A wall of glass affords views of the lap pool and landscaped yard from interior living spaces. The house includes a master suite with balcony, three bedrooms, a family room with terrace, garage workshop and separate guest quarters.

The Perforated House
1134 Waverly St.
Logan and Johnson Architecture
2,600 square feet

Less is more is the driving force behind this project that expands on the Texas dogtrot house design with not one, but four breezeway-perforations that designate the interior spaces. The result: More openness means less air conditioning, more air means less artificial filtration and more daylight means less electricity usage.
 

A look inside The Perforated House.

The Holly House
5222 Holly St.
studioMET Architects
5,560 square feet

Brick and stucco come together in a restrained facade at this residence located on a quiet street in Bellaire. An art studio and a media room with a balcony overlook the area.

Double-height living spaces bring natural light and air flow into the interiors. The master suite is tucked into the back of the lot for privacy. Covered outdoor terraces lead to a pool, basketball court and summer kitchen.

The Frey House
2204 Decatur St.
Kinneymorrow Architecture
1,686 square feet

Working hand in hand, the architects and homeowners brought this 1894 house located in the Sixth Ward Historic District back to life — and gave it even more. By adjusting the flow in the shotgun-style structure, the residence gained more square footage inside, all the while maintaining a historical nod to the original home on the exterior.

The interior reflects the owners’ contemporary lifestyle with an open floor plan, natural light and views to the outside.

Read CultureMap listings editor Joel Luks' exclusive interview with the homeowners, complete with video.

1819 Southmore Blvd.
Intexure Architects
4,600 square feet

This impressive structure of concrete, steel and glass sits on a 5,500-square-foot lot in Houston’s Museum District. The home is anticipated to receive LEED platinum status for its variety of sustainable features, including spray-foam insulation and a high-performance air-condition system. In addition, rooftop rainwater harvesting and landscaping features are incorporated into the design.

Designed around the division of spaces, the first floor opens outward with large expanses of storefront glass in the main living areas. The second floor focuses inward for privacy.

502 Archer St.
Homeowners & Architects
2,500 square feet

The homeowners/architects took a weeded lot and transformed it into their own private haven befitting their lifestyle and favorite hobbies, including gardening. A retaining wall on the lot's south side creates a “little valley," offering a green space that doubles as a mini dog park and urban orchard.

Inside, it's big, family friendly and party friendly spaces. Here, you see the the living room flows right into the spacious kitchen with its long farm table.

Tall windows offer scenic views of the garden and are great for bird watching.

6429 Edloe St.
Cusimano Architect
4,329 square feet

An “L”-shaped plan for this house preserved green space to increase the indoor/outdoor experience, at the homeowners' request. Three basic elements are included in the layout: A mixed-use garage, the bar and a steel and glass bridge.

The bridge serves not only as the entrance to the house, but also acts as a hub.

Inside, you see the architects focused their design efforts to organize efficient living spaces — thus, the open floor plan for the living, dining and kitchen areas, for example.