally. Though they are thicker than cable, rods are also still able to provide a clean and clear view. Our rods are 3/8″, and give incredible strength to any system. In addition to strength, rods have a contemporary feel that pair well with modern designs.
This project uses our rods with a hard maple mission-style handrail to provide ample contrast and visual interest. Furthermore, we were able to design a custom starting post for the customer to keep the bottom rods from touching the tops of the treads. Finally, we provided the customer with split foot covers that could slide around the base of the posts. Here at Viewrail, we equipped and excited to help with customizations that help you achieve your dream design.
Our stainless steel rods will be available for purchase on the website soon. However, if you are interested in a stainless steel rod system, you may fill out this simple contact form to get an order started. We look forward to working with you!
Photography: Frederic Neema
Featuring a classic H-shaped plan and minimalist details, the Winston was designed with the modern family in mind. This home carefully balances a sleek and uniform façade with more contemporary elements. This balance is noticed best when looking at the home on axis with the front or rear doors. Simple lap siding serve as a backdrop to the careful arrangement of windows and outdoor spaces. Stepping through a pair of natural wood entry doors gives way to sweeping vistas through the living and dining rooms. Anchoring the left side of the main level, and on axis with the living room, is a large white kitchen island and tiled range surround. To the right, and behind the living rooms sleek fireplace, is a vertical corridor that grants access to the upper level bedrooms, main level master suite, and lower level spaces. Serving as backdrop to this vertical corridor is a floor to ceiling glass display room for a sizeable wine collection. Set three steps down from the living room and through an articulating glass wall, the screened porch is enclosed by a retractable screen system that allows the room to be heated during cold nights. In all rooms, preferential treatment is given to maximize exposure to the rear yard, making this a perfect lakefront home.