Stanford Residence

Project Details

Project Description

Seeking a modern interpretation for a 1963 vaulted roof home in Olmos Park, Texas, a family was looking for a home to suit their modern lifestyle while maintaining the innate character of the mid-century home.
Described by architectural journalist Steve Bennett as “caught in a kind of ‘Brady Bunch’ time warp,” the 2,800 square-foot structure was dark and boxy, with rooms separated by fixed walls.
When working with an old structure there are careful considerations to take, such as selecting which items are worth maintaining or salvaging. Opening the compartmentalized spaces required the removal of walls and addition of large windows. The original terrazzo floor was cleaned and patched while the garage was demolished, leaving behind the slab.
Guests enter the home through a custom blackened steel pivot door with an elongated circular steel pull. Custom cypress slats float overhead and guide the guest from the front porch through the home culminating at the glass “jewel box” family room which sits on the former garage slab. Recessed LED lighting interspersed between the slats in a random pattern adds visual interest to the design while illuminating the series of open concept living spaces.
In the kitchen, the wood paneling was stripped away and high gloss white cabinetry was installed. A work island of white quartz with waterfall edges holds deep drawers for added storage. The back of the island is accented with a black steel plate which is repeated in the window sills with black aluminum windows.
The red brick living room fireplace surround was resurfaced with hand troweled soft gray plaster that was repeated on the kitchens waterproofed back splash. An original three pendant light fixture was refurbished and now hangs in the living area where the vaulted ceiling is given a retro redo with sculptural ceiling tiles.
Steel girders and custom steel framework with expanses of glass walls encase the jewel box family room, a new addition that extends the interior space into the outdoor landscape. A plywood cypress ceiling reaches a height of 14 feet giving the airy respite volume.
The bedrooms received a minimalist makeover allowing natural light to flood the white walled retreats through new clerestory windows. Frosted glass sliding doors front reconfigured closets.