Inverness Residence

District in Houston, TX is a two-story residence with a modern take on a classic mid-century design. Walking through the neighborhood, the lush live oak trees lining the circular drive beckon you in, inviting you to get lost in the building’s sweeping overhangs covered in magnolia leaves. The building feels both private and open, grounded with a white-painted brick as its base, with a softness offered by the rich browns of the accoya wood cladding above. Decorative metals dance along the façade, adding shadows and depth and playfully hinting at the treasures you might find within. The steel columns that fly around the building double as structural support and downspouts for Houston’s frequent deluges. The house is optimally oriented to catch a prominent north-east exposure, providing consistent soft natural light within the house and building shade across the site. As you transition from inside to outside, an amorphous hardscape forms, inviting you to experience childhood joy and playfulness in the landscape. Upon entering the home, you are greeted by an extensive gallery of art. A curated balance of walls and windows shapes your experience walking throughout the house, as you feel simultaneously connected to the outdoors and siloed in a private world of art appreciation. Subtle shifts in ceiling heights and bright corridors inform you of the transition from public to private rooms, as each new space captivates your eyes.