[ interloop-architecture ] 48' House

Private Residence and Workspace. Houston, Texas 2004-2006
Residential    Projects   

48’ House is a modest single family residence and workspace located in Houston, Texas. The size and proportion of the house is based upon a 4' x 8' framing module ideal for wood and steel construction. 48' House is sited at the rear of a standard residential lot adjacent to interstate I-59. The interstate is depressed approximately 18' below natural grade affording extended views to the south. Adjacent structures to the east and west, in conjunction with the open carport, draw a steady flow of air through the house and into the open lawn at the north side of the property. The mass of the house blocks the majority of highway sound from the lawn making this part of the site ideal for outdoor activity.

The ground floor contains workspaces (an outdoor covered shop, an office, storage, and a half bath). The second floor contains living spaces (a kitchen, a forty-eight foot long dining and living space, two-bedrooms, and a full bath).

Front elevation, view from street. Photograph: Daniel Hennessey

View from bridge crossing I-59. Photographer: Daniel Hennessey

Site sections

Site diagram (base image from Google Earth)

View from street, through live oak tree. Photographer: Daniel Hennessey

View of carport and entry. Carport doubles as an outdoor room. Photograph: Chad Loucks

First level workspace, I-59 sound wall beyond. Photographer: Daniel Hennessey

First level workspace. Photographer: Daniel Hennessey

48' Room at second level. Photographer: Daniel Hennessey

View from kitchen. Photographer: Daniel Hennessey

Kid's bedroom, second level. Photographer: Daniel Hennessey

Bedroom, second level. Photographer: Daniel Hennessey

South facing bedroom and bathroom windows open out to lush planting that surrounds I-59.

Photographer: Daniel Hennessey

Evening view of house and tree canopies. Photograph: Chad Loucks