Built in Houston, Texas by StudioMET architects, the Albans Residence sits on a corner lot right in the heart of the city. Wanting to make the most of the land it sits on, the house was designed in an L-shape configuration to maximize square footage. The residence is made up of two rectangles that intersect and wrap around a side yard that features a long lap pool.
The first floor maintains an open living plan that’s perfect for socializing. Despite it being open, each space is defined with the help of varied floor levels, ceiling heights, or custom built-ins. The social space also opens up to the covered terrace that leads to the pool.
The backyard is a tight space and they managed to warm up the modern hard lines with the use of wood, rocks, and plants.
Dark wood is used on the terrace floor and the material is carried over to the ceiling above.
I love how they incorporated low windows in the living room that frame views of the pool.
The stairs are seen through an open cut-out that lets light pass through and helps the room not to feel so closed in.
The open stairs are a focal point of the first floor that can be seen from the living room. The open space also makes way for a seating area under the stairs.
Photos by Yoon You.