There will always be those projects that do not come to fruition for one reason or another. Some are particularly painful. Something that you poured yourself into. Great portfolio opportunities missed. This is one of those – the one that got away.
In 2018, we were commissioned to design a high-end modern home in the Houston Galleria area. It was a high-visibility, corner lot at the entrance of an upscale neighborhood. The client was a successful entrepreneur who wished to balance privacy with a need to entertain large gatherings for his businesses. The centerpiece of the home was a courtyard with a resort-style swimming pool. It could accommodate large parties, yet still provided seclusion and relaxation for the owner’s much-needed respite.
Inside the central portion of the home contained large, open living spaces – a gourmet kitchen with a large island, two distinct sitting areas, a large open dining room, and a bar with a wine room. The right side wing flanking the courtyard was the owner’s retreat – a large bedroom suite with sitting area, spa-like bath with steam shower and freestanding tub, and, at the rear, a two-story walk-in-closet to be completed in retail showroom-style finishes. The private access in the closet led to the second floor of this wing which contained the owner’s private home office to hold his aviation and sports memorabilia collection and a media room. The left-wing housed the caterer’s kitchen, utility areas, and a 3-car garage with a roll-up glass door facing the courtyard. Additional bedroom en-suites and a nanny’s quarter completed the second floor which also included a floating balcony under the two-story covered porch viewing the pool area.
The vision for the exterior of the home was sleek, modern sophistication with a combination of stucco, board-formed concrete, and warm wood accents. Street-facing windows were kept to a sensible minimum with expansive glass being utilized on the courtyard side. To the right, a solid privacy wall with greenery was planned to minimize sound and visibility from the neighboring street.
While they can’t all work out, this one would have been stunning and I am happy to show this design. If you need a great modern courtyard plan for a large corner lot – you know who to call!
