Revere Quality Institute development | Houston | Architects Kamrath and MacKie | Photos Hence Griffith

It was no accident of fate that MacKie and Kamrath, Houston architects, were asked to build this first of eight houses sponsored by the Revere Quality Institute, organized by Revere Copper and Brass, Inc. in association with the Architectural Forum magazine. These houses were to prove once and for all that the average homeowner could be guaranteed a well-designed, well-built house, using nothing but quality products, even at today's skyrocketing prices. Because they had spent years of research in the residential field, the two Texans were "naturals" when a team was selected to represent the Southwestern part of the country. To test the formula, Mr. Kamrath used the problem as the basis for the home. he'd like for his own family. Frank W. Sharp, Houston builder, carried out the plans.

Land and house were designed as integral parts of a whole. In the living room an indoor garden overflows with growing plants with a large picture window to help bring the surrounding garden indoors. To further carry out this theme, all interiors closely simulate the exterior colors. Warm-pink adobe brick and wood paneling are complemented with moss-green carpets, leaf-brown or leaf-yellow in draperies. The Mexican adobe brick is repeated on the exteriors, combined picturesquely with redwood siding and cedar shingles on the walls. Roof, flashings, door and window screens are of enduring copper. In fact, materials were selected with an eye to minimum maintenance as well as for weathering qualities. 

Dining room can be made part of living room when curtain of yellow casement cloth hung from beam is pulled open. Ceilings follow natural slope of roof and are covered with Textoned Sheetrock; walls are of mahogany plywood. Hanging cupboard has natural linen-crash finish, leather pulls.

Mr. and Mrs. Karl Kamrath entertain friends in modern living room. Pink adobe brick of exterior wall is repeated on interior and, combined with inset plant boxes, gives outdoor atmosphere. Corner plant box has Ventaglass wall. Hans Knoll and Charles Eames furniture used throughout.

Recreation room which may double as extra guest bedroom is separated from living room by Modernfold curtains with sea-spray green Fabricoid covering. Storage wall divides area from bedroom, providing ample closet space on either side. Bedrooms each have built-in dressers of fir.