The 2022 Houston
Modern Home Tour

Engineering: BEC Engineers & Consultants
Interior Design: Laura U Design Collective
Photographer Credit: Luis Ayala

Sits on two adjacent lots not far away from Brays Bayou, Durness Residence is an elevated single-family two-story residence. The property is situated in the end of a quiet street adjacent to a park with trails and green space. This design decision created privacy from the street, mitigated flooding risk by elevated first floor and immersed the family in outdoor spaces. Two existing oak trees at the front and one exiting oak tree at the back of the site were preserved.  These trees played a role in the design, impacting layout and views.  

The two-story main house and the single-story linear pool house formed to embrace the pool and the covered porch. The pool creates not only a subtle separation between the family and guests but also a connector to bridge the activities within the house and the overall outdoor area. 

The first floor consists of an open concept floor plan of living room, dining area, and kitchen. Upon entry into the main house, a view of the outdoor space and greenery is introduced through a ribbon of floor-to-ceiling height windows and glass sliding doors. The more private spaces – family room, fitness room, craft room, kids bedrooms, and master suite – are on the second floor, appropriately proportioned for the family. A good-size balcony is integrated into the master suite that overlooks the nearby park.

Contractor/Builder: Brian Silver 
Photographer Credit: Ben Hill 

A place for family, this house was designed for a young family with extended family living in the house behind their lot. A physical connection, walk and ramp for family members to move back and forth and enjoy a shared pool and both backyards. The ramp for a disabled sister that stays at both houses. 

The house is 2-story, with an open first floor. The entry and dining room at the front, the family and kitchen at the back divided by an open wood and steel stair that goes to the second floor. The open plan sits between an ADA compliant bedroom suite with laundry room on the east side and garage and motor court on the west. For efficiency the second- floor stacks over the first, with bedrooms and media room.  

The house was designed carefully to fit into the neighborhood established in 1928 and known for its distinguished architecture. A simple roof line with tall windows. The front has floor to ceiling windows that face north to maximize natural light. A wrap around veranda was used to cover the large south facing glass doors to control energy savings and enjoy the backyard. All windows have transoms for passive cooling.  

For sustainability of design, we were able to utilize a high efficiency variable speed heating and cooling system. We used non- toxic spray insulation for thermal efficiency and reduce system sizing and increase the lifetime of all the MEP systems. The windows have low-e coating and are insulated double glazed for energy control. 

Interior Design: Paula Fyhr Designs 
Landscape Architect/Design: Exterior Worlds
Photographer Credit: Miro Dvoracak 

See 2021’s Virtual Tour in person!!

CABANA: Located in a small backyard, the cabana, pool, terrace and landscaping were designed to be one seamless composition. Building upon the seamless design, glass panels located on the south and west elevations back into marble pockets, allowing individuals to experience the entire backyard with uninterrupted ease. Modern interiors and a white palette were selected to visually expand the space while enhancing the natural light. The landscaping is minimalist and structural to compliment the architecture. 2019 ASID winner: Best Outdoor Living 

GUEST SUITE: By first removing all interior walls of an existing guest suite, a single 7’ tall partition was placed defining the living, bed and dining areas. To increase the square footage and visual size of the suite, a large box window was placed on the south elevation overlooking a grove of mature oak trees. Along the stairwell four frosted glass panels were installed to filter the west sun. White palette interiors enhanced the beauty of the soft filtered light. 2019 ASID winner: Best Residence 

Interior Open Living Area, Kitchen and Powder: To create a clean transition between indoors and out, neutral colors, natural materials and modernist interiors were carried throughout. The marriage of sleek, clean lines and high-end features with comfort and high performance was the clients’ priority. The result was a very welcoming space that I would call, “livable luxury”.  

The house connects to the outdoor space most directly through the living area’s full-height sliding-glass wall, allowing views across the pool area and pool house while retaining a cozy sense of intimacy. That entrance opens to the living area, open kitchen and powder. The interior color palette incorporated white, varying shades of gray, brass and golden colors to accentuate light patterns.  

Both the floor to ceiling fireplace and Kitchen Island, counter and backsplash areas were done in Statuario to mirror the pool house façade in a high performance Laminam ceramic. The Poggenpohl kitchen in shades of gray creates a neutral element, to house the high-end appliances. Pops of brass and golden elements throughout bring in the sun. Embracing the clients love of art and anticipating high traffic flow, we used a large artist designed Holly Hunt carpet that is as luxurious as wool and silk, yet created using Subrella acrylic yarns. Furnishings throughout, a mix of transitional and contemporary pieces, boast a streamlined efficiency, as well. Performance fabrics including Holly Hunt Mokum and Great Plains were used on furnishings to tolerate heavy use. The cocktail table of transparent glass is GlasItalia.  

Interior Design: Kendra Benson
Cabinets/Interior Design: Foscari
Photographer Credit: PRSTX.com 

Here you will find a Modern Home build by the award-wining Echo Custom Homes. This modern home has a European Flavor with a Touch of MCM. This amazing open floor plan is an entertainment dream. The entire first floor opens up to the back yard paradise with an incredible modern style pool. You will not want to miss this home. 

Interior Design: Kendra Benson  
Photographer Credit: PRSTX.com 

Here you will find another show stopping Modern Project by Echo Custom Homes. This home includes an amazing cantilever entry that features a bold face with Brick, Stucco, and IPE Wood. Inside you will find a 2-Story office with a 2nd story tequila room. Gorgeous modern kitchen that overlooks the dining and fireplace. Plenty of secondary light that can set the mood or highlight your art collection. Master bedroom features a sitting area with split two-sided fireplace. Wine Room, Game Room, Oversized master closet, Oversized back patio with kitchen. 

From Echo Custom Homes: We really wanted to make a bold statement with this home. We strive to be forward thinking in our approach and attempt to visually image the area one home at a time. 

Architecture & Interiors by LEAM Design Build
Images Courtesy LEAM Design Build

Located in the heart of Uptown, this stunning home is situated on a large 20,000 square foot lot and encompassed by exquisite mature trees. With over 5,500 square feet of conditioned space, this new construction was designed and built by LEAM Design+Build and packed with countless custom features. 

The Piping Rock home is carefully orientated to take full advantage of the lot’s unique shape. Its plan features elongated diagonals to bring in natural light, while highlighting existing vegetation and views.  

At first glance, you will be wowed by the home’s handcrafted and oversized wood pivoting door. As you enter the home, you are led into an open concept living area with soaring, 22-foot-tall ceilings. The living room is illuminated by an intricate swarm of dozens of glass clouds suspended from the vaulted ceilings. 

Organized around an indoor-outdoor concept, the Piping Rock home features wrap-around balconies that allow the homeowners to spend time immersed in the beautiful mature trees and admiring the view of the pool area. Two, multi-story glass walls meet at 90 degrees to showcase a stunning flying staircase. 

The house offers a variety of additional living spaces, including a game room, family room, gym, and an office with gorgeous built-ins. The incredible living areas extend outside, where you will discover an outdoor kitchen and seating area, a stunning pool and spa, a cabana with its own bathroom, and a sunken fire pit.