Menil House Renovation    |    Houston, Texas
  • Previous Picture
  • Historic photograph, early 1950's
  • Historic photograph with canopy addition, early 1960's
  •  Historic photograph
  • Historic photograph, 1964
  • Condition prior to renovation Hester + Hardaway
  • Condition prior to renovation Hester + Hardaway
  •  Ceiling condition prior to renovation Hester + Hardaway
  • Canopy prior to renovation Hester + Hardaway
  • New steel support for canopy Hester + Hardaway
  • Protection of existing surfaces during asbestos abatement Hester + Hardaway
  •  Exterior following renovation Hester + Hardaway
  • Entry hall following renovation Hester + Hardaway
  • Living room following renovation Hester + Hardaway
  • Living room following renovation Hester + Hardaway
  • Entry hall and courtyard following renovation Hester + Hardaway
  • Courtyard following renovation Hester + Hardaway
  • New steel support for courtyard canopy Hester + Hardaway
  •  Hester + Hardaway
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Stern and Bucek Architects
Historic photograph, early 1950's
Designed by Philip Johnson, the 1951 Menil house is the most significant post-war International Style house built Houston. For many years it housed the de Menil family’s extensive art collection and was left to the Menil Foundation upon Mrs. de Menil’s death in 1997. By then its electrical wiring, roof, deteriorating wood windows and asbestos-containing plaster ceiling were in dire need of attention. Because the house was nearly in its original condition, Stern and Bucek approached the renovation as a project of preservation and conservation. Selected walls with original paint color were conserved and protected during the renovation. New mechanical or electrical systems were introduced without altering the patina or fabric of the structure. A semi-tropical garden courtyard, protected by a 1961 canopy addition, was restored, as were the colorful and quirky furnishings, fabrics, and wall coverings selected for the house by famed couturier Charles James. The preservation of this landmark is a significant contribution to the legacy of Houston’s modern architecture and the de Menil’s unique contributions to the cultural life of the city.
  • Honor Award, Renovation/Restoration, Houston Chapter AIA , 2005
    Honor Award, Texas Society of Architects, 2007
    Good Brick Award, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, 2005
    Design Excellence Award, PaperCity/Decorative Center of Houston, 2005
  • Featured In:
    Texas Architect, September/October, 2007
    New York Times, June 3, 2004
    Metropolis, August/September, 2004
    Houston Chronicle, June 2, 2004
Historic photograph, early 1950's Historic photograph with canopy addition, early 1960's  Historic photograph Historic photograph, 1964 Condition prior to renovation Hester + HardawayCondition prior to renovation Hester + Hardaway Ceiling condition prior to renovation Hester + HardawayCanopy prior to renovation Hester + HardawayNew steel support for canopy Hester + HardawayProtection of existing surfaces during asbestos abatement Hester + Hardaway Exterior following renovation Hester + HardawayEntry hall following renovation Hester + HardawayLiving room following renovation Hester + HardawayLiving room following renovation Hester + HardawayEntry hall and courtyard following renovation Hester + HardawayCourtyard following renovation Hester + HardawayNew steel support for courtyard canopy Hester + Hardaway Hester + Hardaway