2,200 sq. ft.
Alamo Heights, Texas, United States
CRAIG McMAHON ARCHITECTS
Photos © Craig McMahon AIA, Dror Baldinger, Mark Menjivar
Project team: Craig McMahon, AIA
www.cmarchtx.com
> CREATE COMPACT OPEN HOME WITH INTERCONNECTED OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
> GIVE OUTSIDE SPACES AS MUCH DESIGN ATTENTION AS INDOOR SPACES
> STAY AWAY FROM THE OVERBUILDING DESIGN PROTOTYPE
A NONDESCRIPT 1950s CONCRETE HOUSE ON A QUIET TREE-LINED STREET OFFERED THE RIGHT PROPORTIONS AND QUALITIES FOR CONTEMPORARY COMPACT LIVING. AN ARCHITECT TRANSFORMED THE TWO-BEDROOM STRUCTURE INTO A MODERN HOME FOR HIS FAMILY.
“We purchased this property mainly for a downsizing experiment as older children were off at school. But also we wanted to look at it as a design/build opportunity to explore a different way of living on the smaller 50-footwide lots found in the area. We were kind of frustrated with overbuilt newer homes on similar properties, so the design goal was to create a compact open home with interconnected outdoor living spaces to show how a family can comfortably live on a tight site without sacrificing space or comfort.
The existing two-bedroom, one-bathroom, single-story home sat on a highly sought-after street in an upscale neighborhood and included mature oak trees and impressive 20-foot-tall bamboo trees. We had recently sold our larger home in the same neighborhood, and we were set out to research what potential this home held for this new living paradigm.
We wanted to see what could happen if we built an open, single-story home similar to the nearby Texas ranch retreats, where the outside living areas were equally as important as the interior. We also wanted to stay away from the typical overbuilding prototype that had invaded the neighborhood, where out-of-scale homes were being built for resale on smaller lots.”
Existing floor plan
A. |
Family room |
B. |
Living room |
C. |
Kitchen |
D. |
Dining room |
E. |
Bathroom |
F. |
Bedroom |
G. |
Garage |
H. |
Adjacent residence |
New floor plan
A. |
Family room |
B. |
Living area |
C. |
Kitchen |
D. |
dining area |
E. |
Bathroom |
F. |
Bedroom |
G. |
Garage |
H. |
Adjacent residence |
I. |
Patio |
J. |
Laundry room |
K. |
Powder room |
L. |
Master bedroom |
M. |
Master closet |
N. |
Master bathroom |
O. |
Staircase to roof-deck |
P. |
Studio |
Q. |
Dog run |
Setback restrictions on the compact 50 foot x 150 foot lot called for a rear detached garage, framing the backyard. This constraint was turned into an advantage by incorporating several uses into the separate structure.
The studio can be fully opened to the backyard. With the 20-foot-tall surrounding bamboo trees and appropriately located and sized overhangs, window shades are unnecessary for all living spaces.A rooftop dining space above the garage provides additional outdoor living to take advantage of San Antonio’s temperate climate.
The owners had most interior walls of the original home removed to generate an open living space that easily morphs from one function to another. Numerous windows are located based on the best solar orientation. The thoughtful fenestration provides a light counterpoint to thick concrete walls and deep natural wood.
For consistency and added warmth, Douglas-fir plywood was used as interior ceiling panels throughout the house. That same rich wood served as custom built-ins for efficient storage. To maximize as much open space as possible, all rooms include built-in storage, thus minimizing the need for large closets.
Minimal trim, vaulted ceilings, large operable windows, and polished concrete floors all help the compact, single-story house live large. McMahon and his wife—an interior designer—fill their sleek yet cozy house with iconic mid-century furniture.
The glassy master suite was built around an existing oak tree that was preserved along with other old growth on the property. Large expanses of fixed glass flood the room with light while lower operable windows pull in cool southeast breeze.
Credits
Architect: Craig McMahon Architects
www.cmarchtx.com