L I V E / W O R K: 5019 Blossom Street

This house in Houston’s West End is designed for a sculptor, who desired a modest metal house with an open interior plan. The corner site is in a mixed use neighborhood bounded by older commercial property across the street, a metal warehouse (the artist’s studio) to one side and brick townhouses behind. Two large existing trees (a pine and pecan) influenced the location, massing, and viewing opportunities of the house. On the interior, the client requested ample room for a changing collection of sculpture. He also wanted typically private areas (bedroom and work space) to merge with more public areas.

A thickened wall functionally holds artwork, books, structure and storage but, as a design element, organizes all parts of the plan. The wall separates public and private areas but its voids, niches, shelves and perforations allow for intentional overlaps in program. At the bedroom, the wall is held several feet below ceiling height and shares high sky views from the living area. The second floor work space overlooks living and dining below. Structural steel columns and beam are threaded through, and along the length of the 36 foot wall. Two inch thick stained pine flooring is used in all areas, creating a more seamless flow throughout the small house. At the rear, a series of doors open to an exterior sitting area focused on the pecan tree. An expansive overhang shields the house from west sun and canopies protect front and back entries.

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