The owner replaced his 1920’s 1-story bungalow with a 4,140 sf, two-story home. The property, located in Houston’s Upper Kirby, sits adjacent to highway I-59 to its south.
The layout of the home, U-shaped, was informed by the owner’s desire to have a private outdoor space that was not impacted from both Lexington Street and the constant traffic noise along I-59. Interior living spaces are open and filled with natural daylight. The central courtyard is the home’s main focus with activity from the kitchen, media room, garage, master suite and family room all spilling into its space.

The zFab 504 prototype was site-built in the Houston Heights, a neighborhood known for its bungalow-lined streets. The narrow rectilinear plan proved to be an ideal solution for the tight constraints of the 25’ x 100’ corner lot. The 12’ x 42’ home is raised on piers with an 8’ front deck and 4’ back deck. A driveway sits at the back of the property while a garden along the side provides a buffer from the constant passing of cars. Built as a residence with an open concept plan the home was converted into a BZD’s studio.

The owners replaced their mid-century ranch house in the postwar subdivision of Linkwood with this new two-story 3,500 sf house. Because the property is located in one of Houston’s major 100-year flood plains along Brays Bayou, the new house is elevated 4 feet above grade to protect from potential floods. The L-shaped layout of the home was informed by the owners’ desire to maintain shade provided by several mature trees. The plan connects the interior to the landscape through the placement of large glass windows that allow passing views from the front of the house through to the expansive backyard. The first level’s covered porches further connect the interior living spaces with the outdoors. A screened porch at the upper level provides an additional family room amongst the trees, blurring the line between interior and exterior.