Salazar House    |    Houston, Texas

Located in a subdivision of modest 1940s single story frame houses south of the University of Houston, the two-bedroom home is designed to be compatible with the scale of its neighbors. To nurture a sense of privacy as well as openness and connection to the outdoors, all rooms face into a central courtyard. Simple interior finishes that include waxed concrete floors and maple veneer cabinets reflect the modesty of the house. Rain screen construction using stained marine grade plywood on east and west facing exterior walls minimizes interior heat gain, while brick walls define the northern and southern exteriors. An enclosed passageway that doubles as a piano room is clad in standing seam galvallume that matches the roof material and connects the two wings of the house. Wide overhanging eaves provide protection from the intensity of the Texas sun, while operable windows allow for natural ventilation through the one-room deep spaces.

• Marine Grade Plywood Rain-Screen
• Honor Award, Houston Chapter AIA, 2008
• Tour: AIA Home Tour, 2007
• Featured In:
  Houston Chronicle, March 18, 2007
  Cite, Spring, 2007