BH&G Five Star Home #2707

5/28/2023 08:08:00 PM

This lovely 50s house from Dallas recieved an award for design at the competition: "Texas Architecture 1956". Architect is E. G. Hamilton, A.I.A, Dallas, Texas. Uncluttered in design, house itself is uncompromising rectangular shape. Dramatic look is in practical extensions from house: shadow and pattern of gridwork, "floating" overhang and carport roof, brick and plywood privacy walls, well-placed plantings - and simplicity of clean lines and low scale.

This new kind of house makes practical uses of the materials of building. Three design points stretch your dollars : rectangular design encloses the most space at least cost, post-and-beam construction eliminates load-bearing walls, and precutting of materials is made possible by uniform dimensions of partitions. The living room has an all-glass wall overlooking the terrace. Storage units and fireplace separate living and dining rooms. Carport panels shift, converting the two-car shelter to a terrace. The two back-to-back bathrooms have skylights and a mechanical ventilator.

Brick and plywood privacy fence faces street. Front entrance opens onto sheltered front court. Well-placed plantings add permanence to court and front walk. Overhead gridwork blends into terrace and carport roofs. And a rainy day aid: you can circle house under cover all the way.

Gardened, terraced court is shaded by overhead grid which has louvered effect, allowing overhead light and excluding low sun. Gridwork pattern and shadows add a dramatic look to the house. Grid is made of sturdy 2x6 beams and is supported by posts and brick privacy wall. Terrace can be used as an outdoor reception hall for guests, or together with carport as large play and family activity area. Pebble-type glass panels making up front entrance admit translucent light from terrace to living and dining rooms.